HELLO | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: HELLO | Previous Challenge Entry
By Philippa Geaney
10/21/21
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He had me from hello.

The twanging words and melody of the song filled the room, and Carrie, in recognition, shook her head and laughed. It was an unexpected touch. But clearly, a signal to make her way to the platform.
Her friend Ella was waiting to introduce her.

The Annual Women’s Conference had begun. Carrie was to take part in a thirty-minute discussion and extract reading from her new book, followed by an indefinite Q and E session before lunch.

The timing of her talk was uncertain now as worship had extended far beyond the written program. The sweetness of the Spirit during worship had lingered longer than any organiser could have anticipated, and Carrie couldn’t have been happier.
He brought me to His banqueting hall, and His banner over me is love.
Lord, may all eyes remain on You as we feast at Your table, she prayed as she moved up the stairs.

The music grew softer and the clapping louder as the two women met and hugged.
Ella whispered in her ear, Did you like the musical introduction?
I did. I think I might be going to cry.
No time for that dear heart; we’re running late as it is.

Ella turned to the audience. Ladies, allow me to introduce my good friend Carrie Stafford, the author of ‘His First Hello”.
Carrie took the microphone, smiled out at the audience and settled her notes.

Thank you, please sit.
Yes, I’m the one who penned – or is that –digitally inked the book.
Lifting a copy towards the onlookers, she continued. My publisher had suggested a daily devotional focusing on God’s overflowing kindness towards His people - in the Scriptural documentation format - followed by a short prayer of gratitude.

And, of course, I agreed. After all, Psalm 103 urges us to forget none of His benefits. He’s a very generous God, and my testimony of receipt is lengthy.

Carrie moved from behind the podium and towards the edge of the stage.
It is just that as I set about it, I could not catch the wind of the Spirit.
I was troubled that the book might too easily foster a ‘blab and grab’ attitude rather than a relationship.

It took me three days of fretting before I realised ‘that’s the vulnerability of generosity. Romans 2:4 reminds us that it is ‘His goodness and kindness that leads to repentance.’

So why does He do it?
It has taken all my saved life to understand that our beloved God does not always communicate the way I anticipate. It’s the way He is, and the sooner I learn that the smoother my path would be.

Carrie moved back to the podium.

So here I am; the book - finished. As my friend and your Pastor said, my name is Carrie Stafford. My parent’s Irish priest pronounced my name as Currie at my christening, and believe me, it has been an ongoing source of amusement and teasing from my five older brothers. Even thirty years later. Perhaps they are my ‘thorn in the flesh’ to keep me humble.
The audience acknowledged her comment with soft laughter.

Carrie continued. I mention humility because you’ll notice the three phrases I began with are comparative; of considering His overflowing kindness with my humanity.
‘I was no great catch’.
‘ My face would not launch a thousand ships’.
‘You had me from Hello.’

But on writing those thoughts, I felt His Spirit wind, and my ship, not a thousand – but one at least, had set sail.
These seemingly unrelated phrases dovetailed my new birth experience into what I imagine Adam experienced in the Garden of Eden. God breathed life into an inert body of flesh, and Adam opened his eyes to see Love.
It was his first hello.
For me, even now, I frequently wake to Love leaning over me, and I perceive His ‘hello’.

From that premise, the book launched into devotional days examining His bounty, His salvation, love, protection, provision, to name just a few gifts from His giving heart.

Carrie looked at the clock and used the remaining five minutes to discuss several devotionals until the electronic dinner bell sounded.

OK, Sisters in Christ, that’s it. Lunch is ready - another gift from our Johava Jire, the Provider. Let’s go.

Please don’t hesitate to ask me any questions during the break.k
Scriptures:
Genesis 2:7 NLT
Song of Songs 2:4 NLT
You Had Me from Hello: Kenny Chesney
Romans 2:4 NLT

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