Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday. I loved spending time with my family, reflecting on things we were thankful for, and indulging in a delicious feast of food. But in 2019, my beloved grandmother, who had raised me since birth, passed away two days before Thanksgiving. From that point on.... holidays haven't been the same. We no longer gather together and for me... I am reminded of the hole that my grandmother's death has created in our family as I reminisce on days past and long to gather together with my family like we use to. 

Last year, I met a woman who reminded me much of my grandmother. I will refer to her as Ms. Evelyn.  I spent time with her often and in our conversations we always talked about Jesus. Her eyes would light up as I told her story after story of all I've witnessed God do in my life and in many others. 

As Thanksgiving was approaching, we were having a conversation about how we would spend the holiday. I shared with her the story of my grandmother and how her passing had dampened my love for the Thanksgiving holiday. She assured me that one day I'd be with her again, and then told me she was hoping to get there too. Immediately the Holy Spirit began to speak to me, urging me to lead her to Jesus...but I didn't.

On my way home, I prayed and asked God to give me another opportunity to lead Ms. Evelyn to Jesus. The Lord is faithful and sure enough a few days later that opportunity presented itself again. This time, I did exactly as the Lord instructed. As I sat with her, I reminded her of the conversation we had a few days earlier. I asked her if she was going to heaven. With tears rolling down her cheeks she told me she didn't know. I told her I could help her be certain. I explained to her that all she had to do was have a conversation with Jesus from her heart; ask Him to forgive her of her sins: tell Him she believes in Him, loves Him, and wants Him to live inside her heart and be Lord of her life. I stressed to her that tomorrow is never promised. She wasn't ready but said she would do it on her own. It broke my heart to see Ms. Evelyn crying like that. She was afraid she wasn't going to Heaven.

Ms. Evelyn's birthday was on Thanksgiving that year. Sedrick and I took her dinner and wanted to celebrate her birthday with her that day but she wasn't feeling well. A few days later I received a text from her.... 

"Good morning to you. I hope you guys had a Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for my cake and food. I liked the birthday cake. Thank you for being so good. I love you guys with all my heart. I'm sure God looks at all the good you do. You will have a front seat in Heaven. Please save me a place."

The Holy Spirit began to speak to me and was leading me to call her. I prayed with her as the Lord led me. When I was finished, I asked her if she had that conversation with Jesus yet. She hadn't. I told her if she was ready I could help her, all she had to do was repeat after me. She was ready. We prayed together and she accepted Jesus into her heart as Lord and Savior of her life. When we were finished I told her she was going to Heaven and she didn't have to worry anymore. I cried tears of joy with her. 

Thanksgiving once reminded me of the loss of my grandmother but it now reminds me of the life that was saved when Ms. Evelyn gave her life to Jesus. 

We never know when we will take our last breath. The Bible tells us in 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent."

As you read this, I ask you this question right now and ask you to really think about your answer. If you were to die right now, are you certain of where you would spend eternity? If you are not sure or if your answer is not Heaven, I invite you to choose Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. 

God came into the earth in the flesh in the form of a man as Jesus Christ. He was crucified for our sins. As you confess you have sinned, God will forgive you through the precious blood of Jesus. He was raised from the dead by the power of God and He's coming back again to establish His Kingdom on Earth. If you have never given your life to Jesus or if you've fallen away from him, pray this prayer with a sincere heart and truly believe these things. 

Speak this prayer aloud... Jesus, I confess all my sins to you and ask You to forgive me. I have been wrong for not seeking You. I am a sinner. Please forgive me. Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God and You died on the cross for my sins. I confess You as Savior of the World. Come into my life and heart and dwell with me and change me. Give me eternal life. Save me and redeem me by Your blood. I believe by faith that You were raised from the dead and are coming back again. Thank You for Your forgiveness. I accept You as Lord and Savior now and forever. Amen

If you prayed this prayer I welcome you to the family of God. This is the best decision you have ever made.

You can listen to the full story of Ms. Evelyn as I share it straight from my book Taxicab Testimonies by clicking the video below. 

May the Lord bless you and may you have a Happy Thanksgiving!