I remember when we moved to Naples, FL. Such a beautiful area, not like anything I’d ever seen. It kinda made me feel like a grilled cheese sandwich that had wrongfully been placed on a five star menu. Awkward!
My trip to the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Orlando, should have been a similar experience. Instead, it was completely amazing. I made some wonderful connections with people who are way above my pay grade. That was great, but what impressed me most was watching the Master Chef work His magic.
If you know me at all, it’s not hard to calculate that I’m not the starstruck type. Matter of fact, I’m oblivious to the Who’s Who in the world of broadcasting. That made this week’s adventure exactly what I want my life to remain—a huge red arrow pointing to Jesus.
Let It Happen
Never went through the NRB brochure and only attended the opening session. I knew I was there to meet folks—so that’s what I did. When the trip was over I flipped through the event guide and realized I’d made personal contact with four people who were pictured in the Proclaim 17 brochure. Wow!
“I’m in no position to be giving away books, so unless you’ll promise to read I’m keeping this.” That’s what I said before I handed my book to Jerry Johnson, the president of the National Religious Broadcasters. Same thing for Nick Hall, who I later discovered was the founder and chief communicator for Pulse, an organization that’s revolutionizing college campuses for Christ.
I’m not name dropping. I want to show you that obeying God’s whisper will take you to the exact place you’re intended to be. And for me, there’s no place I’d rather be.
Simply Simple
I don’t long to be rich or famous. Wealth and attention could add terrible burden to my beautifully contented lifestyle. All I seek is obedience.
I can tell you stories of interviews I drummed up with various reporters. I even told Eric Metaxas, (the biggest name in religious broadcasting) “I’m sorry, but I have no idea who you are. Just felt led to tell you about my memoir.” We talked about a few issues and really hit it off. So much so that when I walked by his show later he smiled and nodded at me. Cool!
I prayed over Erwin Lutzer—that his friend’s son would be free from heroin addiction. Not because I knew he’d been the pastor of Moody Church for more than three decades and written 38 books. Why? Because the Spirit of God that lives in me instructed me to do so.
Even when he told me who he was, I was unimpressed. Then I looked him up and was impressed, but not with him—with what God was doing. Mr. Lutzer bought my book and donated $10 to my ministry. What?
Wait For It…
The most astounding connection I made didn’t happen in Orlando. My daughter Azlynn attended a speaking engagement in Fort Myers on Thursday evening. After hearing the message she got in line to purchase a book. She considered leaving several times because it was a school night and her boys were in Naples.
When Azlynn got closer to the booth she felt she should give this gentleman a copy of my book. Asking the lady behind her to save her place, she shot to the car and back. When her turn came she smiled and said, “My mother wrote a book and I think I’m supposed to give you one.”
The man sprung to his feet, “I met your mother yesterday. Isn’t this book about drug addiction? Man, I’m supposed to read this book, I’m supposed to read this book!” Then he asked, “Did your mom send you here?”
Azlynn’s reply came, “My mother doesn’t know I’m here, and trust me when I tell you, she has no clue who you are.” And I didn’t. Not then, or even when I’d handed him a book the day before at the convention.
What’s funny to me is that he happens to be the only person who I wasn’t sure would read it. I even saw him later in the hallway where he thanked me for the book. I waved and said, “Have you read anything yet? Get to reading.”
Only God
DeVon Franklin, that’s his name. He’s the President/CEO of Franklin Entertainment. He’s produced many big-name movies and is personal friends with Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry— two people I’ve always dreamed would read my book.
Who knows what will happen from here, and to be perfectly honest, who cares? God is obviously up to something and that guarantees the perfect outcome. I’m so happy to be free from drugs, and living on purpose, that everything else is a bonus.
Guess I’ve finally reached that warm and toasty place in my life where I’ll gladly be a grilled cheese sandwich on the finest menu—as long as God’s the Head Chef.
Yesssss Texas!!! Yes to all of this. I’m overjoyed, emotionally charged for you and the opportunities that lay ahead. Next Adventure! ❤
My heart swells and tears of joy follow as I hear again how the Lord went before you at the NRB. The coolest thing in the world for a believer is seeing God’s undeniable hand in the affairs of our lives…and boy is He at work in Texas!
I literally laughed out loud as I read this! How cool!! Lord… You never cease to amaze… never!!
High fives to Azlynn for her obedience too.
Great post!
The best news ever!!! GOD is definitely at work big time in your life i can’t wait to watch what he kewps doing in your life as well as your ministry!! I love you my sweetest friend
Love it! Divine Appointments are His forte.
Amazing how God works when we least expect it. Blessings
And to think we couldn’t even make you a grilled cheese sandwich when you were here ??? But, we are so thrilled for how the Lord is opening up so many new doors in your newest journey. You can count on our love, prayers and deepest respect for your hard work and tenacity. Love to you Texas
I have never loved you more than this moment reading part of your growing testimony. Knowing a lot of the trials and tribulations you have gone through to come out with all this awe at how the Lord has turned your life around, all because you became obedient to the call He has always had on your life. Thank you for choosing life.
Oh, Texas…
This was so awesome! So proud of you and excited for you-God is going to use you SO mightily for His kingdom and then I can tell people: “Oh, Texas Stready, yep, I know that girl-she’s my friend!” <3
And, for the record, I'd rather a good ole, down-home, soul-comforting grilled cheese over some more gourmet fare ANY day of the week! 🙂
Love and miss you~
Lynnie
I Love how our Father goes before us, How Jesus footprints show up, and How the Holy Spirit whispers!!! You know the 3 of them were smiling ear to ear:)
Love you
Girlfriend, it was a joy to watch God orchestrate your every step at NRB. So glad to have you on the Redemption Press team!
Big Hug,
Athena
I once wished I was an oscarmayer weiner but now I’ll settle to be just a toasted cheese sandwich if you don’t mind. Second choice would be a Royal Castle hamburger Cat Woman remembers.
I’m so proud of you Texas! To go to the NRBC with no knowledge of the big wigs and no pre-planned agenda means you were able to be completely directed by the Holy Spirit. Is there anything better?
I can’t wait to see what lies ahead because of your obedience and trust in the Lord. Whatever it is, you’ll be able to rest in knowing that only HE could have pulled it off!
Oh, Texas. I love your heart. So many at that convention were out seeking autographs from important people. Bless your heart .. not you! I love that you said, “I’m sorry but I don’t know who you are,” to Eric Metaxas. And that you prayed over Erwin Lutzer!!! Your obedience keeps you humble and surely would puncture holes in self-importance if either of these men were proud (not saying they are). Watching eagerly for what God will do with those gifted books. Love you!
Good news!!! Erwin Lutzer is such a good teacher.He has ministered to me. Your daughter is beautiful, just like you.
Keep on’
Oh Texas I am smiling ear to ear reading this. You have such a gift of connecting with people through your writing and your speaking by just being you. I can just envision you meeting these people and saying “I have no idea who you are.” The imagery of the grilled cheese and the head chef brings a lot of cheer to my day. You hit the mark in every way. Blessings to you my friend.