I soaked up the sunny southern California afternoon as I walked from my last class of the day at Fullerton Junior College to the parking lot where I'd left my car. I hoped the warm sunshine would soothe my weary body and calm my spirit, and it seemed to be working. I was happy that my day was nearly over and I was free to go home, relax, and enjoy some time to myself. But before I got to the parking lot, I had a seemingly insignificant encounter that eventually changed my life forever.

A young man offered me a leaflet that turned out to be about Jesus. The young man wasn't particularly good looking, to be frank, and I could tell right away that he was extremely shy. What motivated him to approach strangers like me? What did he know about me or my life? What did he care?

His message was simple: Jesus loved me. It was clear that he was sharing something from deep in his heart, something he truly believed in, and I had to admire the conviction that somehow helped him overcome his shyness.

At the same time, I was annoyed that he had disturbed my peace and quiet, and I let him know by flatly rejecting what he had to say. I understand now that my pride was what stopped me from being more civil or showing any interest in the message of God's love he was trying to share with me. I had no time for such things, I told him, and acted as though I couldn't have cared less. But despite the haughty front, my heart was listening. Deep down, I believed every word he said.

How I must have discouraged that poor young man! I'm sure he had a much harder time approaching anyone else after the way I embarrassed him--something for which I've been sorry ever since. I'm also sorry that he never knew how he got through to me that day. You see, all the way home and for many days after, I thought about him.

Though he was shy and unassuming, I could tell he had something I didn't--something wonderful and amazing that helped him smile through the humiliation.

Though he was shy and unassuming, I could tell he had something I didn't--something wonderful and amazing that helped him smile through the humiliation I heaped on him and continue to reach out to me. I'm ashamed to say this, but I already knew Jesus at the time. I had already experienced the Lord's love, but I was too proud to talk to this young man or hardly anyone else about Him. Suddenly I wished I had as much love and concern for others as this stranger. Suddenly I wished I had as much boldness, so the Lord could use me too.

I studied about the Holy Spirit, and found that all I needed to do to receive it was ask in faith. So one night, alone in my room, I prayed for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I asked with all my heart. I begged for the power to be what I knew I wasn't capable of myself. I asked God to fill me to overflowing with the Spirit, and He did! I began praising the Lord--praise from the depths of my soul--and connected with Him in a way I never had before. I felt as if I might never stop pouring out My heart to God in this way, and I didn't want to. It was the most thrilling experience I'd ever had!

I also learned from all this that God looks past outward appearances and sees our hearts. He knows exactly what each of us needs, and He's just waiting for us to ask so He can help. Whether you're like the shy stranger, needing to overcome your inhibitions in order to reach out to others, or you're like I was, proudly pretending not to need God's or anyone else's help, His transforming power is only a prayer away. He can help you do things you never thought possible, He can help you be all you can be, and He can do all that through the Holy Spirit.

So if you haven't yet experienced that miracle-working power, don't be too proud to ask for it. Or if you have, then let God use you to help someone else. Let Him shine His love and truth through you, and a life may be changed forever--like mine was!

Terri Moore is a fulltime Christian volunteer with The Family.