I woke up super early Saturday morning and continued my cleaning and straitening up from the weekend before. I scrubbed and dusted and vacuumed. I looked outside and saw the white stuff taking over the world. “Lord, please make the snow stop for my party!” I know, it was a selfish prayer. But I prayed it nonetheless.
This was the day of my big party. My first book release party and I had been planning for some time for the vision in my heart to be manifested. I desired an atmosphere of healing and worship in my home for my loved ones and that would all be shot if the weather scared my guests away.
By the time noon came I ventured out to pick up the cupcakes I needed and was met with disaster. The snow was indeed invading my city, but as I headed down the slippery streets I saw that I wasn’t the only crazy person still moving forward with my V-Day plans. There were many out and about, carrying their boxes of goodies and making their V-Day purchases. After a 45 minute commute which should have only taken 20 minutes, I finally made it to my destination. Not even the 3 accidents I passed by on the freeway deterred me. My friend handed off the cupcakes along with a “thank you” card for using her services and I was back out in the white stuff. I was determined and got my shopping done before heading back home. I kept wondering if I should cancel or reschedule the party but I had put so much work into it and just wanted it to be over. As the evening wore on I became attacked with thoughts of worry and rejection as people who originally planned to attend backed out. I felt I should have cancelled the party but it was too late as my mom was already on her way. To my surprise another friend was actually the first to arrive. And then so many others joined. I was overwhelmed with the love and support from the people who pushed through the weather just to celebrate little old me. My home was filled with warmth and love and it really was the best V-Day ever. God met me and showed me that the sacrifices I was making to live the life He chose was not going unnoticed. That I was being blessed by my obedience and the real blessing was to experience Him in an even greater way. I sold all of my books from the party. I was able to read from it and share my story and minister to those around me. That is what I wrote it for.
To offer hope to the hopeless.
Encouragement to the discouraged.
And strength to the weak.
That is what God does for me and I feel the call to pass His goodness on.
So there was no romance this V-Day and that was just fine with me because I got to experience something better. I got to experience the part of love that causes a mother to drive across town in crazy weather, shower me with V-Day gifts and cards and cheer me on at my book release party. I got to experience a pastor talking with me for hours on the phone encouraging me in God’s plan for my life. I got to experience friends texting me and posting messages about my endeavors.
I.
Am.
Loved.
And it took me so long to see it. But now I finally do. And I’m so grateful for the community of believers God has provided in this season of walking alone.
He is worthy.
SHALOM
