My Mount Hermon Experience – Part 2

Earlier this week, I posted the first two things I enjoyed about the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference I attended in April. Today, I am sharing the third part of my experience.

• God Moments

God meets me at Mount Hermon—in many ways that have little to do with writing. I met so many new friends this year at the conference and saw many familiar faces from two years ago. God specifically placed people in my path to encourage me. There is no other explanation. For example, every time I turned around, Carrie or Judy gave me a hug and built me up with their encouraging words. Why? I had never met either of them before the conference—yet they became my biggest cheerleaders. God knew I needed that lift because I can be so hard on myself. This type of conference brings out my insecurities and my need to prove my value. But God protected me from myself. And reminded me that my worth is found in him, not my publishing credits.

**Thanks to Carrie and Judy and so many others for loving on me and letting God use you.

Also, today is an anniversary of sorts for me. Ten years ago today on May 13, 2001, I was involved in a terrible car accident. Although it’s not an event I particularly like to remember, I still think about it every May. It happened on a Sunday evening here in Nashville as I returned from spending Mother’s Day with my family. I was the only one injured in the accident. Most people who saw the wreckage of the car couldn’t believe I walked away relatively unharmed. I spent a night in the ER and had a lot of stitches in my arm and head, but nothing that wouldn’t heal with time. Since that day, I have never doubted that God has a purpose for my life. I know that he’s keeping me here for a reason.

At Mount Hermon this year, our keynote speaker was Bill Myers. During his nightly messages, Bill talked about saying yes to God. Bill said, “You only have one life—why waste it doing it your way?” And I completely agree. He went on to say that you don’t have to be smart or creative or even a “good Christian.” You just have to be willing to say yes to God.

I could have walked away from that accident ten years ago and thought, “Whew, what a lucky break that I’m okay.” But I know luck had nothing to do with it. God is in control. He holds all our moments and knows the number of our days here on earth. Since that accident, I have made a conscious effort to say yes to God. Every day, I have a choice. I can choose my plan or his. Ten years later, I’m still thankful for every moment God gives me. And I’m still learning how to say yes to him every day.

What does this look like for you? How are you saying yes to God today?