My evening PSW was leaving, and we said “Good night” to each other. Then, before I could say my usual final word to all my PSW’s, she said, “God bless you.” That was always my final way of saying goodbye to them. I was pleasantly surprised at her comment. She had never used that expression with me before. I wondered what she meant.

Next time I see her I will be sure to tell her of how the Lord blessed me since we last met. I will also assure her that such a statement is full of meaning to me. I will very briefly tell them that the statement originally meant, “The Lord be with you.”

Other references to the Lord come as the PSW tells me that they have a serious life issue, or they ask how I can be happy with all my health issues and physical restrictions. That question is all the encouragement I need to talk about the One Who loved the hellbent sinner I was.

For years I found it a struggle to confess my Master before others. However, the longer I followed the Good Shepherd, and the more I experienced of His amazing grace, the easier I was able to confess Him.

As a young Christian I felt embarrassed to talk to others about the One Who loved me and died for me. I had opportunity many times growing up to observe my mother witness to others about her Saviour. The ease with which she spoke was the best example I could have had on how to witness. Sometimes she only said a sentence. If it was well received, she often added another comment.

Sometimes I have been mocked for my Christianity in the presence of non-Christian friends. But several times when one or another of those friends ran into personal difficulties, they came privately to me for counsel.

Who knows where a simple word such as “God bless you.” or “I am praying for you.” will go. May God bless you as you seek to confess your Lord before others.