I was a Stranger

Written by Muriel Larson

Struggling in your marriage? This online lesson will encourage you.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EDT.

Jesus said, “I was a stranger, and you took me in” (Matthew 25:35-b).

I was eighteen when my fiancé, Al Larson, received orders to move from Lakehurst Naval Air Station in New Jersey to Moffett Field Naval Air Station in California. We decided to get married so that I could accompany him.

I was the organist and teacher of the girls’ Sunday school class at my church, so when we wed, the church was packed with well-wishers. The fill-in organist had trouble playing the organ. The soloist broke down crying after singing the first verse of “I Love You Truly.” The preacher gave a long talk about “our dear departing organist,” but the main line was correct: “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

Shortly after that Al and I took off to drive across the country for California. We made a stopover in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for several days so that I could meet his family. And I could say that the whole adventure was sure an interesting honeymoon! When we arrived in Mountain View, California, we rented a two-room apartment at a motel. This was the first time I had ever been separated from my family, and now they were 3,500 miles away!

My husband only got leave every other night, so I was alone much of the time. The couple who owned the motel were Christians, and Mrs. Johnson took me under her wing. She brought me their newspaper every day, she chatted with me. She took me shopping in San Jose. And she took me to her church.

Knowing that I could play the piano and had taught a Sunday school class, she introduced me to the superintendent of the Sunday School Department. The superintendent immediately put me to work playing the piano for the children’s assembly and teaching the Primary Sunday School class.

Mrs. Johnson also introduced me to an older woman who was willing to allow me to practice on her piano. Every week I had the privilege of practicing and enjoying playing her piano. This lady had a beautiful flower garden. When we moved into our new home, she gave me cuttings and seeds to plant and tips on how best to grow them. One day she invited me to supper with her daughter and herself.

After three months we moved into an apartment in the housing accommodations for servicemen just outside Moffett Field. Before we moved Mrs. Johnson helped me make drapes, and helped me in other ways also for moving into our new home. I will never forget those wonderful caring Christians who took me under their wings! Their example impressed on me how important it is for us as Christians to do that for new Christians and others who need our help and encouragement.? Jesus also said that whatever we do for one of the least of His followers, we do it for Him. (vs. 40)
Father, Show the people around me who need my help. Make me a generous person, open with my time and knowledge, quick to include others in my activities. Amen.

Questions: Tell us how someone has helped you in time of need. How can you represent Christ in a practical way to someone that you know?

About the Author Muriel Larson

Tags: California, Christians, church, encouragement, example, helped, married, Muriel Larson, orders, organist, teacher, Women’s Chatroom

3 Responses to “I was a Stranger”

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Natalie says:

August 22, 2010 at 12:28 am

Great devotion Muriel. It was very interesting and it made me to think about life and how it is really easy to get caught up with everything that you forget about everyone around . This devotion reminds me of my grandma because she tries to help others wherever she is. I try to be nice to everyone just like my grandma. Because if you are nice to everyone it sure does come in handy. Like the golden rule says treat others the way that you would like to be treated.
Parvin says:

August 20, 2010 at 10:16 am

I really liked this article…really challenged me to think more about how I help those around me. It’s so easy to get caught up in what’s going on with you, your children, your work, household issues etc that you barely notice that person next door, your churchmates, pretty much those around you. Lord help me to listen more, love more
mugabi says:

August 20, 2010 at 4:06 am

great story