I returned from the military in May of 1981. A lifetime ago. I was really not enamored with being home, although it was my choice. A choice based on a voice from God that literally said, "go home".
This voice was familiar but based on ancestors, long gone and recent/past ideology from visits to the sanctuary. I heeded but was quite skeptical.
There I was. At mama's house and ready to go the moment I arrived. 7 months pregnant. I knew her name was Jasmine. I now call her Nicole.
I started looking for my own crib, immediately. I had money, a sense of perseverance and a stronger sense of independence.
It didn't take 24 hours to figure out why the voice (God) sent me there.
I went to a Bible Study beneath a tree (a shelter that I had been to many times, unsaved) - there, I listened to a man I loved from youth, but on this occasion, he introduced me to the same Jesus he had preached before; I accepted and my life has never been the same. I was 22.
I moved into my first apartment on American soil (I had lived in Germany, previously) and started hosting many entertaining endeavors.
My place was the place. My younger sisters crashed there.....my friends dined and played cards. I started mothering at that same spot and there, I learned that I loved to have people over. I delighted in playing music, cooking good food, laughing, gossiping, telling good stories and living life.
On top of it all, I was saved, sure and sold out for Christ. Oh, the good times that ensued.
There was not a day that went by that didn't include a friend dropping by unannounced and welcome. I didn't realize that hospitality was a gift; I just knew that the more, the merrier. It became "do drop inn" and, I loved it.
That small apartment was filled with love, laughter and tears. The stove was always on and the door was always open.
Eventually, I moved into a larger apartment and the company followed.
My love for the Lord, my Church and the people of God continued. The man that introduced me to Christ became my spiritual mentor......father....friend. To this day, I miss his presence, his preaching and his influence.
