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The Divine Adventures of a Yahweh Sisterhood: Day 3 and Day 4
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Written by Christian Author and Speaker Barbara Gobbs www.barbaragobbs.com
The Divine Adventures of a Yahweh Sisterhood: Day 3 and Day 4
“Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You” Psalm 51:13 (NAS95)
The Yahweh Sisterhood was in full gear by day three. I was getting the hang of life in a camper and Cheryle was getting the hang of me. I do take some getting used too! However, I soon learned that even though Cheryle and I are different people, as God intended, we also were very much alike. Except for the part where she likes to hold Daddy Long Legs and I’d prefer to scream!
During these two days, we traveled through the corner of Tennessee into Arkansas. There were three encounters I’ll like to share with you. Two were with people and the third was a place, not necessarily in that order.
Encounter number one happened in Memphis while stopped for lunch just prior to visiting Graceland. (I mean, when in Memphis – one must visit Elvis, even if he is currently living in a trailer park in North Carolina!) The object of our dining pleasure was a Chinese Buffet.
Ready for egg rolls before our rock and roll, we entered the establishment in search of fried rice and other tasty cuisine. It was during the lunch rush and it didn’t take long for me to notice that this was no ordinary Chinese buffet. Perhaps in Memphis all oriental buffets consist of part Chinese food and the remainder soul food! I had fried rice and fried catfish all at once and it was great! On the dessert bar, you could get cobbler with your fortune cookie.
At the conclusion of our meal, Cheryle engaged in a conversation with Christy and her mother, Lottie. They were in the booth next to us. It turns out that Christy is a recovering coke addict. Cheryle skillfully guided the conversation to Christ and the church, ascertaining that Christy professed a belief in one and the need to attend the other. Once again God blessed and we stood amazed in His presence. It was a divine encounter.
Then off to Graceland. Now I’d love to go into details, but there isn’t enough time at the moment. We spoke to several people together and individually. We were tremendously honored to have a lengthy chat with John, a young man serving in the Army. Before too long John will likely find himself in Iraq. Yet, John is a believer and has the assurance he does not go alone. Please pray for him as well as all our new friends as God brings them to mind.
Encounter number two is a place. My encounter was with Graceland. As we toured the mansion belonging to the “king”, the first thing I noticed was that it was much smaller than I expected. I guess that happens. It was the same way at South Fork in Dallas. Obviously I noticed the expensive furnishings. But the one thing I noticed the most was a collection of books reported to have resided on Elvis’s desk.
While it is common knowledge that Mr. Presley confessed a faith in God and a love for the spiritual hymns, many of the books were cult-based and new aged. This said to me, for all the king’s horses and all the king’s men could put this broken king back together again. How sad to have it all, yet still yearn for that one missing something. Especially, when you already have access to it, or more accurately – Him. It was a real life application thought to take heed of!
Leaving the parking lot, we couldn’t resist a chorus of “Soon and Very Soon, We are Going to see the King!” to the praise of the real King!
Encounter number three took place on day four. It was at a rest area on the road somewhere past Little Rock. Peter was his name and artwork was his game. Peter was a recovering alcoholic, currently 10 years sober.
Once again I watched and listened as Cheryle followed God’s lead. They discussed 12-step programs, something I know little about other than they can have tremendous effect on someone’s life. Occasionally God would bring a Scripture to mind and I would offer it up for consideration. I was thrilled when the information was eagerly received.
Interestingly, when we asked if he was a Christian, he replied, “I thought I was a Christian because I am…” and named his denomination. My Yahweh sister explained that denomination is where God plants us for service, but salvation is only by our faith and belief in Christ. That raised an eyebrow but no rebuttal. I do believe we gave him a full plate of food for thought.
We may never know the rest of the story unless Paul Harvey investigates and clues us in. However, when provided with the opportunity we did our best to ‘teach a transgressor’ the truth of Jesus. After all it wasn’t that long ago, when someone taught me!
Speaking up for Christ!
Barbara
www.barbaragobbs.com
www.pocketfullofquarters.com for pictures of our trip.
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