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© Angela Dugi |
Oceans Apart
I have a remarkable story to tell. It has shown me once again that I
serve a God who arranges the impossible, surprises with the unexpected, and
still performs the miraculous.
In July 2013, I received an odd friend request on Facebook. I really
thought nothing of it and accepted the request only because she had two
beautiful Bible names. I had no idea God was about to bless me with a precious
gift from His gracious hand and blow the socks right off my flat feet.
Her name is Miriam Jacob, and she lives halfway around the world, which
makes this story extraordinary. The Father had a divine and wonderful plan to
introduce two of His daughters during a tumultuous time in my life when
everything was turned upside down. I desperately needed encouragement. My
family was in the middle of a big move to another city. My husband had already
transferred, leaving me to pack the house, with three kids and two dogs in the
middle of a scorching Texas summer.
Miriam is a proper-speaking, lovely lady who has traveled the world. I
am a plain, ordinary Texas girl who says “y'all” far too often. God does have a
sense of humor. She is an author, poet, and editor who does ministry work on
the internet. Miriam said she had searched for months until she finally found
me. She was extremely excited while I, on the other hand, was quite mystified
by who this person was.
Bewildered, I asked her at least half a dozen rapid-fire questions. “Who
are you?”, “Why do you want to meet me?” and "How on earth did you find
me?" In her gentle way she answered each one. Little did I know, Miriam
found me while watching a short video on YouTube.
During one of our first online conversations she wrote that the Holy
Spirit revealed to her that I needed encouragement. This resonated with me
because I love to encourage others as well. Nevertheless, I thought to myself,
Really? A stranger from across the seas wants to encourage me? But yes, that
was indeed her mission. Miriam was a genuine sister in Christ. Of course I was
uncertain at first, but it didn't take long for the Lord to ease my mind.
I'm very grateful that she listened to the voice of God because I needed
her and soon found that she needed me. Her words of encouragement were like a
glass of cold water to this weary traveler. She also gave me the courage to
finish this book.
Our friendship has grown now as we chat online. We laugh, cry, and
encourage each other through simple, type-written words. Often it feels like we
are not oceans apart at all, because our hearts are bound together through the
love of Christ. My friend has suffered incredible pain and loss in her life.
Despite her suffering, she has a sweet and gentle spirit that reflects God's
love in a powerful way.
Miriam has deeply enriched my life and I have found her to be sincere
and loving. She is a beacon of hope and a beautiful picture of true humility
filled with the Holy Spirit. Her spiritual walk challenges me to draw closer to
Him. She is also a true intercessor, praying for me and for my family. Through
Miriam, God reminds me in a profound way that I am not alone and that our
family is not forgotten. I love my Father's ways and how He meets needs and
sends His best gifts right on time.
"Is anything too hard for the Lord?"
(Genesis 18:14)
© Angela Dugi
WestBow Press, A Division of Thomas
Nelson and Zondervan.
'Oceans Apart' is
the first story in Part 1: Stories From The Heart in "GodSmiles" by
Angela Dugi,
published by WestBow Press.
Angie lives in Texas
with her husband and their three teenage children. She has suffered for almost
two decades with lupus, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. But she refuses to let
disease define her. Besides writing, she loves to cook and grow anything that
blooms. Angie is also the author of What I Learned Lying Down—Hope for the
Chronically Ill.
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