A few weeks ago, I was invited to a premier of the movie Joyful Noise in Nashville. With the directions printed from MapQuest in hand, I made my way around the river and over the mountain from Ringgold, GA to Music City- excited as could be!
I followed instructions carefully and patted myself on the back exit by exit and turn by turn until there were no directions left. I looked around and realized I was in downtown Nashville. “That’s ok,” I thought. “Chattanooga has a movie theater downtown too.” I thought it was strange that I seemed to be in a parking lot. Even so, I pulled on up to the waist-high stop sign and then down came the flexible arm gate. Just to the right I noticed a sign: “WARNING! ONLY ONE CAR ALLOWED AT A TIME!” Hmm…“Maybe this leads to a bridge that only one car can cross at a time- I know I’m in the right place,” I assured myself. Suddenly, three barriers arose right out of the pavement under the gate. It was like something out of a movie!
“WOW! They are serious about allowing one car at a time to cross the bridge,” I giggled. “Who knows, perhaps Dolly and Queen Latifah decided to come after all and they tightened up security!” I could only guess, I couldn’t see around the corner. About that time, I looked in my rear-view mirror and noticed a state patrol car behind me and a state patrol officer approaching my car. Sternly he said, “You can’t be here!” God must have sent an angel to cover my mouth because I almost blurted, “Oh yes I can, I have a media pass… Take me to Karen Peck!” Instead I asked, “really- why?” He said, “You are at the State Capitol Building!”
I was in the middle of down-town Nashville at 4:55 pm and I had no clue how to get to where I was supposed to be. I had followed the directions, but it didn’t matter because they were WRONG! I burst into tears, handed over my directions to the officer and shouted, “WHERE IS THE MOVIE THEATER?”
I’m grateful he was kind enough to set me on the right path, and also for the Nashville business men and women who allowed me to cut in front of them to get to it! AND I’m grateful for my husband who guided me straight to the theater over the phone. I made it to the premier in plenty of time, but would you believe I had a smart phone with a built in Navigator with me the whole time that I had never taken the time to figure out how to use?!?! (blushing!)
As embarrassing as this story is, there is a reason I’m sharing. This experience reminded me what “lost” feels like! It’s been a while- but believe me “confusing” is how it felt! The situation also reminded me what it’s like to be denied access. If there is one word to describe how I felt that day, “stunned” would be it. Hmmmm….
How many people will get to the end of their lives thinking they are going to heaven only to realize they were wrong? How many of those will have had the gps (Bible) sitting on the shelf unused? I was SO sure I was in the right place right up until the barricade rose up, the arm gate slammed down and the gate-keeper marched out! I was sincere, but sincerely wrong!
We still have the opportunity to warn those around us who are lost before they are stunned with the realization of access denied! I don’t know about you, but I’m fired up and ready to lead people out of the confusion and show them the way! My prayer is that you too are encouraged to share the love of Christ. It is only through Jesus Christ we are saved and today IS the day of Salvation!
(Rhonda’s Editorial “Letter From The Editor” Published in SGNScoops Magazine, Feb 2012)
She told everyone what she does and gave God all the glory. My interview with her is in the magazine! Check it out! Also keep in mind that Brenda & 2nd Generation will be releasing a new album this spring! Be watching.. Hmmm.. I bet she mails a copy to Drew Carey and she better mail one to me! hahaha.. It will be great- and I’m looking forward to it!
I had such a ball working on the January Issue this month. I have to say, my interview with Ernie is probably my most favorite interviews of all time. (HA- but please know I say that everytime I interview someone! ha!) I’ve said- “I can never part with that conversation on my recorder,” but the truth is- I had to buy a second recorder because I can’t part with any of my interviews! Who could part with Jason Crabb or Ben Isaacs singing to you one on one??? lol..Or.. Claude Hopper saying.. ” If I can ever do anything to help you in your ministry, just give me a call!” LOL….I’m working out a solution!