The Flame Within

“Faith & Courage at the Checkout Counter”

Yesterday, I had one of the sweetest God moments while shopping at Cato. I had picked up a shirt that said “Faith & Courage.” As I brought it to the counter, the associate—a kind woman wearing a cross necklace—looked at it and said, “Oh my, I didn’t even know we had this shirt. I love this shirt!”

I smiled and replied, “I need all the courage I can get these days.” From there, our conversation took an unexpected turn. I opened up to her and shared that I had recently been assaulted in Australia—hit upside the head—and that I was still recovering from a concussion. She was understandably shocked, apologetic, and compassionate.

As we continued talking, I could sense immediately that she was a believer. So I shared even more of my story: how, in that hotel room in Australia, while I was hurting, scared, and praying, God made it clear to me that the attack was from the enemy—an attempt to keep me from finishing a book I am passionate about, one I had been working hard to complete on spiritual abuse. I told her that my family has faced many spiritual attacks in recent years, but that God’s purpose cannot be stopped, no matter what the enemy tries to throw at us.

She listened intently, sharing powerful verses, and then shared a piece of her own story. I felt like I “had gone to church-right there at Cato”. She shared with me one of our struggles and how she had fallen at church a few months ago, that she was still experiencing some pain, but how grateful she was that it hadn’t been worse. We both agreed on that point—yes, it hurt, but it could have been far worse, and God had protected us.

Then, out of nowhere, she looked at me and said, “Would it be OK if I just prayed with you today?” I was caught off guard—in the best way. It was one of the sweetest gestures I have received in a very long time. Without hesitation I said, “Absolutely.”

Before I even knew it, she reached across the counter, took my hand as though we were lifelong friends, and began to pray over me. Right there. In public. At the checkout counter of a clothing store.

I wanted to take a picture in that moment—not for me, but for the world to see this truth: there is no racism in the body of Christ. In that sacred moment, it wasn’t about skin color, age, or background. It was simply two women who loved the Lord, connecting in faith, courage, and prayer in the most ordinary of places.

It was such a blessing to my soul. I told her I would be praying for her as well and thanked her deeply for her prayer. I don’t know her name, and I may never see her again—though I will probably keep shopping at that Cato just in case! But I will never forget the way God showed up in that unexpected place to remind me that He is everywhere, always present, and always ready to encourage us when we open our eyes and hearts to Him.

It brought me right back to that shirt: Faith & Courage. That’s exactly what it takes to keep moving forward, to keep trusting, and to keep living with the boldness to share our faith. And to risk rejection or embarrassment to share how God is working in your life. And the courage it took for her to pray for me right there on the spot. Wow! So grateful for the reminder to live out my faith with courage.

🌿 Verses about Courage & Faith

• Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord
  your God will be with you wherever you go.”
• 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
• Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
• Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
• Hebrews 13:2 – “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
• Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
• Ephesians 6:11 – “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

💞 Friends…

Are you in a season where you could use a little more faith and courage?
When was the last time you had a special “God moment” in an ordinary place where He reminded you He was near?
And when was the last time you prayed for someone—or had someone unexpectedly pray over you?

I’d love to hear your stories. Let’s encourage one another and remind each other that God is still showing up in the everyday moments of life. 🙏

Blessings, Crystal