Cathy and Mary Jane at Barnes and Noble Chattanooga, TN |
We
knew we would be meeting the editors/authors who compiled the book for use in
their ministry to women, another lady or two who authored some of the included devotions,
and some friends of the ministry. A supper meeting at The Boathouse Rotisserie near
the Tennessee River would be our first face-to-face. Rosie did a fabulous job
of getting us to our hotel. Sandra, another author, was staying at the same
hotel, so we met her in the lobby and got acquainted as we rode to supper. It
took Rosie and navigation help from two smart phones to get us there but we
didn’t let that spoil our evening of good food and lively conversation.
After
lunch at Sticky Fingers the next day, the entourage moved to Barnes and Noble
to take part in Celebration of Faith Day. We were greeted by Kelly, the store
manager, who introduced us to the other authors being featured. He explained
that Ginger Sanders had to cancel because her husband was in a serious
accident. As one, our group and Kelly joined hands to pray for her husband and
their family. Who knew you could pray right there in front of God and everybody
at the main entrance to Barnes and Noble in Chattanooga, TN?
It
didn’t stop there. The first person to come to our table was Robert, a young
man who decided he would buy our book for his wife, Rebecca, who was at home
with their seventeen week old son. He told us his son’s story: Ethan was born
nine weeks early with his intestines on the outside of his body. He has spent
all but the last three weeks of his life in the hospital. Mary Jane asked if we
could pray for Ethan and Robert eagerly agreed. Mary Jane, Sandra and I
surrounded Robert and prayed for this precious child and his family.
Again,
it didn’t stop there. I looked up from signing a book and witnessed author Rita
Carr and Karen Hauser of Pearls of Promise praying together for each other’s
ministries with women. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but I could sense
the depth and sincerity of their prayers. This scene repeated itself over and
over as we alternated signing books, mingling with the shoppers, and praying
with hurting people.
Who
knew when we left North Carolina we would spend more time in ministry than
signing books? God’s ways are not our ways. I am filled to the brim with
thankfulness that everyone on the Pearls of Promise team proved to be flexible
and open to God’s plan over their own.
Going out with joy today opting for God’s plan over
my own-
Cathy
I'm so proud of you girls :D
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nan! I can't wait to read your book and visit you at a book signing. Praying blessings over you and the process.
DeleteI'll tell you who knew! God knew. What a great story, Cathy. I look forward to reading your and Mary Jane's contributions to the book! You two are blessing to so many.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sally! You are a blessing to me. Praying God's best for you and yours!
Delete