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>>>>The Sparrow at Starbucks<<<< 

(This is the original version of this story straight from the author himself!  Please be sure to read on after the conclusion, for a White Sparrow exclusive on the inspiration behind this inspiration!) 

It was chilly in Manhattan but warm inside Starbucks shop on  51^st Street and Broadway, just a skip up from Times Square.  For a musician, it’s the most lucrative Starbucks location in the world I’m told, and consequently, the tips can be substantial if you play your tunes right.   

I was playing keyboard and singing backup for my friend who also added rhythm with an arsenal of percussion instruments.   During our emotional rendition of “If You Don’t Know Me by Now,” I noticed a lady sitting in one of the lounge chairs across from me.  She was swaying to the beat and singing along. 

After the tune was over, she approached me, “I apologize for singing along on that song, did it bother you?” she asked. 

“No,” I replied.  “We love it when the audience joins in.  Would you like to sing up front on the next selection?”  To my delight, she accepted my invitation. 

“You choose,” I said.  “What are you in the mood to sing?” 

“Well… do you know any hymns?” 

Hymns!  This woman didn’t know whom she was dealing with.  I cut my teeth on hymns.  Before I was even born, I was going to church.  I gave our guest singer a knowing look.  “Name one!” 

“Oh, I don’t know.  There are so many good ones.  You pick one!” 

“Okay,” I replied.  “How about, ‘His Eye is on the Sparrow’?” 

My new friend was silent, her eyes averted.  Then she fixed her eyes on mine again and said, “yeah, let’s do that one!” 

She slowly nodded her head, put down her purse, straightened her jacket and faced the center of the shop.  With my two-bar setup, she began to sing. 

“Why should I be discouraged?  Why should the shadows come?” 

The audience of coffee drinkers was transfixed. 

“I sing because I’m happy; I sing because I’m free.  For His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.” 

When the last note was sung, the applause crescendo’s to a deafening roar.  Embarrassed, the woman tried to shout over the din:  “Oh, yawl go back to your coffee!  I didn’t come in here to do a concert!  I just came in here to get somethin’ to drink, just like you!” 

But the ovation continued.  I embraced my new friend.  “You, my dear, have made my whole year!  That was beautiful!” 

“It’s funny that you picked that particular hymn,” she said.  

“Why is that?” 

She hesitated again, “That was my daughter’s favorite song!” 

She grabbed my hands.  By this time, the applause had subsided and it was business as usual. 

“She was 16.  She died of a brain tumor last week.” 

I said the first thing that found its way through my silence.  “Are you going to be okay?” 

She smiled through tear-filled eyes and squeezed my hands.    “I’m gonna be okay.  I’ve just got to keep trusting the Lord and sing his songs, and everything’s gonna be just fine!” 

She picked up her bag, gave me her card, and then she was gone. 

Was it just a coincidence that we happened to be singing in that particular coffee shop on that particular November night? 

Coincidence, that this wonderful lady happened to walk into this particular shop! 

Coincidence, that of all the hymns to choose from, I just happened to pick the very hymn that was the favorite of her daughter; who had died just the week before? 

I refuse to believe it! 

God has been arranging encounters in human history since the beginning of time, and it’s no stretch for me to imagine that He could reach into a coffee shop in midtown Manhattan and turn an ordinary gig into a revival. 

It was a great reminder that if we keep trusting Him and singing His songs, everything’s gonna be okay! 

Used with Permission from Author – John Thomas Oaks.

IN THE AUTHOR’S WORDS…. (Exclusive) 

I wrote this story first of all, because I wanted to make sure I didn’t forget the event.  I believe God intervenes in my life on a daily basis, but I take it for granted so much, I wonder how many times I’ve missed the blessing of noticing His hand in my life. 

I also thought it would be a great way to remind others that God does involve Himself in our everyday lives, and if we’ll pay attention, He’ll make Himself known to us.  That has been proven to be true. 

I get emails constantly from people all over the world who have read this story and have been affected by it in some way. 

Sometimes, I’ll hear from people who have lost loved ones, and they are encouraged by the woman’s joy in spite of her great tragedy.  So, I’m happy the story is getting around as much as it is. 

We live in a busy, noisy world, and my prayer is that people will stop and slow down more and more to listen for God’s voice- to notice His hand in their lives and take hold of it- to let His mighty hand lead them that much closer to Jesus! 

Thanks!
John Thomas Oaks

http://www.johnthomasoaks.com
http://www.oakengine.com

Dear John Thomas Oaks,  “I predict that this soul touching story of ‘The Sparrow at Starbucks’ will leave its handprint on the souls of people around the world now and in the generations to follow.  That it will become a true family classic and that the number of people who come to learn of it will survive, and multiply as far and as fast as the sparrow!”
- White Sparrow,  Canada. 

In gratitude, to the author, the woman, and the 16 year old daughter! 

“Mr. John Thomas Oaks, I do not believe in coincidence either.  I believe ‘bigger hands were steering’ when The Great Spirit bridged you and this lady together.  I believe the Great Spirit has handpicked you to deliver this message, through your words and your voice in song!”  Lastly, I believe that the world will come to know John Thomas Oaks for his story ‘The Sparrow at Starbucks!”  

(There is a beautiful legend that the sparrow was the one bird to be present and to remain throughout the crucifixion of Christ, thus making the sparrow a symbol of triumph after longsuffering!  Therefore, the sparrow is noted for its powers of awakening, and triumph of common nobility.  The sparrow teaches us how to survive!) 

For allowing me this honour, of sharing your story and words here on my site….
THANK YOU, JOHN THOMAS OAKS, and may the Great Spirit watch over you and yours,
-White Sparrow

NATIVE INDIAN BELIEF

There is a lovely Indian belief that
everyone is a house with four rooms.
One is physical, one mental, one emotional and one, perhaps most important of all, spiritual!

To live a complete life, the belief goes on,
one should visit each room every day and open the window to keep it aired and fresh.

-Author Unknown

WHITE SPARROW BLESSING
(Children’s bedtime prayer)

What has been done
Is over, child,
Life changes in a wink.
It’s time to rest,
So, close your eyes.
It’s time to sleep, not think.

White sparrow sings
To like yourself,
Before the sandman comes.
And that each child
Upon the earth
Feels loved by dads and moms.

Author - White Sparrow

BUFFALO FAITH   (Evening Prayer)  

Have buffalo faith that you will find
The courage of wolf in you;
That eagle will help you see your path,
Thank bear, for what comes to you.

Walk the good road, moon after moon,
Seek the path of amnesty.
May your roots be blessed by mother earth,
And your dreams grow in the Diamond Sea.

Let your heart hear the beating drum;
Pray your spirit will spiral higher.
May Mother Earth and Father Sky
Warm your soul like cleansing fire.

Have buffalo faith that you will find
The courage of wolf in you;
That eagle will help you see your path
Thank bear, for what comes to you.  

          Author - White Sparrow

Sand & Stone

A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert.  During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend ended up slapping the other one in the face.  The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand: “Today my best friend slapped me in the face.”  

They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath.  The one, who had been slapped earlier, got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him.  After he recovered from the near drowning, he carved on a stone:  “Today my best friend saved my life.” 

The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him; “After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now, you write on a stone, why?”  The other friend replied: “When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where the winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone, where no wind can ever erase it in time."

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