When You’re Bold Enough to Ask…
Friends! Ever have something happen to you which completely unravels you? This happened to me this past week in my favorite nail salon…
Do you think a nail salon could possibly become a sanctuary? Oh, stick around and find out…
My friend Jane and I go to the same fabulous manicurist. Her name is Savang and she and her family’s nail salon give the best pedicures in town. (Think hot stones, oil, ahhhh-so-spa-like.)
The place? If you’re in Louisville, it’s at the corner of Brownsboro Road and Rudy Lane, near Fresh Market and Panera. CND Nails—Tom and Savang are the owners and not only are they incredible manicurists, their entire crew is. Even better, the majority of them love Jesus.
And if you want to hear an incredible testimony, be sure and ask Savang how she arrived in the United States. It is nothing short of a miracle. Seriously.
Nearly monthly, I’m blessed to visit Savang and be pampered by her. Our conversation is always filled with what the Lord is doing in her life, how we can pray for each other and our families, etc.
It’s also not lost on me she washes my feet when I visit her. Selfless and dedicated, she perseveres day after day, literally being the hands and feet of Jesus.
Appointments with Savang are one of my favorite activities. I come away more blessed than when I arrived every single time. If I’m really lucky, sometimes I get to take one or more of our daughters-in-love. Savang always stops what she’s doing and prays for them. Warms this Mom’s heart, let me tell you. Savang is definitely one of my sisters in Christ.
Funny tho’, Savang’s faith has grown by leaps and bounds. As in she sorta left me in the dust. I’m not trapped by comparison, however, I simply delight in her ever-growing faith. She shines for the Lord.
Perfect example occurred this past week. My friend Michelle was sitting opposite me. We chatted while our feet received major pampering. Nearly every pedicure chair was occupied, however one still remained.
Two gals came into the salon. One escorted the other to the remaining pedicure chair. This young woman was beautiful. Another gal recognized her and said, “Hello.” She smiled. (I’ll call her Grace from now on…she exudes grace without realizing it.)
A few minutes later, Grace’s nail tech asked her what color she’d like on her toes. Grace didn’t understand. The nail tech asked her again. Nothing. Just a blank look.
Savang and I could tell Grace wasn’t processing the conversation. I wondered if she’d had a stroke and perhaps wasn’t able to carry on a conversation. She seemed so young. This troubled both Savang and me.
We left the pedi station and headed to Savang’s table to begin a manicure. Grace’s friend helped her from the pedi chair to also have a manicure. Several people in passing spoke to her. She smiled and nodded. Her friend revealed Grace is a wife and mother and her family was going on a trip the next day.
Savang’s husband came over and told us Grace has advanced Alzheimer’s. We were stunned. While I was trying to absorb that, Savang immediately said, “I want to pray for her.”
Before I could take another breath, she asked Grace’s friend if it would be alright if she prayed for her. The friend, somewhat surprised, said, “Sure.”
Savang went over to Grace, placing her hand on her shoulder, praying with boldness and beauty. I fought back tears.
At that very moment, the nail salon became a sanctuary, with prayers ascending Heavenward. Godly thunder surrounding us.
Did I believe God could heal this woman on the spot? Most definitely. Will He? We don’t know. Perhaps it’s His plan, within His timing. Here’s where we have to trust in His Sovereignty.
Savang was bold.
She thought to pray.
She thought to boldly ask.
Matthew 7:7 says,
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.
Keep on seeking, and you will find.
Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” (NLT)
Matthew Henry said,
“Prayer is the appointed means for obtaining what we need. Pray; pray often; make a business of prayer, and be serious and earnest in it.Ask, as a beggar asks alms.
Ask, as a traveler asks the way.
Seek, as for a thing of value that we have lost; or as the merchantman that seeks goodly pearls.
Knock, as he that desires to enter into the house knocks at the door…”
May we all have eyes to see someone’s need for prayer and may we boldly ask, followed by boldly praying.
This reminds me of one of my all-time favorite Scriptures….Watch what we’ll receive and find when we’re bold:
Let’s pray:
Lord, please forgive us when we don’t notice a need. Open our eyes to see others as you see them. Guide us to shine your light among our surroundings and to be bold for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
‘Til next time!