A Gift for a Stranger
October 30th - By Lesly Birkland
The other day, a woman walked into my boutique, and I could tell right away she was searching for something special. When I asked how I could help, she told me she wanted to make a shirt for someone who seemed to be struggling—someone she didn’t even know.
“Oh,” I said, “let’s take a look at some of the designs we have available at the Shirt Bar.”
As we flipped through the collection, a few stood out: Beauty from Ashes, Be Still and Know, PRAY, God Is in Control, and Tell Your Mountain About Your God.
A Beautiful Act of Kindness
She paused and thought for a moment. I asked gently, “Is your friend a Christian?” That’s when the story really touched my heart.
She said, “I don’t know. I saw her in the school drop-off line. She just looked like she was struggling really hard, and I wanted to get her something to maybe help or encourage her.”
My eyes got big—this woman was buying a gift for a stranger. A random act of kindness led her right into Birkland Boutique.
Choosing the Perfect Shirt
We decided on the Be Still and Know design—because those simple words carry deep peace and truth. She picked out a heather grey oversized crewneck something neutral and cozy that could go with just about anything.
I asked if she’d like me to make it look like a gift, and she smiled, saying yes. I added some tissue paper to the bag, and before leaving, she found a beautiful necklace for herself.
As she left, I prayed that this shirt would reach the woman it was meant for—offering comfort, encouragement, and a reminder that God is always near.
A Reminder for All of Us
We’ve all been there… stressed, frustrated, hanging on by a thread. Maybe someone was silently praying for us too. I hope this story reminds us to slow down, to “be still,” and to look for the ways God is working through others.
And maybe, just maybe, we can be that quiet encouragement for someone else.