Do you ever wish God would just give you a neon sign, or write in the sky to say exactly what’s on His mind? It seems it would be a lot easier that way, doesn’t it?
The She Speaks conference in Charlotte, NC houses 650 Christian women speakers, leaders, and/or writers. Women come from all over the world and range from confident and ambitious to apprehensive and hesitant. Bravo to every woman who stepped out with faith and courage to attend.
Last year, rather intimidated, I went with a friend to get a feel for the conference, but this year I went alone. I felt so blessed that only twenty miles away, God nearly put this conference in my back yard. During my drive over on Friday, I was telling God how I really didn’t want to go alone. I heard Him say, “You’re not alone.”
I responded, “I know God. I know You’re with me wherever I go, but it would be nice if I could go with someone with skin on:)”
He said, “This could be a special time for the two of us you know!”
I thought out loud (my favorite way to think), “Ok. This is a Jesus date! Just me and You, Lord.” I know this seems crazy, but as I drove, I imagined Him in the passenger’s seat with me. I knew in my heart He was there, whether I imagined it or not, but I literally visualized Jesus sitting with me in the car.
After getting checked in, I went right away to the prayer room. My dear friend, Gennie from Texas, and I have an awesome God story from last year involving the prayer room, but that’s for another day. The prayer room–organized by my sweet Speaker Evaluation group leader, Luann Prater–was a special, dimly lit, quiet getaway!
As if the cross and kneeling benches weren’t enough to create an atmosphere of prayer and reverence for God, there were tables with several Hebrew names of God spread out on them. Each Hebrew name had attached to it 20-30 names of women attending. The names had been prayed over by the conference leaders and coordinators prior to the conference. WE were also welcomed and encouraged to pray over all the names.
When I found mine, it was attached to none other than, Immanuel, meaning God With Us. Underneath, it simply said “I Am.” It was almost as if I Am had put His signature on His note to me. Then under His note it read, “Jesus is God in our midst. In Him all the fullness of Deity lives in bodily form,” almost as if I needed reminding.
{A side note is that the week prior I had been writing intensely and doing final edits. At the conference, I was to pitch the book God had been confirming and telling me to write for months. In one of my sample chapters, I had written about I Am.}
I Am was with me.
If I didn’t hear Him loud and clear in the car, He reminded me again in the prayer room with a “neon sign” written in Hebrew: Immanuel!
I Am with you Rivera! You are never alone. Now let’s go attend this conference together!
Great story, cheers Graeme
Thank you Graeme!
Oh, those neon signs in that prayer room were so right on target! I’ve never seen God work as obviously as He did in that room. I’m glad you shared your story for all to see that God can and will speak to us. He is so good.
Oh Jane, you are so right! There’s something special about that prayer room. But what’s even more special is that we have our own personal “prayer room” with God in our hearts. He is with us always, and we have access to Him anywhere, at any time. I love that, don’t you?! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! Loved our time at breakfast during She Speaks:)
What a beautiful love-note from God! It is so lovely when He gives us those physical signs of His love.
God’s love notes are always beautiful, aren’t they? Thanks for stopping by. It’s so nice to meet you:)
Hi Rivera. Thanks for this post! I just came across your blog through another’s and I find your words encouraging. I would like to attend She Speaks at some point, too.
Hi Julie, Thanks for stopping by. It’s a pleasure to meet you:) I’ll look forward to getting to know you more. She Speaks is a wonderful opportunity. Praying God will work it out so you can go.
Wow! That’s so awe inspiring Rivera. He never ceases to amaze.
HE is awe inspiring, isn’t He?
I love this story and I also have imagined Jesus I the passengers seat. It is a great feeling to know that He is with us and we are not alone.
…the greatest:) Thanks Caroline!
It’s funny how much God likes to use the less than comfortable times of life to let us feel the closest to Him.
Thanks for this story. I’m applying for a scholarship to a nearby writers conference this Fall and if I get it, I’ll be all alone too!
Thanks for stopping by. I’ll pray specifically that God grants you the scholarship and a conference alone with I Am:)
I love this ! Isn’t it cool how God always lets us know He is with us when wherever we are ?
Yes, He’s so sweet that way, isn’t He?
I LOVE it when we get a visual of Jesus beside us! Your message stirs my soul sister! Thank you sharing a little of your She Speaks story! I think you’re beautiful.
~ Blessings from Maine, Amy
Your words bless. Thank you Amy. Blessings back to YOU from NC:)
I so love this story…it makes me smile! He is the great I AM! Love you!
This gives me goose bumps! What a GREAT story!
Thank you Mindy. HIS stories are always the best, aren’t they?
Love……you just made me cry
I just love me some sweet, tenderhearted God stories!
Hey Allison, You’re so sweet. Thank you. I LOVE God stories too. I particularly love telling them;)
How encouraging to hear stories of God’s very personal presence. Thanks!
Yes, it’s a reminder of the intimacy we can have with Him! Thank YOU!
Dates with Jesus are the BEST!! Isn’t it amazing that, with all that God is overseeing in the world, He takes time out for us whenever we call upon Him…!!! ‘So glad you had a wonderful conference
Much love…
YES, they are the best! Thank you Mary!