Colin and I just dropped Mom off at the Atlanta airport.
[Tear]I was secretly hoping the strong rains in Atlanta would last just a day longer so I could hold on to Mom for just a few more hours. And a cleansing of the final layer of inch deep pollen paste that has coated my car and bronchial tubes would have been a nice little bonus as well.
Colin and I took Mom to the Flying Biscuit in Midtown this morning for breakfast. We really wanted to take her for ābrunchā but her flight was leaving a bit too early for such a special event. Brunch is a big deal to the wonderful folk in Georgia and I have become quite fond of it myself. Admittedly, I had to get over my initial aversion to the word ābrunchā because it appears to be a combination of the word ābreakfastā and ālunchā which sorta-kinda-I-mean-really gets on my nerves. I swiftly got over my petty annoyance, however, the first time those creamy dreamy shrimp and grits touched my lips. Enough about ābrunchā though. Except for one more thing, the word ābrunchā is far better than ābruncheonā on the velveeta scale. My cordiality comes to a screeching halt with ābruncheonā.
Back to breakfast. In predictable Beth fashion, Mom ordered the Flying Biscuit Breakfast with the Orange scented French toast on the side. Please note that the Orange Scented French toast is actually not a side dish but a full meal. While we were waiting for Momās several dishes to come out we were talking about really urgent issues, like how complex and intricate the Flying Biscuit motif was on this little ceramic jar.
If I have not said this on the blog before, by far my favorite time to hang out with my Mom is right after some kind of big event like a videotaping, Passion, Deeper Still, or a Living Proof Live. In this case it was the Simulcast that was evidently extended to over 300,000 women. By the way, I told my Mom yesterday never to utter a number like that to me again without a serious warning and that if she even attempted to introduce me during the second session of the simulcast, I would take her to court for her wrongdoing. As you can guess, Mom did not listen and it turns out there really are restrictions on lawsuits. But seriously, Mom is super fun to be with right after a big conference. For starters, right after a big event she hasnāt slept in about a week and so after she steps off the stage she plunges into a very advanced case of delirium. If I thought she could handle the stress I would use this priceless state for my own advantage and literally take her from the church directly to a venue for her to do stand-up comedy. Also, since her stomach is usually pretty weak right before she speaks since she doesnāt have much of an appetite, usually the first thing she says to us after a session is, āI AM SO HUNGRY!ā Then we sit down at the table and she says, āIām going to order sixteen things.ā For some reason, she always uses the same number, sixteen. Iām not sure why she has this affinity for the number sixteen but she does and it delights me to no end each new time she throws it out there, almost like it is the very first time she has ever come up with this golden number āsixteenā. You can ask Amanda. I am not making this up.
My heart is so full from such a wonderful weekend. After Colin and I left Momās hotel last night and had gone on home, Amanda and I called my Mom three-way from my cell-phone. It was like 1993 sans landline. We talked and giggled and carried on and on about little snippets and stories from women we had encountered throughout the day until it was past Momās bedtime. When we hung up the phone I realized I had a giant lump in my throat. The Lordās ways are truly remarkable. Ā His intricate and elaborate pursuit of each of us just blows me away. Ā Yesterday as I sat listening to my Momās message in the second session I noticed a woman a few rows behind me who quietly streamed tears the entire hour and a half. As I watched her emotionally absorb words that were far too weighty for her to bear without a physical response, the gospel in its most unadulterated form was preached to my heart once again. That God, in the cross of Jesus Christ, has forgiven us and brought us into fellowship with Himself is the most compelling news our ears will ever hear and our minds will ever conceive. That He esteems us and deems us valuable is just beyond comprehension. I mean, weāre pretty bad. Ā Okay, we’re really bad, and even a tad bit unlovable a lot of the time.
Paul told the Corinthians in his second letter, āFor God, who said, āLet light shine out of darkness,ā made his light shine in our heart to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christā (4.6). Godās work in us through Jesus Christ is nothing short of a new creation. The same creator who sculpted the sun shined his very own light into our hearts by means of the knowledge of Christās gospel. This is not the kind of news one just sits and coldly anticipates with a forced half-smile but one that should be absorbed in a manner that cannot be controlled, contained, or folded up neatly like linens in a closet. I thank my dear sister who was sitting several rows behind me, wherever she is now, for reminding me how vast, enrapturing, and beautiful the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ really is. It is a profound experience to ponder the gospel anew in the face of someone who has just internalized Godās indescribable gift. The gospel is not safe and predictable, although we have most often rendered it such. It should turn every aspect of our lives completely upside down. Jesus has thrown everything utterly off balance. Perhaps more often than not the Gospel should completely undo us to the point that we cannot act altogether civilized. It sounds a little bit unsettling or even grotesque for those of us who are especially self aware but the bright side is that the community of God has been a peculiar people from the beginning, so we really donāt have all that much to lose.
AMEN. Thanks for sharing and thanks for the laughs :O)
I can’t deny that God is clearly at work in all of us to a degree that is almost unfathomable. My heart has been full to the point of bursting today and it has only been in recent hours that I have even been able just to sit still. You are right – there is something unique about being turned upside down and inside out. My appreciation for God and His love for me has wrecked me to an extent that I am compelled anew to share the love He has for me with others. Ironically, the song “this little light of mine” was in my head all day today, so the Scripture you have shared is particularly relevant to my Jesus moments I’ve been having since the simulcast. Anyway, no need to go on, all that is really important is to note that I really do feel changed and I feel like I am seeing God in a whole new way.
Oh, and on another completely different note – as someone who recently finished a thesis – congratulations to you my friend! I hope the process is over and done with for you now and that you are enjoying the satisfaction that comes with the end of such a project. That can change you from the inside out too!
So beautifully put, thank you so much for sharing. As a young mommy of two darling girls, I completely adore the dynamic between you three!
Much love to all of you.
Jennifer
Ok Can I ask a “crazy” question? How do you keep yourself from running up the stairs and just start telling your mom what a great point, or tell her ‘wow you really nailed that point’, or just run up and hug her when you know she is in need? If that was my mom up on the platform I would be up and down. Now I do realize this was my first and not yours. But I just am impressed with how together you are and sitting so close, I think I would be “talking back” with ‘ya know it’, ‘right on!’ ‘Amen’ etc.
Thank you for sharing your precious moments with us. I am very appreciative of you both willing to open yourselves to us peeking in and hearing your conversations, that most of us would not share on such an open level. I know we didn’t hear word for word, but just getting a glimpse of your lives is tender and beautiful.
Thank you x’s 16!
What a beautiful post, Melissa. I love reading about the “behind-the-scenes” stuff like what you guys ate for breakfast, and I love reading about theology too! Thanks for the reminder that the gospel is not safe and predictable, and that it should turn our world upside down. That’s the kind of life I want – sold out and radical and passionate. These days I’m asking God to show me more about what the cross really means.
Good to hear from you!
#1- Earlier this week I found myself, though thankful that I didn’t have something horrible to sob over, simultaneously hoping that I could just let out a good cry to clear out the aforementioned pollen. It finally poured the rain in TN yesterday. I hope it helps. š
#2- My 4 year old currently has an affinity for the number 100. (Which I think makes more sense then 16, but 16 is cuter). Everything has to do with the number 100. My most recent favorite:
“When it is 100 o’clock, THEN it will be my bedtime”.
#3- a big fat AMEN @”Perhaps more often than not the Gospel should completely undo us to the point that we cannot act altogether civilized.”
I heart when Melissa writes.
Melissa, how great is this blog?!? I mean seriously, this is so great. I love that the three of you have a blog and can share your lives with us in this way. What a privilege to get a peek into your this awesome journey that God has you on…I look forward to reading more in the future!
The word from this weekend was timely for me. I had the honor of being at Woodstock, and for a Michigan girl, this was a big deal. š (Took a ton of planning and sacrifice from my family for me to go! I’m so thankful!) Anyway, thanks for this post, it’s a great reminder of what life’s all about.
Hilarious! Thanks for the post Melissa and as nervous as you may have been…we love seeing you there! It speaks volumes to me that Beth’s daughters are so involved in the ministry God has chosen for her…
God bless you and the fam!
And…I want to celebrate that in this morning’s worship service at my church I found out a woman accepted Christ because of the simulcast yesterday!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!
My exageration number is 8. Which doesn’t seem like a lot, but it’s nice because I’ll say things like, 8 hands or 800 letters, things that are somewhat rediculous and far-fetched but at the same time, leave a lasting mental impression. Seriously, can’t you just picture someone with 8 hands? Funny huh?!! Ok, only funny to me.
Melissa – I am so glad that you got that precious time with your mom after the Simulcast…. and as she was talking about you, and we could see you up there on that screen listening too her and shaking your head back and forth….. I have to tell you, all of us chuckled, and died a little bit right along with you.
Cause you know, all of our mom’s would have done the same to us, and as humiliated as we might be from it, we would probably turn around and do the same thing to all our own daughters… because there is no way not to be proud of them and want to show them off for everybody to see!
It’s a testimony to the love your mom has for you, and the relationship that you have with each other!
Thank you for sharing a bit of your mom with all of us, and for sharing the “background” and “after the event” insight! It makes it all the more fun to read this blog and to do her studies and learn about all of you!
Thanks and God bless!
Heather
Brunch sounds delightful!
The event was a feast spread out before me…in the presence of my enemy, the prince of darkness. Oh, how he fought us coming together to stand for the next generation of women faced with insecurity!
I trudged through a river of water flowing down the drive in front of the church just to hear God’s message for me this day. My pants were wet to my knees, my shoes were soaked. I was baptized…again…by the waters poured out from heaven this morning.
I feel like I should write a psalm after this weekend. That’s the best way I know to describe my emotions. In the mass of women at Woodstock…I felt like “One.” The woman whom Jesus loves. Isn’t that what security in Christ is all about?
Thank you all for helping me to love Him more and to love others in His Name.
Your post brought tears to my eyes. What an awesome message your mom brought on Saturday. I am still soaking it all in! I hope it’s available some day to purchase so I can hear it all over again, and fill in any missing pieces that aren’t on my notes. Bless you Moore girls!
Melissa,
What a precious post. And please do not take legal action the next time your mother wants OVER A QUARTER MILLION people to see you…that number is almost as astounding as 16, isn’t it? (grin)
You know the line in “How He Loves Us” that goes “and heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss” – that is pretty much the summation of this weekend. I won’t even go into details, but truly God just kept sneaking in kisses. And that observation you made of the woman moved by the message yesterday – imagine how many others were playing out the same scene in 369 locations – How He must have delighted in us yesterday!
Oh wow, Melissa. I’ve missed you! I had to read those last two paragraphs twice, and it still hasn’t all sunk in. Man alive. Thank you, Jesus!
And I got warm fuzzies reading about you eating after the simulcast with your mom. I still can’t believe I got the once-in-a-lifetime chance to do that with you guys back in January at the Siesta thing. I’m still not sure how such a tiny woman packed away as much food as she did.
Thanks for this amazing post.
Totally agree with you on the word “bruncheon”…it’s wrong on so many levels!
It was such a great weekend and I’m still processing it. It takes a day or two for all that happens on a weekend like this to sink in. I do know that I wish I could do it all again…the laughing with my peeps, getting very little sleep, spending more time at Starbucks in 2 days than I do in 2 weeks, learning from the women God’s blessed me with in my life, hearing from your sweet mom, and just loving the fact that all of this is done out of of a common love of the Lord and a desire to serve Him! Being able to spend time with K Mac, Hawk, Nancy and Di, as well as the other ladies, was such a privilege and joy. I loved watching the ladies as they stood in line and made new friends and visited with those they came with. I loved praising God with Travis and remembering when we were all there last year for the taping/recording of his cd! I have teared up so much this afternoon just thinking about all that’s happened and how very blessed I am to know you all and to have heard from God, not only from Beth but also from Lisa McKay. The woman is amazing! Both are!
Such a great weekend but I must crash now…the lack of sleep is catching up to me and I’m afraid I’m not as young as I used to be…That’s just SAD!
Love to all my siestas and peeps!
Nikki
Melissa
I like your mother have two beautiful daughters. And like your mother my second born was my spit-fire. Instead of “Are you gonna boss me today”, my precious Miranda would say “Don’t tell me nothing!” Instead of basketball she started dancing at 2. They didn’t allow children to start classes til they were 4. She didn’t take no for an answer. She is now 16 and has an undeniable passion for the Lord, as you. Thank you for sharing God’s word, your family and especially your mother with all of us. Yesterday was an incredible day. I was in a small church with a small group of women from all over San Antonio and surrounding areas, and yet I felt completely connected to every other one of the 300,000 watching. Mind boggling.
Insecurity? What’s that? I am clothed in strength and dignity and my God is good. He is so good.
Thanks for sharing… I can’t wait to do your Bible Studies!!!
Melissa – My heart is happy to see a post from you on this here blog. Saturday was amazing and I’m especially glad you had time with your Mom – that makes my heart even happier. The hug from you is going to just have to last until we meet again – which I hope is soon!
I loved reading about the woman behind you that was so touched – just think, that was repeated thousands of times over. Even in the group of women I was with. May God be praised.
I love you.
Mrs. Jan
PS: I despise the word “cafetorium” which is used in schools – a combination of the auditorium and the cateria. Which means a lunchroom with a stage. It’s sad, and I don’t like it. What if they tried to serve a bruncheon in a cafetorium? We would not be able to attend!!! Truly.
… a bruncheon in a cafetorium!!! Jan – this cracked me up! I may never recover….
Adrienne
um, if anyone ever invites me to a “bruncheon” in the “cafetorium” i will hurl.
I just loved this story Melissa, thank you for sharing this. Love is everything and your mom probably had a tear or two herself after leaving you and reading this. You are a wonderful daughter. Thank you for sharing,
Sue
We too had a wonderful time at our simulcast. We are a small town of approx. 300-400 people and we had about 200 ladies show up from as far away as 80 miles. We are a church of about 150 and were so blessed by this opportunity. (Even though it did an excellent job of exposing our insecurities!!) Thank you so much for sharing so much of your lives in such a public way. It made a huge difference in many hearts this weekend!! God bless you!
That verse in Corinthians is on the frontspiece of my Bible under the words, “My Testimony.” I have told my friends and family when I die, those are the verses the preacher should use at my funeral. God has indeed brought me out of darkness into light and I hope that light illuminates God’s love for all those around me. Wonderful story about your family and your mom. I thank God that she is willing to be used by God even though it drains her so.
First of all, I must tell you, Melissa, isn’t your mom’s birthdat June 16? If I am wrong about that, sorry. I just remember her birthday being in June and 16 just happened to pop out!
Anyway, I wasn’t able to attend the simulcast for reasons that I can not divulge. BUT today, I got my bland dishwater blonde/grey hair highlighted. Sitting on the table in front of me was a very delicate candy pack wrapped in blue netting. It had attached to it a card announcing Beth’s simulcast. She had no idea who Beth was. I explained who Beth was. I exlained about her book and this blog.
She was very interested and I sent her a link to Living Proof Ministries so she could find out more about Beth.
I was so excited because I had been mournng not being able to attend. Now, though, I had an opportunity to talk to this gal because of it.
Melissa, thank you for your touching comments. I think the one thing I tend to forget is the stamina of the cross. Thank you for bringing it back.
Kels, Redding
Melissa: thanks…that’s all I can say, is thanks…
Melissa,
I can handle brunch, but I’m with you on bruncheon…I mean, really people?! : ) I love to “hear” your take on the world. You and your mom and sister and so many of us come from the same family in Christ, same Father, and yet we all have such unique and profound contributions to make to one another. It’s such a portrait of the body of Christ. Thanks for your transparency and your accessability. I really enjoy your unique God-given perspective. Isn’t diversity within unity great? Flying Biscuit…I’m gonna have to google that one….sounds great! So do orange scented foods!
Hey Melissa and Siestaville in general –
Thanks for the post. I was so bummed to have missed yesterday – but. What can one do when one has one’s children who need to be tended? One mothers – that is what one does.
Alright. Enough with “one.” I so loved the snippet about the #16!! And I’m trying so hard to have a contented heart and bear up under the fact that the far flung corner of the nation I inhabit has, for my morning dining pleasure, restaurants with names like: George’s Family Restaurant. Not, unfortunately, the Flying Biscuit.
Dern. (My one consolation at moments like these is that a day is coming when we’ll all be seated at the same table and we can eat sixteen items if we want to. Or not. But no one will gain any weight – I know the Bible doesn’t specifically address this point – but can it really be a “glorified” body if we have to count calories? Didn’t think so. ) (Also, that makes me remember when my oldest son, Boaz, was about three, he inquired, very seriously, if “Jesus would be serving beets at the wedding feast in heaven; and do I HAVE to eat them if He gives me some?”)
Oh, I do love a three year old.
So glad you got to see the Gospel and all its scandalous, mysterious, wonderful freedom pour down the face of our sister in grateful tears.
God is so good to us. Whether we’re at George’s or at the Flying Biscuit – or somewhere inbetween.
Lots of love to Siestas one and all ~
Warm in Alaska.
ok so I have got to come clean with all my siestas. at some point during the book study, I made a post that I now have to take back/amend. essentially, I wrote that I didn’t think I had any insecurities (at least not anymore). in high school and college, yes, I was seriously insecure. I saw so much of my former self all over the book. but today, I thought I was basically free of insecurity. while it is true that, in recent years, the Lord has been faithful to deliver me from many of my insecurities, it became very clear to me at the simulcast that there was at least one area of insecurity that the Lord still wanted to work out.
isn’t it funny how He prepares you for weeks in advance in order to drive home a point loud and clear? by the time I got to the simulcast, I was desperate for a word from Him. desperate. by way of background, I recently started leading a group of women in a home bible study (Bethās study on Daniel). please pray for our group. at least 4 out of 12 women did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ at the beginning of this study, and I have had the opportunity to share Christ with the whole group. Iām not sure if any decisions have been made, but everyone is asking questions, and almost everyone is doing their homework. Iām serious: three of the ladies in our study didn’t own a copy of the bible when we started. thankfully, we were able to provide each of them with their very own copy, and two of them have not missed one day (not ONE day) of homework. isn’t He good? anyway, since the inception of this study, I have been experiencing what I have been referring to as a “spirit of condemnation.” my state of mind was such that the day before the simulcast, I cried out to God and confessed that I didn’t believe I was experiencing the abundant life that He promises. although everything on the surface was going well (the weather was even beautiful that day), life was so difficult from an emotional standpoint that I didn’t even get enjoyment out of driving down the road in the beautiful spring weather with the windows down. I almost wished I could return to my apathetic Christian existence. at least I could enjoy spring. I immediately knew He appreciated my honesty, and He asked me in my spirit to trust Him. after all, Romans 8:28. indeed.
fast forward: my sister and I enjoyed the morning session of the simulcast and, during break, we went to lunch at a local restaurant. in my family, we love hypothetical questions, so she asked me, if I had a baby boy (Iām not even pregnant – lol), what I would name him. and so, we began to discuss names. I happen to love names with meaning. while my sister likes a name just for the way it sounds, I love family names and/or biblical names – its just my style. so anyway, we begin to discuss the meaning of our own names. she is Catherine: “pure”. I am Amy: “beloved”. why does this matter? I know; Iām sorry; Iām rambling.
the point is this: I realized during the second half of the simulcast that I have been insecure in my relationship with the Lord. for so long, the Lord has lovingly tried to quiet me in the shadow of the cross that Melissa just so beautifully described. I knew in my head that Christ’s sacrifice was enough to cover my sin. what I didn’t know was that (although He is not pleased with my past or present sins), He is happy to cover me in His mercy. I am not the big fat disappointment I think I am. I am His “beloved.” like John (whose name also means “beloved”), He wants me to think of myself as the one that Jesus loves. because I struggle so much with this kind of “crazy love” (to pull from Francis Chan), I even believe He chose my name on purpose. Amy. beloved. every time I hear my name I will know the truth. because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I am a dearly loved child. Iām free. so long insecurity! thank You, Father! I love You too…
Wow Amy! That is powerful! Thank you for sharing it with us. My name means “warrior”. Guess what I do? LOL.
Kelly
haha kelly – i LOVE your name!!! we are certainly in a war, and we need all the warriors we can get š keep fighting! love ya <3 -amy
Yes, Amy!
Thank God He hears us and responds to us so readily. What a blessing to know that sincerity before Him is all that’s required-becuase who can untangle the knots we find ourselves in!? I think that’s where all insecurity starts-God, can I really believe what you say? His blessings and favor on you!-Angela H
thank you so much angela (“messenger”). you are right – all insecurity DOES start with the question, “God, can i really believe what you say?” its amazing how insecurity comes in so many different forms yet always derives from the same issue: faith.
Your words blessed my heart for several reasons. They were truth. That is the God we serve and you captured the concept of His mercy for us so well. I had the chance to teach our young married couples Sunday morning and used some of what God had poured into me from an old teaching from your mom about trust. God used it to speak and I am so thankful for her insight. I have three grown daughters and so connect with the relationships that y’all share. My girls and I laugh together until we cry… almost everyday….and usually at me! It was also sweet to hear from you because it is so rare that we do….and by that do I mean that hearing from you would be less sweet if it were less rare? (see why my girls laugh?) I exhaust myself! Glad that you had a wonderful weekend with the Lord and your sweet mama! Love you as if I knew you!
Thanks for that great reminder, Melissa. Since I was born on the 16th of June, married on the 16th of September and had my firstborn on the 16th of November, I like that number, too. Haha.
That’s so cool Melissa. You Moore women are such a blessing to me. I am so appreciative that you share your Mom with all of us. She is a true gift from God, her love and passion for God’s word has taught me that there is no other way to “break free” from the insanities of life than to be safe and secure in God’s word. The love for all of us that Beth gives comes across that screen into the room where we are can only be God, and I am so grateful for her and her Bible studies that God has inspired her to write.
I am looking so forward to next month to the LPL Event in Grand Rapids, MI. It is only 50 miles from my house and it is sorta like Beth Moore is coming to visit! How fun! We will all have a great time in the Lord with wonderful worship from Travis. I listen to Jesus Saves on a daily basis! Praise YOU Lord Jesus!!
Love you guys,
Rhonda Siler
Kalamazoo, MI
Melisssa,
I’ve been to the Flying Biscuit! My two best girlfriends and I went to Deeper Still in Atlanta in 2008 and the first stop us Virginia girls made when we got to the ATL was the Flying Biscuit. We still talk of those creamy grits…. and the biscuits really are fabulous!
Beth’s teaching was amazaing. It really was the perfect wrap-up of a difficult but so worth it journey. I truly am not the same woman that began reading this book a couple of months ago. I’ve got a 14 year old daughter who’s so worth the work I’ve put into the final phase of claiming my freedom from my past. Now I’m praying that I can impart to her the knowledge I’ve gained through this book. And I’m praying about who to buy books for so I can share this amazing truth that leads to freedom.
Melissa, I LOVE the Flying Biscuit and those creamy dreamy grits!! Wish I could’ve seen the simulcast.
Melissa,
I always love to see a post from you. Not that I don’t love posts from your mom and Amanda, but you have been busy this year and you bring your own unique style into this community and we all love it.
This weekend started out with a punch in the proverbial stomach for me and exposed huge expanses of insecurity for me. I really didn’t want to go to Woodstock and when I did get there I sat in the last row of the balcony by myself. Just wanted to be alone. And of course God spoke to me with the volume turned up HUGE. I had to laugh when your mother made you stand up… somehow I knew you really didn’t want to be “out there”. But thats OK. You have given your mom volumes of material to talk about and we all have watched you grow up through her studies. My favorite story was one where she found a note you had written to her in her Bible and you told her you were going to get a tattoo. “But it will be a spiritual one!”
Anyway… Coming home from the conference I was met by my college age daughter dealing with a huge insecurity and a woman I had not seen in years (dealing with huge pain)… Both hurting… And out of my very selfish, self pitying heart…. God gave me something to give each of them… which was so very obviously not from me…
He is a wonder and you are so very right about his gospel. HE IS TRUTH…
heidi
Took part in the simulcast at Woodstock š Thanks to Dear Twinkle, i was able to attend with the sweet young woman I have had the pleasure of mentoring and calling friend š We were in the overflow room, and much to our shock…. after visiting our Houston flight back to atl girls (Twinkle – Deborah, Georgia Jan, Wendy (mom of 11), and Emmy š ) we could hear laughter in the overflow outside the doors, and it looked like the hallways were DESERTED!!!! but low and behold, there you and your mom were, coming to chat with us there. Thank you for that experience, and the fun held there… And thank you for laying out the foundation with Christ’s help to begin putting off the Old and putting on the NEW!!! Thanks Melissa for your wonderful description of the event itself… processing, really processing it all….
much Love in Christ!!!
We’ve got to get together and actually talk one day, Holly! Thank you for finding me at the product table, hugging my neck, and introducing your friend to me. So very glad you two were able to use the tickets!
I loved seeing you Holly! Made my day! : )
Thank you so much for your insight. It’s true – the gospel “should turn every aspect of our lives completely upside down. Jesus has thrown everything utterly off balance.” I love the the way you put that. I’m beginning to grow spiritually (it’s only taken 30 years!) and he is starting to do just that. Especially by the way I think.
I’m glad you & Amanda had that 3-way conversation w/your mom. I wanted to let Amanda know that I’m lifting her up too. God will sustain her through all of this “abnormal” time. But I know from experience that it can be overwhelming.
Thanks again for your work in your mom’s ministry!
Lovely Melissa, I’m so glad you reconsidered on the court thing. You know you probably already met some of the 300,000 – at least the 500 of us that you so graciously hung out with at the SMT Celebration. So, that brings it down to 200,500 and probably lower because there were surely others you had already met. A good lawyer would’ve definitely have gotten a judge to rule in favor of the sweet mom who is so proud of you!! š
Thank you so much for being there. As a mom of two girls, I believe I know how much it meant to Beth to have you there with her. I also think many women appreciate the sacrifices and love and contributions you and Amanda and your dad have made (and continue to make) to allow Beth to do her “thang” for us and for the Lord. Even if you had never become a part of LPM, I think any successful ministry has to have the support of the family and really becomes the ministry of the entire family. So I deeply thank you for you contributed much from the very start — and not just “copious speaking material”, either!! Ya’ll do not go unnoticed in my thoughts and prayers because of the great part you play in your mom’s reaching so many!
Thank you for writing pieces for the blog, too! You are such a good writer and seem like you are so much fun and you always have great insight. I love hearing from you and Amanda. Besides, you kind of remind me of my youngest, too. You are a treasure and a delight!
I know your mom could never be replaced — but when you publish your first bible study or book – I will be in line to buy/read/ and live it.
God has ordained you as well —
Bless you and thank you for the insight into the ‘after party’. I myself have felt like a train – but a good train has come in and blasted me.
I read the book, did the book study, but Saturday was the proper ending and it was just soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo emotional.
Praise be to our Lord God!
Michelle
Melissa, thank you for posting this! I was just thinking that it had been awhile since we had seen one of your wonderful insights.
Beth, it was wonderful as always. Couldn’t even tell that you had a broken toe. Hope it wasn’t too sore after all that walking!
Wow! That was beautifully said! You are very talented, in deed. I just want to give you a strong, “AMEN!” I’ve often been frustrated (and wrongly placed) in churches that I feel never recognize the emotion of “The Good News.” I certainly never want to be irreverant…but have never understood why some feel we have to be so solemn and stoic in our faith. I want scriptures to either take me to my knees or send my soul soaring in praise! I want to never get calloused to His Word! I hope your day is full of His goodness!
By the way, I hate I didn’t get to share in the simulcast–no one in my town was showing it. I thought of you guys all day and know it was fabulous.
We are totally exhausted and filled with the spirit after a amazing weekend with God and Beth. Our church hosted the event in Key Largo Fl. I wanted to share a quick story about one of our church members, who during lunch went next door to the habitat store just to browse for a few minutes. She encountered a lady there and through her own excitement about what God has just spoken to her in the previous session she brought this lady back to the church for the second session!!! Praise God. It was contagious. Thank you so much allowing our amazing God to use you to the full!!
As I watched you from a chair in a church in Owasso, OK I had another amazing eye-opening thought about the absolute power of God. You and Amanda could have gone the way of so many other children of famous parents. I do not know how old you are but have a 19 year old daughter in college and am immensely thankful when she tells me she’ll be to dinner as soon as she finishes praying or will help me with something as soon as she is done reading her Bible. I looked at you and thanked God for not just the testimony of your wonderful Mom but of you. You, of your own free will, chose to walk the path you are on now. Thank you so much. You can never know the support your mom gets from you. May you never never know the pain some of us have experienced that did not know Jesus in our young life. Thank you for your choice to follow Christ and the wonderful words you pen from your young heart – may He keep it that way always.
So glad you could spend time with your mother. I’ve never heard the word bruncheon? What is that?
I want to thank your mother and Travis for the wonderful simulcast. My small church has been going thru a real rough spot recently. As worship began I became aware of just how long it has been since I was surrounded by fellow followers of Christ worshiping with passion, without the tension of petty disagreements and hurt feelings. I found tears very hard to contain. I love listening to Beth and her teaching. My first, and only other, experience with her was her Believing God bible study. I loved it!! I loved learning about scripture. I have been in church my entire life, but have never really learned how to study the Bible, and never have been a part of a Bible study like this. I hunger for more and feel at a loss to find it. Don’t get me wrong I love my church, it is the church of my childhood. But it is seriously lacking in passion right now and such studies are not offered. (I won’t go into more detail) I just would like your mom to know that she has ministered to me twice now when I have felt empty. Thank you!!!
Jen from Indiana
Melissa, you’re such a big part of this ministry – it’s always fun to get your posts! I love the heart you have for your Mom! As special as she is to all of us it’s so meaningful to hear you & Amanda talk about her. Your brunch sounded yummy-im curious if your Mom slept all the way home! Thanks for sharing!
This was a beautiful post to read this morning. I thank God for your words. They are a delight.
*Sigh*
I so wanted to be there. In fact, the host church in my town is literally right in my neighborhood (I can see the church steeple from my window even as I type). All day Saturday I kept looking at all the cars in the parking lot, feeling a little jealous (Ok, I confess), knowing that something powerful was going on in there. And I was missing it.
But I felt I needed to be with my husband Saturday. Needed to spend the day with him. He’s a minister, plus works a full-time secular job, and it had been one rough week. Topping off a hard month of church politics (ugh.Can there be anything more challenging in ministry??)and a stressful week at work left him drained and down. I felt the Lord ask me to give up my Saturday to be with him, just goofing off and helping him refocus to get back in that pulpit yesterday.
But I kept looking at that parking lot……
So thank you Melissa, for such a lovely, poignant posting. I needed to hear it. My husband will enjoy reading it. Life has been draining lately, and our cups need filling. We’re tired and we’re discouraged but your words here this morning remind us of WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO. Hallelujah!
Redeemed,
May the Lord greaty bless you and your husband. I know He will honor your obedience to Him. I have a place in my heart for pastors wives and of course, their husband. I have worked in the home of a pastor and was often a “part” of some of the politics, power control games and whatnot in their lives. I have a tremendous respect for what you all go through. The pastor I worked for use to say, “I love being in the ministry except for the people sometimes.”
It was a life changing experience being on the front lines with them and I will NEVER forget it. I have to say, praying for them was a full time job!
Kelly Straws
Oh, Kelly, thank you so much! I read your post and choked up. Yes, it’s tough but SO WORTH IT.
Thank you for your encouraging words!
Melissa,
I had the pleasure of being at the conference with my mom as well
It was such a delight to watch her worship and be fully engaged in
what God was telling her. She kept saying “Oh this is for me!”
So awesome!
You looked beautiful and you and Collin make such an adorable couple!
So thankful for your mom and her obedience to God’s call on her life
May God be praised
And now I am craving some brunch – hehe
Much love
Melissa, it is always so good to hear from you on the blog. Thank you so much for your comments. These didn’t go over my head like some of them do š I cannot fathom anyone listening to God’s Word being taught or preached and not be emotional in some way. When I see someone with tears streaming from their eyes, I too get very misty eyed. I wonder whether their tears are of joy or saddness for whatever reason. I attended the simulcast in San Angelo, Texas with 4 good friends (one a relative) and I recited the pledge with my best friend, which, of course, made me cry! It was such an awesome, special day and your Mom has a real talent for presenting the Gospel that I understand and receive so much from. I am so thankful that God has chosen Beth to teach and present His Word at such a time as this. I thank you, Amanda, your spouses & children and especially your Dad for sharing your Mom with all of us….especially 300,000 this past weekend. Love to all, Donna
Our hearts are full and overflowing with Your love, O Lord
We have tears of joy while leaning on the Your promises,
You take those who are downtrodded and lift them up
You take those who are weak and give them strength
You take those who are alone and give them hope and peace and joy!
You have not forsaken us. We are your daughters in time of need.
You take us in Your arms and You carry us.
You lead to a place of worship and praise.
You are Our Redeemer, Our Savior, Our Lord!
God has done a marvel work in the hearts of so many ladies. Thank you for sharing God’s word.
__So glad that you were able to spend time with your mother. The simulcast was wonderful and so is GOD!
This morning, I sit with my bible & I’m so thankful that He is trustworthy and meets me every time on the pages of His Word.
Great post, Melissa.
And, by the way… I do the same number thing, except mine’s 14… probably because that’s the day of my birth… glad to know I’m not the only one who does this!
Beautiful post Melissa. and thank you for sharing that glimpse into your precious mother-daughter (and then -sister)time. I attended with my 3 sisters and it is a blessing beyond words to have sisters who are sisters in Christ. God is good.
thanks again,
rebecca