I wanted to back out. The thought of navigating Atlanta traffic again—especially after my last wrong-turn adventure—made me second-guess my decision to attend the conference. Then came the request: Would you emcee the first morning’s sessions? Me—emcee for a group of professional speakers? Some of these women were born with microphones in their hands!
But God used the AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) conference to answer prayers for safety, strength, and encouragement—reminding me that whether we serve or pray, both roles are vital to His work.
I’d asked my Bible studies to pray for me—specifically for protection from fragrances, safety navigating Atlanta, and anointing for my time on stage. And God answered, big time.
First, the hotel was right off I-85. Turn right, pass through three traffic lights, and turn left—couldn’t have been easier. Best of all, it was north of downtown Atlanta, so I never had to face the city’s heaviest traffic.
When we gathered for dinner in the hotel lobby, powerful fragrances greeted me. But aside from a bit of brain fog, I was fine—no asthma attacks, headaches, or coughing fits. Thank You, Jesus!
God Shows Up
When the time came to emcee, I believe God gave me the words to warmly welcome everyone and introduce the three speakers. One of them, a regular guest on Fox News, confided how nervous she was to speak to this group. I told her I felt the same way and offered to pray for her. That shared moment encouraged us both.
As always, connecting with old friends and making new ones was a highlight. There were many opportunities to pray for one another, which filled my soul.
This morning, my Bible reading included Luke 1:8-10. While Zechariah was performing his priestly service before God, a multitude of people stood outside praying. An angel appeared to Zechariah with good news that changed his life.
This reminded me how God often shows up in our regular acts of worship and service to Him in surprising ways. And when people pray while others serve, God moves in miraculous ways.
Sometimes we’re called to pray for others as they serve. Other times, we’re called to step into a special role of service ourselves. Both are essential to God’s work.
Thank you to all who pray for Larry and me as we serve the Lord through Lighthouse Ministries. You are an essential part of this ministry. God hears our prayers. May you feel blessed.
I forget to take photos. I’m glad my sister suggested taking some when she joined me!
Weakness isn’t the end—it’s where God meets us with strength. Here’s what I learned through a recent experience. #FindStrength, #ChristianLiving Share on XBlessings,
Sometimes I link to these great sites:
#MondayLinkUp #InstaEncouragements, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #Grace&Truth
“God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.” 1 Corinthians 1:27
Amen! I thought of adding that verse to the end, but went to bed instead. 🙂 Thanks for including it!! And for your prayers.
Debbie, As always your messages ring clear with humor and simplicity that can make it so easy to hear what you are saying and know the message loud and clear! You are gifted and I am so blessed that I’ve known you and your ministry as long as I have!
Thank you, Marilyn! You’re a real cheerleader!
What a wonderful word of encouragement Debbie!! God is so faithful and I love how what you shared highlighted His goodness and faithfulness regardless of what position we find ourselves in.
He is faithful! Thank you, Ann.
Sweet testimony! At my first writer’s conference, I spent the second morning in my hotel room with a flare-up of IBS. I wondered if I should have come. But I was fine by lunchtime and had a wonderful rest of the conference. It’s easy not to step forward because of all the what-ifs. But the times I have, God has marvelously provided.
Barbara, I attended my first writers conference with a torn meniscus. I remember sitting in my room wondering why I’d come. But God met me in those private moments and I had a wonderful time and met wonderful new friends. I just read your amazing post. I’m not sure if my comments ever stick on your site, But I always enjoy your writing.
I smiled at your concerns over traffic and directions. When I have a speaking engagement that I have to drive to, GETTING THERE is always my biggest concern. Once I’ve conquered the commute, the speaking part is pure joy!
Michele, I have no sense of direction. Driving someplace new, especially in lots of traffic, intimidates me!
I so enjoyed your post and can definitely relate to your concerns you had as you drove to the conference to emcee. Thank you for sharing your faith and reminding me that “God meets us where we are..” I have had to present in front of various conferences, classrooms, podcasts about a subject that really is close to my heart. Sometimes my anxiety will swirl, I will do some exercises to calm it, but the main thing I do is to ask the Lord for his strength because I do not have any in me. Also I can relate with the traffic on 85 being scary when I had to use it.I’m joining you from Joanne Viola link up. God bless.
Kathleen, I’m always encouraged to hear I’m not the only one! Thanks for sharing about yourself and your battles in following God too.
Debbie, you are so brave and courageous. I admire you so! And I can’t help believing you did a masterful, grace-filled job.
Thank you, Linda. As writers we tell ourselves, “If it’s not a good experience it’ll be a good story.” But I’m thankful I had a good experience and a good story of God’s faithfulness.
I understand your anxiety about the traffic, fragrances, and emceeing. But AWSA is such a loving group, I know you were blessed by being there. I missed going this year. Thanks for sharing, Debbie.
Katherine, they are the best. Sorry you couldn’t join us. It was my first time back since Covid stopped us.
What an amazing opportunity and a blessing to see God show up in such ways.
I agree the Atlanta traffic was a nightmare but I’m glad I made it.
It thrills me when I see how God cares about my concerns. I’m so glad you made it and congratulations on your award.
God is always faithful. We get a chance to grow in faith.
Thank you for the reminder. I know what you mean about the Atlanta traffic!
Love & Prayers,
Yvonne
Yvonne, I love looking back on His faithfulness. I try to remember that when my uneasy feelings lead to dread.
What an exciting time! I’ve always found that the more “fear” tries to talk me out of going to places or events, the more I recognize that God must want me there. I am glad you went. It is always blessing to meet writing friends in real life – and make new friends along the way. It sounds like God gave you a double blessing.
Thanks, Maryleigh. I’m thankful I was able to enjoy the time!