A woman named Gale would get her
nails done at the same salon on a regular basis. The owner of the salon was an
authoritative Korean woman who would loudly order her employees around in their
native tongue. This owner was so abrupt that she was affectionately nicknamed
Dragon Lady by her customers. On one of Gales visits a young woman named Kim
who was fairly new to America and spoke limited English, was assigned to do her
nails. Gale was so impressed by Kim’s work that on her next visit Gale
requested Kim by name. Dragon Lady overheard the request and was furious that
anyone would be so bold as to direct her staff without her permission. Dragon
Lady yelled at Gale that Kim was with another customer and not available. Gale
replied that she would wait for Kim. This only angered Dragon Lady more and she
made a point of keeping Kim busy with odd tasks, and even other customers in an
effort to discourage Gale from waiting. Dragon Lady’s plan failed as Gale was
undeterred and waited patiently. Finally,
four hours later, Dragon lady gave in and allowed Kim to work on Gale. This
routine became a regular occurrence for the next few months; Gale would request
Kim, Dragon Lady would become infuriated and occupy Kim for hours, Gale would
wait, and in the end Gale would eventually have her nails done by Kim. Despite their language barrier, during this
time Kim and Gale formed a fond friendship and Gale witnessed Kim blossom and
grow in her abilities and confidence.
One day Gale entered the salon for
her monthly visit and was told that Kim no longer worked there. No one would
offer Gale any information as to where Kim had gone. Gale believed the staff
feared the wrath of Dragon Lady if they helped her locate her friend. Terribly
saddened, Gale searched nearby salons to locate Kim but had no luck and
eventually gave up her search. Eight years passed and Kim became just a found
memory of a unique friendship.
Blocks from Gale’s home, a new nail salon
opened and because of its convenient location Gale decide to give it a try.
Upon entering the salon, Gail was greeted by a squeal from the back of the
business and the familiar face of Kim rushing toward her. Gale was shocked and thrilled as she hugged
her long lost friend. Kim explained that when Gale would request her at the
salon and stand-up to Dragon Lady by not leaving it built Kim’s confidence in
herself. Kim decided that if she was
good enough at her craft for someone to wait hours for her services then she
must be good enough to break away from a degrading task master and open her own
salon. Kim had tried to find Gale to thank her; she even went to the business
where she thought Gail’s daughter worked but with no luck. But now, eight years
later, their paths had crossed again in the fourth salon Kim had opened and was
managing. Kim was now a successful, confident woman and mother who tearfully
explained to Gale, “I was able to do this because of you”.
Just as
Gale did for Kim, I imagine our Savior is patiently waiting for each of us,
despite how hard Satan tries to keep us busy with other things and create doubt
in our abilities. Jesus is our number one supporter, always lifting us to our
full potential. When we finally trust in Him and what He is telling us we can
be, what we can do, and what we are fully capable of, only then can we make the
leap to a better way of life. So we too
can look back on our own life and say to our Savior, “I was able to do this
because of you”.
May we all have the confidence to act on faith in our Savior
and in ourselves. -Angela
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