By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
My husband is an avid fan of an old television program called The Twilight Zone. He never tires of watching rerun after rerun. The story-lines are usually strange, but they certainly cause you to think outside the box.
I’ve had a few twilight zone moments of my own over the years. These nirvana-like experiences often take place in the morning when I’m not fully awake.
Oddly, some of my more inspired ideas have occurred during these times. Perhaps it’s because my mind hasn’t been hi-jacked by the clamoring thoughts of full cognizance yet so more receptive to hearing God’s still, small voice. I can’t explain it; I just know that it happens.
During one recent such episode, I was thinking about Living in Truth Ministries and sensed it was time to put on another event that would build up women and help them see their true beauty through God’s eyes. It had been nearly three years since our last event, a daylong conference called Reflecting God’s Image: Mind, Body, & Soul.
Although the 2014 conference was a great success, it had drained our leadership team physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We needed time to recover.
Now, two and a half years later, God began prompting my spirit to get back in the game and plan another event, this time it would double as a fundraiser.
Suddenly an idea popped into my mind—a fashion show that celebrates the beauty of everyday women.
Almost immediately I thought of Shari Braendel of Fashion Meets Faith. Shari’s ministry complements our own mission. An expert in the fashion industry, Shari teaches women how to dress with confidence no matter their body type.
At our next leadership meeting, I shared my vision with the team, and everyone agreed it was, indeed, time to plan another event. We began to cover the idea in prayer and started putting some plans in motion.
I decided to give Shari a call, even though I had doubts whether she would be available on such short notice. (Our event date was less than six months away.) I also had reservations we could afford Shari’s speaking fee (if by some miracle she was available). As a Christian speaker, Shari is in high demand, speaking at more than fifty events a year.
Even with all these doubts and concerns swirling about in my mind, God kept prompting me to take a leap of faith. I knew that I needed to be obedient.
God continues to show off in big, bold, radical ways, doing immeasurably more than all we can ask or even imagine!
Not only was Shari available to come and speak, but through the course of our conversation (after explaining the mission of our event), Shari told me that God had laid it on her heart to waive her normal speaking fee. We would only have to cover her travel expenses.
Wow, I couldn’t believe it! “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
If you would like to know more about our upcoming fundraiser event, Fashion at the Madison, please Click Here.
Perhaps you have you sensed God’s still small voice prompting you to take a leap of faith in some area of your own life. Don’t let the world’s criticism or unbelief drown out the voice of God and keep you from being obedient. If it is God’s will, He will make a way.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2) “They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:3b)
If, like me, you are in doubt, wondering whether you heard God correctly? Share your vision with others. Seek God’s wisdom through prayer and petition. And if you still feel the Spirit’s conviction on the matter, step into the unknown, and watch God part the waters.
