The purse was a really beautiful, quite fashionable little bag. Made from alligator skin the delicate items preserved inside reveal details of the life of its owner, Marian Meanwell.
Marian made hats for a living. But this time, her travels back and forth between England and the US didn’t involve work. She decided to travel to the US to be with her daughter who was recently widowed.
Among the mementos inside her purse is a faded photograph of Marian’s mother. There was paperwork she would need in her new life in America, including a handwritten reference letter from her former landlord in London. It states: “We have always found Miss Meanwell to be a good tenant, prompt with payment.”
Her medical inspection card was inside too, as all third-class passengers needed to prove they weren’t bringing disease into the US. But this water-stained document reveals a tragic twist of fate.
Marian Meanwell was booked on the Majestic – a White Star Line ship. But it didn’t sail as expected, so on the card, Majestic is crossed out and her passage shows that she was transferred to the Titanic and became one of 1,500 people to lose their lives.
We don’t know too much about Marian, beyond what was preserved in her alligator purse. But we could assume her life was much like ours. We work hard, strive to do the right thing, and make decisions that, in the moment, are the obvious course of action. But tragically,the most significant events in our lives usually cannot be foreseen. “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” James 4:14.
Although life’s outcomes are often beyond human control, when we bring God into the picture everything changes. Job 12:10 tells us “In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.” He is the Sovereign of the universe. By daily placing our trust in Him, He becomes the Sovereign of our hearts and there will no longer be an unexpected outcome.
Whether it is sickness, disease, loss of a job, betrayal, or even our own sin – when we place our faith and reliance upon God, He shows up. His grace supports us and sustains us. He strengthens our soul through trials and in the moment of death, he conquers the grave. Our souls are safe and secure in the Lord’s hands. “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Ps 73:26
Wishing you faith for today,
Roy
