I saw God today…
Most folks who know me know that I’m not one who likes to be the center of attention, so please don’t feel the need to sing to me on my birthday or call on me to give the toast/speech at your special event. If I have to, I will, but I prefer to sit in the back corner of the room and absorb the festivities from afar. However, this week I was invited to speak to Hematology and Oncology patients regarding skincare at their monthly support group meeting. When the invite was presented to me a few months ago, I was humbled and energized by the opportunity as I’ve worked so hard to learn the proper modalities, techniques and products to support clients with compromised skin. My prayer as an oncology-trained master esthetician has always been to help others through my touch (facials) and my words (conversations) – God’s touch and His word.
I spent hours preparing the perfect presentation which included months of research on proper skincare and skincare products. My OCD kicked into overdrive as I organized my skincare product samples by brand, order of use, ease of use, internal versus external use, etc. I was so ready for the big day. Support Group meeting day comes and I arrive 30 minutes early for the event. When I get to the destination site, the parking lot is full and there are cars parked alongside of the road on both sides, and my heart drops. I was not prepared to speak in front of so many people, and I immediately started to panic. I did what most folks in my position would do… I texted my husband and sister – thank God for family! Once inside, I walk to the front desk and see a sign boldly advertising my attendance as the speaker for the day’s support group meeting, then the pit in my stomach started move. I was escorted to my final destination which was a lovely veranda with cushioned rocking chairs overlooking God’s Forest. As patients trickled in one-by-one and taking their seat (and being served a complimentary lunch from the medical care facility nurses) a feeling of peace rolled over me. You see, I saw God that day. Maybe not figuratively, but in the form of His angels – lots of beautiful angels. Although they varied in age, were from different ethnical and career backgrounds and had varying medical conditions at different stages (from remission to aggressive/stage lV), they were the same.
In a world full of so much change, uncertainty and sometimes anger, I was honored to spend an afternoon with God and His beautiful, kind and smiling Angels – an experience that I will treasure a lifetime.
I’m humbled and excited to be supporting you as the Director of Connection for the ministries at Wright’s Chapel. Whether you choose to worship with us in-person or online from your home in Virginia or another state/country, we’re here to support you. Have a question about Wright’s Chapel? Do you have an interest in learning more about the ministries at Wright’s Chapel and how you can get involved? Feel free to reach out to me directly via email at tonya@wrightschapel.org or by phone or text at 540-604-0038. I look forward to hearing from you.
As we enter into Autumn, I welcome you to invite friends or family members to attend worship service with you. How great is it to have the option to attend worship service with loved ones remotely – from virtually anywhere!
I look forward to supporting you in our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world – together, we can.
Blessings,
Tonya