But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13
“Lyubov was an invalid, unable to walk or stand. Though bedridden, she was a cheerful child who by her sanguine countenance brought light into her poor mother’s life. Maria taught Lyubov how to pray and to read and write, and the young girl delighted in prayer and in reading spiritual books…
One day when she was fifteen and alone in the house, God sent a messenger who said, rise and walk and become a fool for Christ. Miraculously, Lyubov got up and out of bed and stood on her own. When her mother returned home, she was ecstatic to see her crippled daughter standing, completely healed of her long infirmity…
Able to walk now, Lyubov began praying in all the churches in Ryazan… Lyubov never ceased from praying for all those around her… She cared greatly for all the people and was known for her generosity and kindheartedness. One unusual thing Lyubov did was to go into shops in Ryazan and gather items to give to the needy.
She always knew exactly what each recipient would need, and she would collect only what was necessary… Since Lyubov herself was among the poorest in Ryazan, people sometimes would give her things to help meet her needs, be it food or clothing or other helpful items.
She would accept these gifts with deep gratitude, but within hours should would give them away to someone more needy… Being of a cheerful nature, Lyubov’s apparel reflected her buoyant spirit. She always dressed plainly but in bright colors. Her favorite color was pink, and he frequently would be seen wearing a pink scarf on her head.”
Lyubov of Ryazan (1852-1921) in Holy Fools: The Lives of Twenty Fools for Christ by Oswin Craton (Chesterton: Ancient Faith Publishing, 2024) 65-69.
This little Lyubov inspired me today. Notice her story of healing. God raise her up from impossible circumstances. In response, she served as a person of prayer who offered generous care to others.
If we use our imagination, we can picture her lifting people up with her love. Then when it said she dressed simply in bright colors and had a buoyant spirit, I smiled. Of course, she did!
How would people describe your appearance, your spirit? How would they describe your life and patterns of service? What do you want people to say in answer to these questions?
I am home and one spiritual practice at home is tending to our garden. I picked some basil this weekend and shared them four neighbors. Soon other herbs will be ready to share too. I am excited to share.
As I explore these fools for Christ, I find their ordinary, disciplined living is what gave them extraordinary impact. Let’s go be ordinary today, but wear bright colors and have a buoyant spirit to lift others up!