When everything started happening with Tori, I received a message from the wonderful author/speaker Sarah Mae inviting me to this event (you can see her awesome books here). She knew about our story from her husband (who I met in Nashville at a conference a couple of years ago), and she wanted me to come as her guest. I accepted, though I had no idea at that time what turns our lives were about to take. I had two friends going to the event, so I knew I wouldn’t be going alone.
I can say now that the entire event was meant for me.
Not that it wasn’t meant for every other woman there, as well…but it was definitely a gift from the Lord for me.
As soon as I walked into the room last night, I felt overwhelmed by the feeling that the evening would be significant. And it was.
I have many blog posts in mind from how the Lord spoke to me through this event, but to give you a small taste, here’s why I think it was for me:
* One of the speakers has a daughter with a genetic metabolic life-threatening disorder that they discovered at birth because of newborn screenings. Thankfully they caught hers early and she is healthy today! Her entire message was so relevant to our current situation, and I can’t wait for her to write a book!
* That same speaker had a friend at the event who had lost her two year old son and had to bury him. I had the opportunity to spend time talking and crying with her after the event. Not a coincidence. Hearing her story of how they got through the death of their son (though different circumstances) was so painful to hear, but at the same time I know I needed to hear it just in case that is the path we are to take.
* All of the topics were exactly in line with everything we are going through. Everything.
Every detail of the event – from the food to the decorations to the speakers and topics – was perfect. It was amazing. Sarah Mae is amazing. She hugged me several times and told me that her family is praying for Tori and for us.
I left feeling encouraged, even though it was a difficult night, because I knew that God had His hand in every word that was spoken and every song that was sung.
“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you.
He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
Even So, Joy 
Love hearing this. I was just reading something from Jack Hayford in ‘Hope for a Hopeless Day’ and encouraged as he described one of the most darkest desperate days of his life, and how God visited him that day with a supernatural peace that he had not ever felt like that in his entire life. It marked him…forever. When Pastor Jack says something like that…I listen (and he’s an APU grad too!). And when you share and write, I listen too…and your messages went together so well tonight.
I think God is giving you glimpses of grace in the midst of a path that otherwise fear and dismay would be the ‘normal’ companions on…but Deuteronomy 31:8 so wonderfully reminds us that the journey can be different because He is not only with us, but He has gone before us too.
Sending love, hugs and prayer from across continents. Distant in miles, near in heart.
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Oh Melinda! I love that book because it speaks so much into various areas of my life. One of my favorites is “On a hopeless day humbling yourself to ask the help of others can help you clarify the stance you’re taking in trusting God.” This is our friends, The Brackbills, who are trusting God pointing The Way to Him with their honest faith.
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