Categories
Reflections and Poetry

What to do when your handbag is stolen

I’m dwelling on the aftermath and the peace which will eventually be fully restored. That’s how we process and recover from the experience of a theft.

What to do when your handbag is stolen?

  1. Pray for its return — even if that means looking in bins in the side streets of the theft.
  2. Pray for the person who stole — maybe they will be wholly convicted and turn to Jesus.
  3. Thank the LORD your person wasn’t stolen, your arm wasn’t broken, or your child didn’t go missing. There are always better situations, but also always there are worse.

I’m most struck by the fact that I could “afford” to lose the £275 cash that was in the wallet. I could “afford” the loss of my favourite eye glasses (‘m tying with poor vision, grateful I can touch type). I could “afford” the hassle of having to notify the banks, replace the cards — including my driver’s licence, find a new handbag, etc etc. Losing that amount of money hurts (I had literally just gone to the ATM). But I won’t starve as a result, and I will not take that for granted.

I didn’t have any house or car keys in the bag. Thank the LORD for that!

I didn’t get injured. Thank you for your protection, Father.

I didn’t panic. And one kind person who overheard my plight at the bank offered me money for a taxi (I didn’t accept as it wasn’t necessary).

So, what do we do when we have a handbag — or wallet, or keys, or something else of relative value? We call the police and other relevant parties. But we find the good and thank GOD for that. We praise Him in ALL seasons. We count our blessings.

I am still reflecting upon the occurrence. I was in a shop and had set my bag down — foolishly. GOD didn’t intervene, didn’t warn me, didn’t scold me either.

I don’t know why this happened today. Beware of the thief who comes in the night to steal and destroy. The adversary isn’t only the devil, but sometimes is a person.

I’m sad, I’m reflective. I feel a little bit bruised and a bit alone. But these feelings will pass. And in the meantime, I focus on the kindest shown me by the store clerk who contacted the police and the man in the bank who offered a helping hand. And I praise GOD I’m here to tell the story.

I’m dwelling on the aftermath and the peace which will eventually be fully restored. That’s how we process and recover from the experience of a theft.

By Dr Sarah Tun

Dr Sarah Tun began her professional career as a teacher. Years later she became a performing artist and administrator to property development. She felt the Call to write full time in 2004. Dr Sarah has traveled extensively, and lived in New York City (for a year), London England (for a long time) and Hong Kong (briefly) before returning to her home in Ontario, Canada, then to Spain and finally now, has re-settled in her adoptive home of England. She graduated with degrees in Drama, Education and diplomas in Acting and Theology. Most recently she was awarded Honorary Doctor of Ministry and became ordained. Her favourite experience to date has been following her Creator and Lord. She doesn't think Life can get any better! Dr Sarah Tun is author, singer, preacher, writing coach and all-round enthusiast, celebrating and seeking to inspire all of us to quench our thirst for deeper intimacy with God through the Holy Spirit.

3 replies on “What to do when your handbag is stolen”

Sarah I am truly sorry for your lost, however it will turn out for good. That is a promise the Father makes to you. He is going to show off on your behalf. Believe He will, and rest in that. Your resting shows your level of faith. We have entered into a new era and He wants to show you that. Acts 3:21 “times of restoration of all thing.” NKJV. You will be amazed at the outcome. You have been set up for testimony which will bring glory to God. “Just you wait and see!”

I have absolutely agreement with you. Some people have felt led to pray and so vehemently, that the LORD may well choose to bring the bag back to me. That is very kind of them. But whether it comes back to me or not, the most important thing is the salvation of the thief… may she have a change of heart, an encounter with the LORD and be dramatically changed. Amen.

As I prayed for you Sarah, the Lord said, “We have nothing to lose but our pride.”

How cool is that!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.