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I Told a Stranger ‘Rest is Biblical’ – His Reaction Changed Everything

Faith + Spirituality

When the Holy Spirit prompted me to speak to a stranger at the hardware store, I almost said no. But what happened next proved that obedience to God can transform an ordinary moment into a divine appointment that changes lives.

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Show’s Talking Points

Listen To The Episode To Learn…

00:00 – Introduction

00:30 – A Trip to the Hardware Store

01:22 – Being Obedient

01:45 – The Stranger Encounter

02:44 – The Hidden Blessing

03:45 – The Divine Appointment Revealed

04:40 – “Your mission, should you choose to accept it:”

When I entered the store, I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by the sound of very familiar 90’s pop music that made me want to do a little two-step down the familiar aisles. My son trailed behind me as we started to make our way through the home improvement store. It was supposed to be a simple trip—grab what we needed and head home. But God had other plans. As we passed near the cleaning supplies aisle, just one aisle over from the customer service desk, I overheard a conversation that would change everything.

Two employees stood at the front customer service desk, their voices carrying the weight of genuine concern. The woman’s tone was gentle but firm as she addressed her male coworker: “You really need to take some time to rest. I know you’ve been dealing with health issues.”

His response came quick and automatic, the kind of reply we’ve all given when we’re running on empty but can’t see a way to stop: “I have too many things I have to do.”

Being Obedient

In that moment, something stirred within me—a familiar prompting I’d learned to recognize as the Holy Spirit’s gentle nudge. “Say something to him,” the voice whispered to my heart.

My immediate reaction was resistance. “No,” I thought, “I’m always talking to strangers and joking around with people I don’t know. Let me just find what I came for and mind my own business.”

But the Spirit’s voice came again, more insistent this time: “Bailey, don’t be disobedient. Go say something to him.”

The word “disobedient” hit me like a lightning bolt. This wasn’t a suggestion—it was a divine assignment. I turned to my son and said, “Stay right here. I’ll be right back.”

My heart pounded as I followed the employee up the next aisle. Every step felt both awkward and necessary.

The Stranger Encounter

“Excuse me, sir,” I called out, reading his name tag to make it personal. “I have a question for you.”

He turned, probably expecting me to ask about deck stain or light fixtures. Instead, I took a breath and dove in: “I don’t mean to be in your business, but I overheard the conversation you just had with your coworker. Do you believe in God?”

The look he gave me was exactly what you’d expect—a mixture of confusion and wariness. “Why is this stranger asking me about God in the middle of a hardware store?”

“Look, this isn’t going to be a deep dive,” I quickly reassured him.

Before I could say another word, his expression softened. “Yes, I do.”

The Hidden Blessing

“Great,” I said, feeling the Holy Spirit’s words flow through me. “I want you to know that rest is biblical.”

Something remarkable happened to his face in that moment. It was as if a light had switched on, as if someone had just given him permission to breathe. His entire countenance changed.

“It’s okay to rest,” I continued, watching this truth settle into his weary soul.

“You know what?” he said, his voice carrying a note of wonder. “I really appreciate you telling me that.”

I pressed on, knowing this was more than just a casual conversation. “I don’t know what you’ve got going on at home, and I’m not trying to get in your business. But at the end of the day, this job will be here—you won’t be if you don’t take care of whatever it is you need to take care of. Your coworker said you needed to rest, and I’m assuming that’s probably true.”

His response came with the force of recognition: “You know what? You’re absolutely right. I do, and I really appreciate you coming over and saying something to me.”

The Divine Appointment Revealed

As we shook hands and exchanged names, I shared one final truth that seemed to resonate deeply: “I’ve seen so many times where people didn’t take care of themselves and rest, and they passed away. It took the job forever to replace them, which just showed how unimportant their position really was in the grand scheme of things.”

His reply captured the brutal reality we all face: “Yeah, there’s always somebody ready to take your seat—whether it’s on Wall Street or on a park bench.”

In that moment, surrounded by paint cans and power tools, a divine appointment had been fulfilled. A stranger had received permission to rest, and I had learned once again that obedience to God’s promptings can transform an ordinary errand into an extraordinary encounter.

How many divine appointments do we miss because we choose comfort over obedience? How many people around us are desperately waiting to hear that it’s okay to rest, to take care of themselves, to be human?

The truth is, rest isn’t just a good idea—it’s biblical. God himself rested on the seventh day, not because he was tired, but to model for us the sacred rhythm of work and restoration. When we refuse to rest, we’re not just hurting ourselves; we’re rejecting a divine gift.

A Quick Word for the Woman Feeling Stuck

Alright, Black Girl, let’s pause real quick.

If you’ve been feeling unsure about your next move, stuck in a cycle of “almost” and “not yet,” or just know deep down that there’s more for you…You need my book:

Life Been Lifing: Don’t Be Distracted From Your Purpose

It’s a powerful (and easy!) read with mindset-shifting lessons and exercises to help you uncover your God-given purpose and walk in it boldly. Grab your copy at lifebeendlifing.com. Let this book be your guide to breakthrough.

“Your mission, should you choose to accept it:”

Listen for the promptings of the Holy Spirit in your daily interactions. When you feel nudged to speak a word of encouragement, to offer a moment of kindness, or to share a biblical truth with someone who needs to hear it—don’t be disobedient. That conversation you’re avoiding, that person who looks overwhelmed, that coworker who’s burning out, they might be your divine appointment waiting to happen. Sometimes the most powerful sermons aren’t preached from pulpits but spoken in the aisles of hardware stores, in coffee shop lines, and in the everyday moments when we choose to be God’s voice to a world that desperately needs to hear: “It’s okay to rest.” Will you answer the call?
EP 12 Quote - Rest Isn't a Good Idea, It's a God Idea

About Bailey Orenia

With 20+ years as an entrepreneur and communications maverick, Bailey has empowered thousands through her unique blend of wisdom and relatability.

As an former XM Radio Host and BET.com pioneer, Bailey’s insights have been featured in The Washington Post, NBC, VISTAS Magazine, and more.

As author of “Life Been Lifing: Don’t Be Distracted from Your Purpose,” Bailey doesn’t just talk about purpose, she guides you through life’s chaos to find yours. Her no-nonsense approach cuts through the noise, offering clarity when you need it most.

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