Dear FlyLady,
My friend Krystal and I had hoped to make it to the Tulsa Expo Building so we could see FlyLady. As it turned out, her little girl was hospitalized earlier in the week and released just before I left town for Tulsa. Krystal smiled and asked me to have fun in her place. I did.
When I arrived, the chairs were already full and so was the floor --and the closer it got to 1:00 p.m. the more women began to crowd in. Hundreds and hundreds of women of all ages were there and each of them smiled and smiled.
When Marla came out, of course we all clapped and cheered -- but I think we came to see the 'gold' in her as she dealt with a rebellious sound system and then again during the question and answer period. There was one dear lady there who asked how to deal with the possessions of her recently deceased son -- and that got just about everyone in the crowd weeping. (We complain about the stupidest things -- and this magnificent lady was willing to share the deepest part of her heart with us, in hopes that she would somehow find a way to deal with the aftermath of losing her child.) When Marla said something like, "Oh honey, you may not be ready for that yet...." (sorting through and distributing the son's possessions), we all felt this wonderful anointing run through the crowd -- it was like tangible mercy flowing through the area. Such kind words -- such a ministry --and such a healing for all who heard it. Sometimes it's okay to not be ready. Sometimes it's okay to just stop and breathe a while. Thank you, FlyLady for that. "A bruised reed He will not break..."
Throughout the meeting, I kept looking at Marla and wondering about her appearance. I'd seen her pictures before and I've seen her on video -- but she was truly GLOWING. That thought just kept coming back to me -- she is so beautiful! As I was driving home tonight and sort of talking it over with the LORD, He reminded me of how Moses' face glowed after spending time in God's presence. I realized that because Marla is walking in the light that God has provided for her == on the path that He created specifically for her -- His glory really is being manifested in her and through her.
Anyway, I called Krystal and apologized for not getting an autograph(the LINE was HUMONGO_NORMOUS) and shared a bit of the day. We both wept as I talked about the ministry aspect of it all... binding broken hearts and such. I then called my oldest daughter (18) and shared --in depth -- what I'd experienced. She said, "Mom, that is the perfect example of a Proverbs 31 woman. She is taking care of her home and herself and her family. She is using her business to minister to the needs of others. She's out there using the abilities God gave her to be a blessing and help other people...." more weeping.
I think I cried more today than I've cried in quite a while...but it was all good. So thank you, FlyLady for being faithful to your calling. And thank you for letting us know that we may be late bloomers -- but we WILL bloom.
In Joy!
Brenda
Here are some pictures from FlyLady's speaking engagement in Tulsa.
