There's a stranger in my house. Not the physical home where I bathe, cook, sleep and lounge. The house where my spirit resides, my body. The weird part is the stranger was invited. I know what you're thinking. Who invites a stranger inside, let alone to live with you? Let me explain.

The stranger knocked on my door gently as opportunity usually does. She was calm as she stated the purpose of her visit. She was thorough in explaining the pros and cons of allowing her entry. I listened intentionally, considering her proposal. She was attractive but her mere presence made me nervous. My appreciation for her visit does not change the fact the necessity of her presence was hard to digest. Accepting the circumstances that led to this sales call was challenging. Needless to say, the whole situation left me feeling some kinda way. With clarity, this stranger asked me to consider letting her come in. She agreed to let me process the request with a promise to follow up later.

So I thought about it. I prayed over it. I meditated on it. I weighed the pros and cons I discussed her proposal with family and friends. I slept on it. Sometimes my thoughts contemplated her words so long sleep escaped me. Then Hope stopped by. My apprehensive excitement was noticeable. Hope said there was a possibility that I would not need the services the stranger offered. Time would tell if Hope was right or just doing her job of lifting my spirits. Blame it on intuition because my apprehension was warranted. Hope waved politely as she walked off my porch to make room for the stranger's return.

Here I was, back to contemplating the detailed presentation the stranger left for my review. Then something mystical happened. Peace moved in. I'm not sure when it happened or if I asked her to come. What I know for sure is God gave me the border I needed. Peace setup her residence in my heart quietly with ease. My silence allowed her to decorate her new home without distraction. When she was finished I too a peek. Surprisingly, she designed the space for two. My curiosity did not have to be verbalized. With a low soothing voice, Peace shared her purpose with me.

She was on divine assignment. God charged her with moving in under my radar to make room for the stranger that would soon return. The presence of Peace was required in order for me to extend an invitation to enter to the stranger who continued to knock on my door. Peace assured me everything would be fine if I'd just let the stranger in. After thanking God for sending Peace to live with me, I took a leap of faith and decided to give this stranger a chance. The next time the stranger knocked, I invited her in.

Upon entering, she introduced her as Grace. Grace told me she was sent to live with me as a gift from God. I couldn't live on without her for much longer so she had to keep knocking louder and harder. Grace said she was delighted to move into my heart and excited to have Peace as a roommate. I told her to make herself at home. Peace and Grace helped me to see that God did not give up on me. I still had work to do to fulfill His purpose for me and those I am assigned to.

I have a weak heart. The gift of Grace came in the form of a pacemaker/defibrillator that helps to regulate and reset my heartbeat. The wound where the implant was inserted is still healing and yes it feels weird. As the wound heals and Grace settles into her new home inside me, I thank God for this new season of my life. Sometimes the gift of grace presents itself as a stranger until we can accept it for what it is, God's love manifested. Whether it's modern technology that stays inside you or a surgical procedure to fix the problem, inviting the stranger in can be an opportunity for life. I am a living testimony. The roommates Peace and Grace live in my house, but  I'm happy to say they are no longer strangers.