Florida Memories: The Sweet Fragrance of Jesus

2 Corinthians 2:14 ESV, “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.”

A couple of days ago I finally got around to cleaning out my purse. I had been putting it off for awhile, but as the old saying goes, “better late than never”. There were so many papers and other unnecessary items stuffed in there, and it was so heavy. Florida’s tropical climate produced a lot of rain, so it was also nice to remove the little umbrella I kept in my purse at all times.

Amongst the many papers, I even found a few Publix receipts from last summer. If you’ve ever been to Florida, then you know Publix is the main grocery store there. By the way, I do miss the five dollar sushi rolls special that Publix had on Wednesdays. Here’s a picture of the vegetable rolls I loved to eat with soy sauce…

$5 veggie rolls!!

Anyway, while working at my company in Florida, there was this really nice lady. She had worked at the company for quite sometime. I vaguely remember her introducing herself to me in the hallway shortly after I started working there. Although we worked in different departments, I would usually run into her in the hallway or the break room. I always enjoyed our short chats because she seemed so genuine, and was always very kind and peaceful. There was something very unique about her.

Well she ended up becoming very ill and was out of work for several months. I can remember the morning they informed us that she had passed away. After she passed away, her son, who also worked at my company, sent out an email expressing his appreciation to everyone for the kindness shown toward his family during the passing of his mother.

At the end of the email, he shared his mother’s favorite prayer with us. While I was cleaning out my purse, I found a copy of the prayer. I had printed it out and put it up on my desk when her son shared it with us. And during my last week of work, I took it down and put it in my purse. So while I was cleaning out my purse, I found it.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, Help me to spread your fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with your spirit and life. Penetrate and possess my whole being so completely, that all my life may be only a radiance of yours. Shine through me and be so in me that everyone with whom I come into contact may feel your presence within me. Let them look up and see no longer me, but only you Jesus. Amen. (author unknown)

Photo by: Mareefe

Coming across this prayer not only reminded me of my lovely coworker, but it also reminded me that when we walk in the ways of Christ, people truly notice. When we are devoted to Him, we will give off a sweet fragrance that will be pleasing to those around us like my coworker did.

My coworker had a desire to, “spread the fragrance of Jesus” everywhere she went. Although we never talked about Christianity, I saw it through her actions and could feel her love for Jesus through her warm and gentle spirit. She allowed the Spirit of God to live through her. When her son shared her favorite prayer, it confirmed what I had already experienced in my encounters with her. I’m glad I had the chance to meet her.

What a privilege it is that we as Christians are a temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are privileged to spread His fragrance everywhere we go. When people meet us, they should also meet Jesus.

🌼Previous Florida Memories post: Florida Memories: Sharing With My Sister

Author: Dawn

The love of Jesus will never fail you. Thank you for visiting my blog.

44 thoughts on “Florida Memories: The Sweet Fragrance of Jesus”

  2. What a lovely tribute to your co worker who was truly a follower of Christ as reflected in her actions and words. Our behaviour is a bigger pointer to Christ than just mere words. $5 sushi rolls are amazing. I love sushi and at that price 🤩

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  3. Dawn, so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your co-worker, she sounds absolutely beautiful in Christ. Her favorite prayer is beautiful. I have found on my journey with the Lord, that a lot of the contemporary Christian singers and songwriters, songs that I listen to , There is always something I take away from the song, or how I feel. The prayer from your coworker did just that. When I read it I had this feeling of ” God, that’s how my heart feels”. Thank you again Dawn, you are so encouraging.

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  4. Thank You Lord for this message and for the messenger! This powerful message has truly resonated with me, and its captured and conveyed the tenor of my thoughts and meditation over the last few days….

    We can easily get caught up in worldly achievements, accomplishments, and the accolades that accompany them, and MISS the true purpose, calling, and assignment on all our lives as born again believer’s in Christ Jesus, which I also wholeheartedly believe to be to “spread the fragrance of Jesus.”

    We can become so focused on, mesmerized by, and enamored with obtaining worldly stuff, status, and success, that miss those many indelible moments that the Lord desires to us as His ambassadors, to spread His fragrance for humanity. Lord, help us to use the gifts, talents, and energy, that You give us to spread the sweet fragrance of You, Your word, and Your will! In Jesus name, Amen!!

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    1. Thanks Anthony! There are many things to distract us from our true purpose of sharing Jesus. People are watching us and so we have a responsibility to show them Jesus. I pray we can stay focused on what matters most in these perilous times. 😊

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    1. Thank you Pastor! It is truly a gift. Meeting her encouraged me greatly to keep walking in the ways of Jesus regardless of how others are acting around me, because it does make a difference.

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  6. Dawn, this is beautiful and uplifting. I love the expression “spread the fragrance of Jesus.” It also makes me think of perfume. I’ve been hugged by friends, and walk away with their fragrance on me. The thought of parting company with others and leaving the fragrance of Jesus is beyond words. You are definitely a fragrance bearer for Jesus. Love and blessings♥

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    1. Thanks Jacquie! I love that analogy of how a person’s perfume rubs off during a hug. That’s exactly what should happen when others come in contact with us as Christians.. the Jesus in us should rub off on them! Amazing! Love and blessings to you too my friend! ❤️

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  7. Wow. What a lovely prayer and a great story of a believer who truly exemplified what we are to be through Him! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I am going to copy that prayer and post it somewhere I’ll see it daily. Blessings to you, Dawn!

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    1. Thanks Marisa and you’re welcome! I love the prayer too and plan to put it on my desk when I start my new job next week. May our hearts be anchored in the love of Christ so others will see Him in us. Blessing and love to you! ❤️

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  8. Lovely prayer and such a heart warming story. I can see how much these precious memories mean to you. Your last statement is the perfect summary. When people sees us they should see Jesus. Praise God. Another great post. Have a blessed day.

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  11. This post captivated me entirely!
    I thoroughly enjoyed this, big sis. I especially love that prayer at the end. As I thought about the fragrance my mind has gone to a flower petal. In order for us to get the best scent (lasting too), the petal needs to be crushed or put through a process. Many times, the Lord will crush and process us so that after all is said and done, His fragrance is reflected and “smelt” by others. May we always endeavor to give off His aroma always. 🌺

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    1. Thanks little sister! Glad you enjoyed it. That’s a beautiful analogy…we do need to be crushed and processed so that God’s aroma will flow from us. The process can be difficult but He strengthens us as we persevere and it’s worth it. ❤️🌻

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  13. God surely has a purpose for each soul we meet. It is my daily prayer that I’ll be a light unto everyone I meet. That my life will be a reflection of Jesus. I can so relate to this post. God has blessed me with lovely coworkers. Thank you for sharing this heart warming note. God is Good 🙏🏿😊

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    1. You’re welcome Karen! That is a great daily prayer request! And it’s wonderful that you are blessed with great coworkers. May the Lord continue to use you for His glory. Yes He is Good! 🙏🏿❤️

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  15. Cleaning out your purse is like unpacking memories. Dawn thanks for sharing this beautiful reflective tribute and moment in honor of your co-worker. I’ve never been to Publix, but several people have told me it reminds them of Whole Foods.

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    1. You’re welcome Yonnie. Yes there were lots of memories buried in there! Publix was a nice store and the workers were very friendly. I visited Whole Foods quite a bit too, I guess a few things are similar.

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