Lately, the Lord is encouraging me to break the traditional rules and regulations made by society in an effort to gain courage. To accomplish this I must stand on God’s word, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13 The story I’m about to tell proves my theory, and I highly recommend that you do not do this unless the Lord leads you.
While in New York, we went shopping in China Town. A little Chinese woman approached us and soon we were chasing after her for several blocks to see her line of purses. I immediately started building a hedge of protection.
I was asked, “Are you worried?”
I shook my head. “No, not any more.”
We soon arrived at a small park and were told to sit down on a bench. While waiting for my friends, a woman sat down next to me and rolled up her sleeves to show off her line of bracelets and said, “Forty-five.” My immediately response was I’ve just landed in an insane movie scene!
I assured the woman that I do not wear bracelets. She was persistent as she opened her purse to display a jewelry story. “Thirty dollars.”
I made the sad mistake of pointing at one to assure her the bracelets were indeed pretty. She started to place one on my arm as I cried, “Oh, no, no, no. I don’t wear bracelets.” I now had a silver bracelet adorning my arm.
Suddenly, she stood. “Police, twenty dollars.”
“Police,” I mumbled and looked around, believing the notion to be quite ridiculous.
As she unclasped the bracelet from my arm, the LORD said, “Give her the twenty and feed her family.”
I couldn’t get the twenty dollars our of my bag quick enough. I handed her the money and she dropped the bracelet onto my lap and walked away.
I soon found myself chasing after my comrades, they cried, “Put that bracelet away!”
Now I’m really good girl, so the absurdity of the situation made me laugh. Even more so, when a friend spotted a similar bracelet the next day and told me it was worth 500.00. My only regret is that I didn’t buy two.
Mathew 22:34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Your story is the kind you read about but don’t know anyone who has experienced it. Glad you had your hedge of protection around you and the discernment to know the woman’s need. I remember photographing the same spots in Central Park that you have shown us. Very good photos.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Hello, Francine. I only got to see a piece of Central Park, but enjoyed the greenery in the middle of the city!
Thank you & God Bless you!
Great Story!!! I can only imagine how you “felt.” Just goes to show, we cannot always go on our “feelings.” God always has something else in mind! Thanks for sharing and God Bless, SR
Hello, SR. I admit it was a bit of a stretch for me!
Thank you & God Bless!
those mysterious ways….
Hello, Cathy. God is powerful!
God Bless You!
Great story on going away from the usual – glad it was you and not me (I don’t wear bracelets either).
God Bless
Laughing! Thanks, Bill.
God Bless You!
Lady Dei . . I am humbled and awed at our God. And you . . you who are so close to hear Him say, “give her the $20 ” and obey. Thank you for sharing this! God bless you and those He sends your way!
Thank you so much, Deb. I appreciate your continued friendship. You are a dear, sweet person.
God Bless You!
Rules… who needs ‘em!!?
Well, we have to have some rules to keep us out of prison!
But come to think of it, Paul was imprisoned many times just for preaching. 
Thanks, Derrick, and God Bless You!
Amazing story. I love he leads, guides, and protects. THEN, gives you a wonderful testimony and bracelet.
Thank you, Angelia. I appreciate the kind words!
Thanks for stopping by & God Bless you & yours!
I loved reading about your adventure. Beautiful pictures to go with it as well. I love that reflection!
Thank you, Michael. I really appreciate your friendship!
God Bless You!
Thanks Dei for sharing your experiences but it could have been worse, they could have been handcuffs, just as well you didn’t break any rules or regulations or you may have worn them , the rules of the land are to be obeyed unless of course they conflict with God’s.
This is why we are to do what is right in regard to our Government, there is no law against this, the problem with the Pharisees etc was their man made rules were about outward appearances, like when they were going to stone the woman caught in Adult and yet they continued to sin without repentance. Jesus said to the woman go and sin no more, we too must do the same or we will reap what we sow , our choice not God’s.
Christian Love from both of us- Annie
Hello, Annie. Some of our land rules are even ridiculous!
And I too, am glad God Blessed me with a bracelet rather than the alternative.
God Bless You!