Walk with Him: See the Pattern of Rescue and Rescuers

I had just come from playing on the Mazatlán beach. Using my last peso for the taxi I zoomed to the airport to catch the plane home– only to hear the plane was delayed. Tired and hungry, I popped into the restaurant for a meal. With my last bite, the announcement came the plane was ready to depart. The waiter handed me the bill, and I hurriedly handed him my credit card. When he explained they only took cash, a Mexican prison flashed before my eyes because I had no cash, not a dollar, not a peso, nada!

Without any thought and looking quite like a homeless crazy woman, I ran up to the first fellow passenger I could find. I explained the situation and without a pause he took out his wallet and gave me a twenty-dollar bill. With no time to get his name or address I ran back to the restaurant, paid the bill, and was the last to board the plane. When I saw him, I pleaded for his details so I could repay him, but with a gentle shrug, he simply declined and said he was happy to help. I doubt he knows the impact his unconditional generosity had on me. After all, here I am sharing the story 40 years later.

Sometimes we need the rescue. Sometimes we are the rescuers. Six women in Exodus 1-6, midwives Shiphrah and Puah, Moses’ mother Jochebed and sister Miriam, Pharaoh’s daughter, and Moses' wife Zipporah were crucial rescuers of a man named Moses– the man who would in turn rescue God’s people. Sometimes we need the rescue. Sometimes we are the rescuers. Who are you today?

“The Lord has placed a pattern of rescue and rescuers in His kingdom.” – President Henry B. Eyring
"God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs". –President Spencer W. Kimball