It didn’t happen by chance

I am exhausted, but thankful for the last two days at the She Speaks Conference held by Proverbs 31 in Charlotte, NC. What I gained from encouraging a friend to attend is immeasurable. God was present, He was felt in the countless stories shared and the connections that didn’t happen by chance.

A quick introduction in a meal line led to finding a fellow twin mom living local coming to her first She Speaks. A matching pair of shoes led to a connection with someone from clear across the United States who I encouraged to take that leap of faith and publish her blog as she shared that she writes everyday. As she shared her “niche” we found a common story. This was not a chance encounter. The rest of the story? I had two pairs of shoes I was trying to decide between today. I asked my husband and he selected the pair I did not and I deferred to him this morning. I never wear these shoes!

A perfect moment in time and place led to me being able to follow up with a speaker from yesterday and let her know, as I shared with each of you in my blog, how her words resonated with me yesterday.

Someone asked if I had been published and I hesitated in my response. You see, I have been published in magazines, in book collections, but I don’t have a book published. I minimized the work God has already done in me because it was not the view of “perfection” I felt others expected when they asked if you had been published. After listening to these amazing ladies for two days, I no longer hesitate. Yes, I am an author. Yes, I am writing with the hope of strengthening or bringing more people to God. And yes, I acknowledge that doing God’s work is not a “side hustle”.

It didn’t happen by chance that I walked in those doors. It didn’t happen by chance that I met these women. It didn’t happen by chance that I heard the exact messages I needed to hear to help me see how God is already working in me and how excited I am to see where He continues to lead me.

As the devil tempted Jesus with power and splendor, I have been tempted with titles and wealth. Jesus reminded us that “It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only” (Luke 4:8). Serving God is not a side hustle. I hear my calling and I am ready.

Today I pray that you use your talents to further God’s message here on earth. I pray that you choose to serve God first.