I once met a beautiful East African girl named Mercy, a patient at a hospital where I volunteered in Kampala, Uganda. During one of my visits, the girl’s teenage brother summoned me to his sister’s bed. He explained that their parents had died and he, at age 14, was his sister’s sole caregiver. “I have learned you and a Mzungu man [my friend, David Kuo] gave pillows to the patients last week,” he said. “My sister, named Mercy, wasn’t here when you came. She has never slept on a pillow before. Would you please bring her one?”
Mercy had the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen. The sweet child was dying of both cancer and AIDS (contracted from her mother during childbirth). She was a mere skeleton, yet she displayed what Proverbs 15:13 reveals: “A glad heart makes a happy face.”
As I looked into Mercy’s beautiful eyes, I knew I was witnessing someone who was profoundly experiencing God’s strength and peace (Psalm 29:1,11); the inexplicable peace described in Philippians 4:7 that guards the hearts and minds of those in Christ Jesus.
The next day I brought Mercy a pillow. Her huge smile grew even wider. I sat and held her hand a long time. The following day I returned to visit her again. Her bed was empty. I searched the ward and was heartbroken to learn she had died that morning. The hospital let me view her body to say goodbye. Her head was resting on the pillow on which she had slept for just one night, and her mouth was closed . . . but smiling.
Today, let’s ask God to help us grasp more profoundly what Mercy knew—that He will never abandon His children for He rules forever (Psalm 29:10; Isaiah 49:15). In that, we can know true peace, and smile.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 3:12–4:4
More:
Read Jude 1:2 and list the three things God wants you to have more and more of.
Next:
According to Psalm 37:37, what kind of future awaits those who love peace? What about God and His ways makes you smile today?
hisray on October 10, 2015 at 7:41 am
Oh, the things we take for granted. We sit in our comfortable climate controlled homes and churches with plush surroundings and call it God’s blessing with our lips. After all we have worked hard for it and we do live in America, the land of plenty. We feel we are entitled to it. What a dangerous state! I sometimes wonder if it is a blessing or a curse. God help me to see with humble eyes every breath you give. Remember the very things we take for granted are the things someone else is praying for.
Adriel L. on October 10, 2015 at 11:47 pm
Amen, brother/sister!
Gary Shultz on October 10, 2015 at 8:27 am
Thank you so much; however, I choose not to make additional comment. Thank you
elegantstarr on October 10, 2015 at 9:03 am
Good morning! God wants us to have more mercy, peace and love. Beautiful story about a beautiful little angel. How happy she was to finally have the opportunity to experience something that most of us take for granted. How she continued to smile during her last days…I’m in good health, yet I complain…boy what an eye opener! This story brought tears to my eyes. I needed to hear it. Thanks for sharing Roxanne!
gshafer11 on October 10, 2015 at 9:48 am
Today’s devotional really pulled on my heart strings. Thank you talented author and Our Daily Journey staff.
Roxanne Robbins on October 13, 2015 at 12:20 pm
I’m thrilled Mercy’s life and faith has touched so many people. Though emaciated and near death, she was gorgeous and I still feel humbled to have met someone with such extraordinary faith and joy.