Many of the people whose stories I share go unnoticed in today's society and have little or no voice. This book is their witness and mine. We thank God and give Him the glory for the amazing way He connected us in love and friendship and for His message of hope within each story. Time and time again, I found myself being connected with extraordinary people from all walks of life. Most were complete strangers to me. Their presence in my life proved to be much more than coincidental. Our meetings happened almost anywhere--from a second-floor hospital room to the checkout lane of a grocery, from a nursing home or personal care facility to a crowded sports center or buffet-style restaurant, and even beside the worn-out truck of a homeless family. Sometimes the person lived within my community but most often resided miles away. One actually claimed a homeland across the ocean. Yet, in spite of many differences, a common thread connected our lives. I didn't choose these people; God did. I only chose to respond to my heart tugs, the promptings of the Holy Spirit--even when I didn't understand the why--which allowed our paths to cross in incredible ways. Regardless of whether the person had lived a life of integrity or had spent time in prison, or whether young or elderly, each became my friend. Their trials and hardships affected my life. Their happiness and well-being became important to me, and nothing brought me greater joy than knowing they placed their faith and trust in Jesus. Wherever you are on your journey of faith, may these real-life stories reveal both truth and hope, allowing you to answer for yourself: Is that You, God?
