Tracie's Thoughts

"Pretend that every single person you meet

has a sign around his or her neck that says,

'Make me feel important.'

Not only will you succeed in sales,

you will succeed in life."

-- Mary Kay Ash

While in a shopping mall, the grocery store, or the airport have you ever felt like you had a sign around your neck? Frankly, I’m not speaking of a sign like “Be nice to me, I’ve had a tough day” or “Come on and smile, I’m a Pentecostal, too”.

I’m talking about the sign that causes someone to pour out all their problems on you while standing in a check-out lane or ask for $5.00 because they are short that much for the bus fare to make it to Dallas to see their baby who was just admitted to the hospital and not expected to survive. My sweet husband and dear friend, Belinda Alba, always seem to have these type signs around their necks. Travelling together with them can prove to be interesting. While one gets stopped by one person the other is only steps away caught by someone else. Bro. Alba and I always sit back and smile waiting to hear about their new friends. What fun times we’ve shared!

Today, however, I wish to focus on signs that others may have hanging around their necks. I want to see the hopelessness, the loneliness, the emptiness, or the need for prayer that people I come in contact may be wearing. Often people in need have grown accustomed to their situations and don’t reach out for help. I believe if I will allow God to work in me I will see the sign and not have to even wait to “hear” the need. I know there are so many desperate situations in our churches, families, and communities but with God’s help we can minister and remove the sign of need and replace with signs of hope for others.