I have this painting of Indian women picking mussels on Durban beach in South Africa, which has always been part of my mom’s art collection. For many years, I was not too joyful when it was handed down to me. Now, it is a treasure that speaks to an impossible story God made possible. One of the most powerful stories to me is how He changes our hearts!
As a telephone counselor in my early twenties, many calls came through from Indian men using it as a sex call line. Added to this, many of the sweet young women I worked with in my bookstore shared their hurt and pain from such men using them, deceiving them, deserting them with the gift of various diseases. My blood curled with anger, and without my knowing, a bias toward this culture’s men developed.
In time, we moved to the USA, and I rarely met up with anyone from the Indian culture. All I had was my mom’s painting, which I’d tuck away in the guest room. Until I met Shaillee. Once again, doing work to empower women! We became soul sisters. Two women with hearts of kindness, purpose, and the joy of giving.
And then . . . the invite to go to speak and receive awards in New Delhi, India! Shaillee’s mother was there at that time, in the very home she grew up in. I was to stay with her right there – in the heart of the culture!
What an experience! We served at three underprivileged schools, rode the racing tuk-tuks, and ate her mother’s authentic handmade dahl and roti. Her mom had a sari made for me and dressed me up for our awards ceremony. Together we marveled at the Taj Mahal. I was awe-struck at the customer service wherever we went! An experience never to forget.
God sent this beautiful woman I call my sister and healed what was hidden my heart. The bias uncovered and redeemed! Only God!
Emra Smith