“What’s your book about,” a woman stood before me at my booth just before I was about to pack up and leave for the evening last night. It was 5:30pm and I had seen this woman the day before at my hotel eating breakfast. She had on a shirt that advertised the small publishing firm she represented.
I went in to give her my 60 second pitch but the second I mentioned ‘abuse survivor’ her face pursed up in what I can only surmise as disbelief and she said, “You know I never understood people that have been abused. Why can’t they just get past it.”
I kid you not.
After another day of meeting survivor after survivor and literally just hearing the story of a woman that her grandfather had molested every girl in her family, his sickness so bad that she said they even found his hands in the diaper of her baby niece, I was in shock.
Silent. She took my voice in that moment. Which I hate to admit but it’s true. That’s how it works. But she was oblivious.
“I mean I was bullied when I was young and I didn’t let it get to me. In fact I finally knocked him out.” She laughed at her own memory.
I stared, wide eyed and finally I found my voice. “I think it’s good that you had it in you to fight back but when you are dealing with people and their emotions I’m not sure we can generalize how everyone should respond.”
Being that my smile had faded I think she was smart enough to realize she had misspoken. “Oh I think your ministry is needed. I’m sure it’s beneficial to many.” And before I could get in a cat-fight take the conversation further she walked away.
She was the only one this entire four day experience that gave any sort of negative vibe. I will say the ICRS was beneficial both to me as an author and to the ministry of Hopeful Hearts.
There were many ‘possibilities’ and ‘opportunities’ that have been unearthed and ready to explore. One in particular that I’m excited to see what comes of it is the collaboration between Charlie and myself for a one day women’s seminar. I’d have the personal testimony and he’d have the healing/forgiveness aspect. Something we are both praying about.
Another benefit to the trip was getting to know one of my publicist, Diane, better. She is a beautiful soul with a gentle spirit and kind heart. When I got caught up in myself she would untangle my concerns and set me at ease. Often I was left thanking her for a number of things and she’d respond, “Receive it with grace.”
So much I need to learn from that statement…to learn to ‘receive’ in general…and with Grace is the key.
I’m ready for a nap on the plane and to be home in my own bed. We head out tomorrow for my uncle’s funeral in Sherman. I look forward to celebrating his life with my family and receiving the love we all have to give each other with grace. 😉
What blessings, small or large, have come your way today? Have you received them with Grace?
Blessings
Shannon