“Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another.” – 2 John 1:6 NLT
It had been weeks since I’d stopped to visit. I felt terrible about staying away so long. Life had been crazy busy as I worked to meet my book deadline. However, a few days after I turned in the manuscript and felt a sense of freedom, I thought of Georgia.
As soon as I saw her, I knew she wasn’t in a good place. She was lethargic. Her speech was clear, but her words made no sense at all. Georgia’s confusion frustrated me. I tried to carry on a conversation with her, but it was useless. After about ten minutes of her gibberish, I got impatient. “Georgia, do you know who I am?” I said. She turned her head, looked me right into the eyes, and answered, “Yes.” Then she resumed her rambling. As I sat there, I sensed the Holy Spirit whisper, “Pray with her.” Normally, I would have. I usually do pray with her when we’re together. However, that day I didn’t.
I’m not sure why. OK, so maybe I have an idea: I didn’t believe my prayer would make a difference.
A few minutes later, I said good-bye to Georgia and gave her a quick “I’m glad to be done here” hug. I was sad – yes, for Georgia, but also for myself. My heart grieved over my lack of compassion. My soul ached as I came face-to-face with my selfishness.
Three years ago this week God brought Miss Georgia into our lives. That day, December 13, 2010, the Lord opened my eyes to one forgotten by the rest of the world. He asked me to look after her and care for her as if she was my own grandmother. I started strong. I believed God wanted to do something miraculous in Georgia’s life. Somewhere along the way, though, discouragement set in. My hopes were dashed as I watched Georgia decline mentally and physically. Instead of praying more intensely for my friend’s healing, I became skeptical, doubting God’s ability to transform a life. Her life.
It has been a long time since I’ve written about Georgia. However, God woke me up at 4:00 a.m. this morning, and I had Georgia on my mind. As I lay in bed, I remembered the responsibility the Lord has given me. I renewed my commitment care for this one who desperately needs Him.
Yes, medication clouds Georgia’s thinking. Yes, her mind isn’t what it used to be. However, our God is all-powerful. He is a God who answers prayer! He is a God who performs miracles! Do I believe that? Yes, I do. I do.
I can’t fix Georgia. I can’t save her.
Only God can.
All He asks of me is this: Love Georgia. Be her friend. Laugh with her. Hold her. Pray with her. Pray for her.
And I will. With God’s help, I will.
I just started the Daniel’s fast and stumbled upon your site while looking for recipes. I was very happy to see a devotionals tab. I have just read Miss Georgia’s story from beginning to end and all of the updates. How was her appt? It was amazing to read into each of your posts the spiritual growth that was happening in your life. It’s great to think of how that Dec changed not only your life but your daughters’ lives as they saw you living out what it meant to be a Christ follower. This is a great legacy for them! We have a neighbor who God has been tugging at me about and I have been making excuses. Time to knock on his door with my son and take him a meal. Thank you for blogging your journey. Will keep you all in my prayers during this fast. God Bless.
Thank you, Ivelisse! I appreciate your kind words and encouragement. Georgia’s appointment went well. She is getting stronger and healing. I’m thankful she didn’t need surgery! And, yes, make that meal for your neighbor. 🙂 God has positioned him near you for a reason. May the Lord fill you with joy and peace as you serve Him!
Dear Kristen,
My husband and I are preparing to do the Daniel Fast, so I came across your website. It’s a great resource. However, your stories of Miss. Georgia have forever touched mine and my 9 year old daughter’s hearts. I tried to read them out loud, and found my voice cracking often. Yes, Georgia’s story is sad, but the love and compassion your family showed her are truly inspirational. It’s better than a Hallmark story – because it’s real life and there for all of us who would be willing to listen to God’s voice. What a blessing you’ve been to so many! One thing that struck me about Georgia is that once she accepts Jesus as her Lord and Savior, she’ll have the true joy and happiness she has been waiting for. I will pray for her physical and spiritual healing, clarity of mind so she can make her faith decision, and for your family’s wisdom and prompting. You are a gifted author and I thank you for sharing… and for being real.
Lori, thank you so much for your comments and kind words! I appreciate your taking the time to write and for your prayers! Yes, Georgia is a special lady, and I’m blessed to have her in our lives. She will be going to the doctor tomorrow for an EEG, so please pray for the Lord to do His work in her. May the Lord bless you for your sensitivity to His Spirit and your obedience to His Word. 🙂
I was so happy to stumble upon your website as I am doing the Daniel’s fast for the very first time. Your site truly has given me insight and your recipes and food list have played a great part in keeping me on track. As I draw nigh to God and just want to be closer to Him and hear Him clearly, I was drawn to read your devotionals about Georgia. Read them all in one sitting. I will add her to my prayers and I encourage you to be encouraged. I believe in my heart that God did not place her in your life for her to not come into the knowledge of who He is before she leaves the earth. May you be comforted by this.
Hi, Michelle! I’m so glad the Lord led you to my website and that you’re being blessed by it. And, I appreciate your encouragement about Georgia. Yes, I agree that she is in our lives so that she may know God’s love and salvation. Thank you for praying and believing with me!
Hi Kristen,
I just finished reading about Georgia and am truly blessed. My husband actually found your website and tried some of your recipes (he is a great man) your recipes are wonderful as well. We have passed them on also. I started reading your devotions and like so many have been blessed and encouraged beyond words. We pastor a church up here in northern Saskatchewan and have been doing corporate Daniel fasts for many years which has been great spiritual growth for all of us. Thank you so much for your devotions I have been challenged and stirred. A scripture that I love and came to mind as I read about you, your family and Georgia is from Ephesians 5 Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. Thanks for living out that extravagant love to Georgia and giving us a glimpse of it.
Blessings – Rose
Thank you, Rose! I appreciate your words of encouragement. I pray the Lord will strengthen you and your husband as you lead others in Christ. May He bless you in every way as you seek Him!
Hi Kristen,
I just read all of your Georgia blogs and devotions. I literally sat here crying reading them. It’s amazing how God is using you to make such a difference in her life. Your heart is beautiful. I will pray for Georgia. I will also pray that God will open my eyes so that I don’t miss the Georgias that he places in my path. How awesome it is when God uses us to help someone else, and in the process we are blessed so much. Thank you so much for your devotions and for your website. I have been reading your devotions while doing the fast for the past week. They are great. I’ve also tried a few of your recipes. Good stuff. Thanks so much for sharing. I know that you have a book with these in it, so I think it’s really selfless and generous of you to also give it for free on your website. You obviously really have a heart to help people and to do everything that you can to prosper God’s kingdom. May the Lord reward you greatly for all that you do.
Stacie, thank you for taking time to write. Your comment encouraged and blessed me. God has been so gracious to me, and all I want to do is honor Him. I appreciate your prayers so much. The Lord is at work in this whole situation, and I’m believing Him for a miracle in Georgia’s life! May God bless YOU for your kindness and commitment to Him!
Hello Kristen,
I have been inspired by your devotions about Miss Georgia and no doubt many, many others who have not posted comments.
While we do not know for sure that Miss Georgia has accepted Jesus as her Lord and Saviour, let us confess this and declare with our mouths that she has accepted Jesus and wait patiently for God’s perfect timing for the manifestation. Let us believe that God is still doing His work in her life to break down strongholds of the mind and in fullness of time the process will be completed; that in due course and in childlike faith Miss Georgia will make her confession and accept Jesus as Lord of her life.For “My ways are not your ways neither are my thoughts your thoughts” say God. In addition, Isaiah 55:11 King James Version “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it”. The seed has been sown, believe God for the harvest. Meanwhile let us learn to trust Him where we cannot trace Him. God is also moving you to a higher level of trusting Him. Be blessed and praise God for Miss Georgia’s salvation. To God be the glory!
Your words give me strength and build my faith! Yes, I’m believing God for great things in Georgia’s life. Thank you for agreeing in prayer with me!
I just finished the Daniel Fast. Like most readers, I stumbled upon your blog searching for creative recipe ideas to help get me through the fast. I have been so touched this week by your blog. I have read everyone. I love reading how God blesses those who are obedient to Him. I feel like I know Miss Georgia. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. Continue to be blessed!!
Thanks for your comment, Wanda! I appreciate your encouragement. If you have a testimony to share how God worked in your life during your fast, I’d love to hear it! Just email me: kristen@ultimatedanielfast.com.
I just finished reading all of your blogs on Miss.Georgia, Kristen. Our Father, and God, is so amazing and wonderful. Amazing how He put Miss. Georgia in you and your family’s lives at the right time. God knows our ending before our beginning. I believe God had her salvation in mind, not just her physical or mental health, when he placed her in your life, and He will complete the work that He has started, I have no doubt about that. My heart has been touched by these blogs on Miss.Georgia, and has encouraged me to be willing to allow my Father to use me, not only for others good, but also for mine, and His glory. Thanks for the daily devotionals,I appreciate you, and the work God is doing through you.
Thank you, Linda! I’m encouraged and strengthened by your words. Yes, I’m believing that God will do a miracle in Georgia, physically, mentally, and spiritually! I appreciate YOU and your heart for our Lord.
Hi Kristen,
I purchased your book several years ago and truly loved it! I have “checked you out” online from time to time and always enjoy your recipes, comments and posts.However, today was the first time I read about Ms Georgia and I (like alot of others) was SO INCREDIBLY MOVED! AS I sat at my desk reading every post, tears ran down my face and I prayed for you both. I was glad to see your recent comments about her, so as to be all “caught up” on how she is doing now in 2015. I started my annual fast yesterday, and after reading these beautiful posts, I have decided to put you, your family and Ms Georgia high on the list of things I’m praying about during my fast! Thank you so much for sharing openly and honestly about everything involving Ms Georgia. I know you have touched many other lives, along with hers, by sharing this story!! I also know you have challenged many of us to be much more aware of exactly how God may be wanting to use us in this old world while we are still here…and how He wants us to be willing just to be willing!! May God Bless ALL the works of your hands…especially with the Daniel Fast ministry and with your very special ministry to Ms. Georgia! I WILL be praying for you both!!!
Thank you SO MUCH for your encouragement and prayers! I really appreciate it. May God bless you for your faithfulness to Him!
Hi Kristen,
I have truly enjoyed and teared up reading your posts on Georgia. What a special woman Georgia is and gift from God. You have a special gift in writing and your words come to life on the page. I have no doubt that you and your family are a blessing in Georgia’s life and she feels the warmth and love of God through your and your families embrace. Something that came to mind while reading this last post and reading other’s comments is “Worship”. I would encourage you to sing worship to our Heavenly Father, a song that He brings to mind while visiting Georgia. I imagine a catchy tune that regardless of her mental state at the time of your visit causes her to want to sing a long with you. The Holy Spirit prompting her to join in. Worship has been an amazing gift God has given our family during times of medical crisis. It has lifted my husband out of tremendous pain during a time he should not have survived. Exodus 23:25 Worship the Lord your God, and His blessing will be on your food and water . I will take away sickness from among you,…
I will remember you all in prayer and I thank you again for sharing.
Angela, thanks so much for your comments. I receive them and will try to follow your advice. Your words are timely. Yesterday Georgia had a grand mal seizure, fell, and fractured her upper arm. When I visited her today, she was heavily sedated and unable to communicate clearly. My heart was so sad. I did pray with her, but next time I will try singing. Praise God for giving you this idea. I appreciate your encouragement so much.
Also, Angela, your comments prompted me to post a request on Facebook for people to pray for her. Her story has touched many hearts, just like it did yours. Thank you, THANK YOU for allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through you to me today. I’m grateful.
I’ve read all your blog posts about Georgia, and the last one is dated 2013, whatever happened to her?
I need to write about her. In fact, I just posted a request on Facebook for people to pray for her. I visited her today in the assisted living facility where she lives. She had a seizure last night, fell, and fractured her arm. Please pray for Georgia. She’s in a lot of pain. It was hard to see her in that condition. Thank you.
I too will pray forher & your family during my 21 Day Fast. May The Lord continue to Bless You & Use You for His Will & Purpose. Stay Blessed & Be Encouraged.
Your Brother In Christ
Henry Peña
Thank you so much! I appreciate your prayers…and I need them! 🙂
Kristen,
It’s that time of year again. Time for a good ole Daniel’s fast. I’m glad searching for recipes lead me to your devotionals blog. I was so blessed reading each and every one. I stumbled across it late last night, around 9, and finished it up this morning. Several times throughout my reading I wanted to post a comment but I am glad I waited until I read every single one. God is so good! Perhaps you’ve already received this revelation but as I was nearing the conclusion, I was reflectinging over Georgia’s Christmas wish. God gave her exactly what she desired, a family. God bless you and your family for your willingness.
For years I have been unwilling to truly surrender my will to the Lord’s will. Today, I can genuinely say that I am open to any thing the Lord wants to “inconvenience” me with. What an anointed place to be in. I hope I never wander from it. I’d love to hear how Georgia is doing now.
xoxo
Your sister in Christ,
Paula
Paula, thank you for taking the time to comment. Your words encouraged me! I pray that the Lord will bless you abundantly as you surrender to Him in 2015. I know He will! Georgia is doing well, although she has declined somewhat mentally and physically. It’s very sad. I haven’t been to see her in a few weeks because we were out of town for the holidays. But, I plan to post an update on her soon. If you would, take just a minute and pray for her. Georgia is a special lady, and she needs the Lord. Thank you.
Dear Kristen,
My words fail me to express how much your story touched my heart!!! I couldn’t stop reading until i finished all parts and forwarded the first few to my sister! I stopped few times to pray for Miss Georgia, my heart was aching! I pray God would touch her in a special way and bring salvation and healing! You are such an aspiration, i can’t even begin to explain! I pray God use me in a similar way to give hope, help and love to someone in need! My family is far away, in different country and the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to how important for my parents must be just to hear my voice for a bit during the day… Please keep us posted how the story unfolds, I will keep your family and Miss Georgia in my prayers!
Thank you so much for your comments. Thank you, too, for praying for Georgia. She is a special lady. Yes, our prayers do make a difference. We must never stop interceding for people as God lays them on our hearts. He is always working, and, through prayer, we can participate in what He’s doing! May the Lord continue to bless your life as you follow Him and obey His Word.
I feel like God had called me to a Daniel Fast for 40 days. I stumbled across your website and your post about Georgia. I cannot quit crying. Your story has touched me so much. I have lost my heart for the needy and people. I was so wrapped in my own needs. Thank you for reminding me how we should be. Your rewards will be far great than what you could imagine. Praying for Georgia and your family.
Thank you so much. I’m glad the Lord led you to my website and that you were blessed by the story of Georgia. Yes, I totally identify with what you’re saying. It’s so easy to get caught up in our own schedules, needs, wants, and plans. We miss many opportunities to bless and be blessed. I’m encouraged and challenged by your comments! I, too, want to do a better job in loving people – Georgia, my family, friends, and even strangers. May the Lord strengthen you today as you serve Him!
Dear Kristen,
I am in awe of this story. For me, Ms. Georgia, comes in the form of my spouse. I begged and pleaded many times with God to allow me to walk away and never look back. Then,just this morning, as I was complaining to God about how tired I was of all the obstacles and trials that I have been enduring in this marriage and that I was at a point of throwing in the towel, I stumbled upon this story and could not stop reading it. I clicked on the sight thinking I would get creative ideas about the fast, and I did, but this story has given me more insight than you could imagine. I now know that during this time of fasting, I must hear God more clearly than moving according to my own emotions. Thank you soooo much.
Praise God! I’m so thankful He used that devotion to speak to your heart so directly. He is faithful to guide us. May the Lord continue to give you wisdom and insight as you seek Him! Thank you for sharing. You blessed me today. 🙂
Dear Kristen,
Reading your story about Miss Georgia was like watching a movie and then the sequel but in the end left hanging with the question, Did she get saved? True to life, we sometimes just don’t know the answer and are not responsible for that choice, that is their part. Our part is to do what the Father calls us to do and leave the outcome with Him. Eventually, we will know but the focus then, as it should be now, is on God and what he does through us for His Name’s sake. The scripture says we are changed from glory to glory. That is what the angels stand around the throne of God saying. We, like our Father who changes not, has one glory after another revealed in His nature to the angels and we are created in the likeness and image of God,. so as we change from glory to glory He is revealed to those who see us and the work He is doing in and through us. Thank you for sharing some of your glory with us.
Thank you so much for your comments. I’m still praying for Georgia. No, she has not come to the Lord as far as I know. BUT, God is still working, and I know He can break through any confusion in her mind to open her heart to Him!
Hi Kristen,
I just wanted to thank you for sharing your journey with those of us that come to your page, I just came across this today and could not stop reading until I had read them all. It is amazing what God will do and who He will allow us to cross paths with, when we allow Him to work in our lives and we truly seek Him. There is a world of Georgia’s all over the place as well as precious little ones that need someone with a heart for Jesus and hand to lend to help them all up – it seems that God has had the same kind of call on my life since I gave my life to Him many years ago. I think about the extreme difference that you have made in this precious life … Miss Georgia (as well as how much your life has been changed too). God Bless you Kristen and I pray that your story will touch many others to do the same … there is hurt, lost and lonely people out there … we as Christians could make such a difference to so many if we will only listen to that voice of God speaking to us.
Marsha, thank you for your encouragement. 🙂 I pray God will continue to being hurting people across your path so you can minister to them with His love. Thank you for all YOU do to serve others.
I had to read all of your blogs on Ms. Georgia. I was very moved and know that the investment that you have made into her life and the lives of others who are reading the story will only be known to you truly when you stand before our Heavenly Father!
As a Pastor’s wife, I really believe that you are a tremendous example for other believers.
Blessings to you and continue the journey that God has started you on with Miss Georgia.
Nancy
Thank you so much for your comments, Nancy. I’m extremely grateful for how God has used Georgia to teach me more about His love. I so desire to honor Him and obey His command love others, especially orphans and widows. Georgia’s parents and siblings are all deceased, and her only family members live in New York and Italy. She doesn’t have anyone. Life is busy and sometimes I don’t see her as often as I should, but I’m trusting God to help me. Your comments were such a blessing to me. I needed that encouragement.
Thank you for your post. I have been blessed to have services in assisted living homes. I can only say that GOD does work through the medications in ways that are unbelievable. People come to the service very tired but then sing to The Lord like there is only tomorrow with Him. Thank you for the encouragement. God bless you and your family. Your brother in Christ
Tony, thank you for your insight and encouragement. 🙂 I appreciate it!
Kristen, thank you for your post. We all have “Georgias” in our lives, people the Lord has asked us to love and care for, no matter what. It’s easy to love the lovely, isn’t it, but He asks us to love the unlovely. I so appreciate your reminder. God bless you!
Thank you for your encouragement. I appreciate it! 🙂