You know why it’s taken me so long to write about last weekend? I mean other than all the television viewing I had to catch up on and the shopping for Christmas card outfits? And the laundry? And the dirty house? Because I know it’s going to be so long and I am a poor editor and won’t be able to cut anything out. So proceed at will, my friends, but just know that I enjoy the words.
I flew into Memphis on Thursday night. The plan was for Sophie to pick me up from the airport but she wouldn’t be able to get into town until about an hour or so after I arrived which was no big deal because I figured I’d use the time to work on Fashion Friday so that once we got together we could focus on important things like eating barbecue and discussing various reality T.V. programs. I found a vacant seat at Gate 24, purchased two hours of Boingo Wi-Fi, and began working on Fashion Friday. All was well until my Boingo wireless went away after eight minutes.
I did what all the socially relevant media hipsters are doing these days and twittered (tweeted?) about my disappointment in Boingo and how they had ruined the next two hours of my life. Within seconds, Boingo had tweeted (twittered?) me back and asked me to call their customer service hotline. So I did. And they were absolutely no help at all as I spent the next forty-five minutes trouble-shooting with a customer service rep who gave me the age old wisdom to “Shut down your computer and reboot”. In the history of technology that helpful strategy has never worked, not even one time, but it’s all the Level 1 customer service reps have in their repertoire.
However, they did reimburse me $3.95 for the internet I didn’t get to use. So although my time was totally wasted, at least it didn’t cost me $3.95 for the pleasure.
After Sophie and her mother-in-law, Martha, picked me up, we headed to Corky’s Barbecue to pick up some dinner. That was the point when I discovered that a sandwich topped with coleslaw is a thing of beauty. Then later that night I was able to meet Sophie’s dear friend, Bubba, who stopped by to say hello. I don’t know that it gets any more Southern than sitting in a living room in Memphis visiting with an elderly Southern woman who pronounces her name “MA-tha” and a man known as Bubba. It was delightful.
I slept in the next morning which was divine because it was dark and rainy. Plus the room I slept in was like a cold, dark cave complete with the softest sheets ever. If someone would have agreed to bring me food I could have stayed there until I became the subject of some sort of tragic documentary on TLC. But eventually I got up and we headed downtown to the Fed Ex Arena for sound check. I realize that makes it sound like we had some very important sound check duties, but the truth is that we basically just stand around while other people do very important things. I’ve had years of experience with this particular skill.
This next part contains a lot of sap, but it must be said because my heart was full.
When we arrived back at the arena on Friday night, there were so many familiar faces there. The faces of the LifeWay staff that have become dear friends and the faces of women that I know mainly through the blog world and Twitter. And as Travis and the Praise Team started to sing, my heart just felt so overwhelmed as I thought to myself “Look what God has done with the internet”.
I know. Totally sappy and sentimental. You were warned.
It even hit me that my friendship with Sophie seems so normal now that I often forget that our paths never would have crossed in ye olden days of the early 1990′s. Well, unless Mississippi State and Texas A&M were playing in a bowl game and we’d both happened to have been there, but the chances of that encounter turning into a lasting friendship would have been slim at best. Yet there I was in Memphis staying at her brother’s house, meeting her best friends and talking to her mother-in-law about the gold jacket she found at Steinmart(s). (It wasn’t a gold gold jacket. Just more of a mustard gold. A mustard gold! She wasn’t sure the size 4 would fit because she is very tiny! Very tiny!)
My heart was already full by the time Beth got up to speak so it should come as no surprise that I had tears in my eyes about three minutes into her lesson. She shared that she’d barely made it to Memphis because of the weather. But she knew that if God wanted her to make it to Memphis, then she was going to make it to Memphis no matter what the airlines said or whatever else happened. If she was supposed to be in Memphis, then she’d end up in Memphis. (This is all a paraphrase, but it’s the general point)
And I just felt God saying to my heart that I don’t have to worry about how I’m getting to Memphis or what Memphis will look like, I just need to trust that He’ll get me to Memphis if that’s where I’m supposed to be.
I hope it’s obvious that this epiphany wasn’t actually about getting to Memphis since I was actually already in Memphis when it happened. It was just a sweet reminder that God is the architect of the details and He doesn’t need me to control all these things that I tend to fret about because I am a fretter (not a real word) and He certainly doesn’t expect me to get to Memphis without Him.
Anyway, the Memphis part of that in my life represents several different things that I’ve been struggling with or trying to understand. I don’t know what the Memphis is in your life, but I know that if God wants you in Memphis then He’ll get you to Memphis.
I realize I am rambling at this point and if you just skimmed this post you’re probably thinking, “Wow, what’s the big deal about getting to Memphis? Doesn’t Delta fly there?” And there were so many other things that spoke to me from Beth’s message on Friday and Saturday, it just made me laugh that one of the things that spoke to my heart the most was something that wasn’t really even a part of her message.
And now that we’ve come to the 1100 word mark, I think you can understand why I’ve had such a hard time figuring out what to say about the weekend. In fact, I could go on for about another 1100 or so words, but I’ll spare you that experience since I feel that what I’ve written should serve as an example of how exhausting it would be to live inside my head.
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Do you work for Living Proof? And know Beth??? I LOVE her and her Bible studies!!! WOW!!!
Oh Melanie…..Are you sure we aren’t twins that were separated at birth (and also separated by a decade, strong accents and quite a few hundred miles)? I have a pinball game going on in my head, I tend to want to control things and I can appreciate the luxury of soft sheets in a dark room. I don’t think I have your gift of fashion, though.
I totally know that God teaches extraordinary messages in simple ordinary events. Heck, I talk about how God teaches me this incredible lessons through my little farm animals or flowers most of the time.
Point is…..I totally *get* your message. And the ironic thing is that I have been struggling a bit with my own Memphis destination…so this was a blessing to read.
thanks so much! Glad you are home safe.
Thanks for the recap…the metaphor was a good one. I often try to get to Memphis on my own too.
Melanie,
I was praying about this very thing this morning, and when I finally got fed up with not getting any answers, I opened my laptop up to your blog:) Thanks for sharing, it really spoke to my heart today. I’ve been agonizing over the “getting to Memphis” and just need to trust that He will get me there no matter what the route. Thanks so much!
Glad you had such a lovely time in Memphis and that God spoke to you there. It was good for me to hear. Isn’t it crazy how worry can just take over and before long you think “why didn’t I put on the brakes way back there”?
Made your chocolate cake recipe for my boss’s birthday on Monday and it was met with rave reviews I tell ya – I even blogged about the whole experience! Thanks for the cooking inspiration!
Thanks for the post. I have been struggling lately wondering where my Memphis is. I need to trust He knows and will get me there. Thanks again for sharing your heart.
Sounds like it was a powerful weekend – I’m so glad for you, everyone needs those once in a while!
Many of us struggle with our own Memphis destination. We forget the trip is part of the plan. Thank you for a wonderful recap and the encouraging word:)Have a great day!
Thank you so much! You have no idea how much I needed to read this today (and maybe every day for a while!)
As I’ve been working through Beth’s Esther study, the enemy has been taunting me with the thought of, “What if I have missed my destiny?”
The words, “if God wants you in Memphis then He’ll get you to Memphis” have brought tears to my eyes.
It is so true! God will get me where I need to be. Thank You for sharing that tid-bit of truth to my hungry heart!
Blessings ~ Lisa
I loved the Memphis story as well, but the part about MA-tha and Bubba delighted me! I live in GA so this was very a very feasible situation to me! Why are there red dotted lines under Bubba? Do they not know that is a proper name in these parts??
Your blog blesses me more than you will ever know. Thank you!
You’re right. God will get me to Memphis, however He sees fit. Now if only He would drive I-40 when I visit my mother there, because that is one of the most boring stretches of highway I’ve ever seen.
Me again, I just got a call from a friend whose husband is graduating from the FBI academy in 2 days and they are moving to Michigan. Her title company is having a hard time getting the prior bank to follow through and release the mortgage, the movers are coming, the closing is being delayed, they’ve been apart for 3 months while he has trained……
I shared with her Yours/Beth’s words, “If God wants you in Detroit then He’ll get you to Detroit.” Today, tomorrow or 2 weeks from now. Trust His heart FOR You.
These words just continue to bless.
FNL starts Oct 28 if you have DirecTV!!!
Rejoicing with you over a wonderful weekend!
Sounds like a fabulous weekend!
My “Memphis” is “Kansas City”.
Thank you. I needed this.
I know people have told you this before…but I too think we might’ve been seperated at birth.
I’m a fretter (lets make it a word) and I find the inside of my head INCREDIBLY exhausting.
Thanks for this post. Considering I have a new baby (2nd girl) and she cries CONSTANTLY…I think my Memphis is reaching a point when I don’t feel like my head will explode…and I will trust God to get me there.(and yes I am thankful I have a healthy little girl with fully functional lungs and I wouldn’t take anything for her…I just want to be able to drink from a cup without having to steady my hand first)
I totally get the jumbled Memphis metaphor.
Because, apparently, it’s quite similar to live in your head and live in mine.
And MA-tha. Mercy, she was adorable.
Next time, when we’re all in the same city, let’s ACTUALLY HANG OUT outside the arena as opposed to tweeting about YouTube videos and laughing in our respective places. Mkay? You & Sophie woulda had a BALL with us in rm 631 of the Westin. That room is now a metaphor for fun and laughing.
Love ya. It was great to see you!
This was awesome and something I really really needed to hear today. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for that.
Got tears in my eyes around word 850. I know we’ve talked about this Memphis thing before (without actually using the word Memphis). Thanks for praying for me. Praying for you too.
And Sophie told me the same thing–that the Entrusted Thing wasn’t even really a main point of Beth’s message, but it hit her in a huge way.
Thanking God for both of you Mamas this week. He’s using you to speak love and truth and patience into my heart. So glad I don’t have to do this waiting thing alone.
I get the Memphis analogy. Needed to hear that today as I try to figure out how to handle a discouraging and heartbreaking situation in my extended family.
Am so glad you had a good time in Memphis. What an honor and privilege!
Amy
Thanks for this reminder today–it was an encouragement to me.
A sweet reminder. True dat.
I love the Father’s voice.
This post made me cry.
Wow.
Memphis.
Who knew.
Such truth in this post. Thanks!
Thank you for your 1100 or so words. They were put to excellent use!
Oh my, I have a “Memphis”. Thank you and bless you for these words this morning.
My husband and I are moving soon and I’m so nervous about it. Your blog really encouraged me this morning. thanks!
Melanie,
I’m another Melanie. Your Memphis metaphor just caused me to breathe a big ol’ sigh of relief. THANK YOU! I’ve been trying to get myself to *Memphis* (although mine is literally, and ironically, another city in the same state, so WOW on nailing that) because I thought that’s where God wanted me. Maybe it is. I’m gonna TRY to step back and let Him handle it. I might need you to repost this in a few weeks (or minutes) to remind me.
Melanie
That is an amazing story and absolutely touched my heart. I have been struggling for awhile with what I want to do with my life, but if I just give it to God he will guide me! Thank you for that reminder!
Thank you thank you thank you for the recap of the weekend. It did not disappoint. I loved loved loved the Memphis, soooo funny and soooooo true!
You are right, if God wants you get to the Memphis in your life, He will bring you to it! And I know what you mean about trying to make sense of it. Beth has effect on you. Right now we are going through her Believing God study and when she speaks…I feel so full and so consumed and just trying to make sense of it all makes my head spin even more. She is AWESOME!!!
Melanie,
I’ve been living in that place of “look what God’s done with the Internet” since I returned home. Is it not just a wonder?
And, as another member of room 631, I totally agree with Robyn.
)
Your blog is sucking me in and I’m finding myself coming here on a daily basis when I should probably be getting my children breakfast or something…
Anyway. I love good humor but I also love a heart to heart in the mix, and I was just struggling with a major roadblock on my way to Memphis this very day. Er, not Memphis, as in the actual “Memphis” you know, but the great metaphorical Memphis in the sky…I have no idea what I am saying. I’m sure you can relate to not having any idea what I am saying. Regardless, I appreciated the reminder, and God is good.
Okay, so lastly, because I have a feeling you would appreciate this, I was reading about your BBQ time with a guy named Bubba, and I happened to glance over at the adverts on the sidebar… one was for a diet drug. I am not kidding. I laughed out loud.
I completely get the Memphis analogy and love it. Really, why do we insist on worrying?
Also, was Martha’s jacket darlin’ or darlin’ plus?
Last but not least, I feel sorry for my real life friends who just don’t ‘get’ how the internet can lift one right on up.
Thanks for the metaphor! And for the reminder. I tend to fret as well, not over the big things that I might want to fret over like a normal person, but about stupid momentary worries. I’m glad I’m not alone!
I am normally not a worrier. But I have had something concerning me for several months now. Your metaphor was just the reminder I needed. He will put me exactly where He wants me, when He wants me there. Okay, LORD I surrender, help me with my disbelief.
You and Sophie both found points I completely missed this weekend and brought them home to me. Thanks for being used like that.
On a side note, the Corky’s experience after the event has to go down as one of the most surreal moments in my life. I kept looking at you with a strange look on my face going, “that really is Big Mama…and she looks even cuter in person.” The internet…it is a wonder!
As someone who also struggles with brevity, I’d like to say that I enjoyed all 1100+ words…except the part about the barbeque b/c it’s not nice to tease those of us who don’t live in Memphis and don’t get to eat the good stuff.
Glad you had a good trip! I’d love to see Beth Moore “live.”
I love the Memphis analogy because I can totally relate. Some of my “Memphis” details are slightly less murky at the moment, and I’m grateful for the clarity.
BTW, I mailed something to you today. Be on the lookout!
I recently quit my semi-important job and took a job as a receptionist so that I could go back to school and FINALLY get my degree that I’ve been working on for 26 years. It was a 45% pay cut and now I’m working two jobs to make ends meet, but I know I am on my way to Memphis! Thanks for the great post.
I totally get what you are saying. I had to read it a few times and then cut and paste it in a word document, but I totally get it. God has a plan that we need to trust in. I don’t understand why that is so hard sometime.
What a weekend. Totally loved LOVED this. (and amened the entire time I was reading.)
Now I have that song “Walking in Memphis” on my brain…..
Hugs!
steph.
Isn’t it absolutely a God-wonderful thing to spend time encircled with Christian friends, family really, who are not perfect, just like us, with problems and situations and circumstances that may often seem beyond our control? And then our own “Memphis epiphany” comes along, and we realize God is always in control. And like Boingo…why did we waste our $3.95 and 2 hours (or countless weeks, months or years) of time worrying about it?
Thanks for posting….savored all 1000+ words.
Thank you for the reminder that God certainly doesn’t expect me to get to where he wants me without him! Thank you.
The last time I was in Memphis all I saw was the inside of the bus station at 3 a.m. That was 24 years and a lifetime ago. Sounds like your view was a lot better!!
When I realized that only by giving God control of my life was I ever going to really live my life, everything got better. It’s an amazing experience.
[BTW = I am in the last 2 days of a charity raffle on my blog The Crab Chronicles - check it out..]
I really needed that whole Memphis part. It was exactly what I needed to hear (read)today. Thanks!
thank you for this ‘wordy’ post….loved it!!
i know i have my own ‘memphis’ and needed to hear this
)
i love beth and wish i could hear her in person!!!
blessings on you..
Frankly, I wish you would go on for another 1100 words. I’d love to hear more details. Your blog is a delight to read. Thanks for sharing about God getting you to Memphis. I need to be reminded of that from time to time (or from hour to hour).
This is exactly what I needed to hear today. Tears rolled as I realized I have completely lost faith in God’s ability to get me to my “Memphis” this week. Feels like I sat down by the metaphorical side of the road, bowed my head in despair, and quit looking for Him to show up, pretty sure the bus/plane/train has already departed without me on it! Your wordiness, your humor…all the fresh wind of the Holy Spirit for my heart this morning! Choosing to believe He will get me to my Memphis if it fits with His travel plans for my life. You are a blessing!
God gives each and everyone of us the message we need to hear. For you it was about getting to Memphis.
Memphis is such a metaphor! I’ve been trying and trying to get to Memphis and I even thought I was there a time or two, only to find out I wasn’t really there yet and got so lost that I had to go back home and start over on more than one occasion…and I’m still not there and thinking now, am I even supposed to be going to Memphis? Or was I supposed to be going to Atlanta? If only I would consult the GPS more. I saw you in the section next to ours and considered saying hello, but I kinda felt like a stalker so I didn’t.
I’m so glad you wrote this. I am riddled with worry sometimes. Give my kids H1N1 vaccinne or not? Buy a business and move to a big city and leave the only town and friends I have ever known, or not? We are trying to buy an established business and it would be so simple if the business were the only thing to think about. But, thanks to your reminder, i am going to sit back and just ask that God get me to Memphis if that is where he wants me to go.
Thank you for writing this. I have a Memphis and I’ve been SO WORRIED about getting to Memphis!!
I feel the same way as you – God is a super smart man to create the internet and help us to have these friendships and share/witness to others! I have made some AMAZING friends online – they are just my friends (where as before, they were *online* friends and I’m really stopped saying that because it sounded a little creepy
.
Anything Beth says or does I’m sure would make me a heaping mess of mascara! God has annointed her and I love her (and Travis…and you – yeah, you too
.
And, we all have our own Memphis – some just don’t have that barbecue and slaw – but all the other stuff
I’m sorry to hear that we were unable to get you connected with Boingo; we really appreciate your candid feedback.
As thanks, we’d like to give you a couple of free future connects. Please drop me an email at lsanyal at boingo dot com with your username, and we will apply these connects to your account.
If you have any additional questions, now or in the future, I hope you’ll let me know.
Best,
Lauren Sanyal
Wow… Yes, yes, and yes! I was there too (LPM Live- Memphis) and was so overwhelmed by the fact that, in a room filled with SO many people, it just kept feeling like every word that poured out of that sweet woman’s mouth was aimed straight at me…. Particularly the “If God wants me to get to Memphis, He’ll get me to Memphis!”… ’cause He’s the only One who can make that happen.
Amen, sister. Amen!
Loved every word of this post. I seriously could have read another 1100 words. Thank you for sharing with us what God is teaching you. It is so encouraging to me!
Thank you. I have a Memphis. And now I’m crying.
That has got to be, hands down, the funniest post you have ever written. And yet so thought provoking too! Thanks for sharing…and always going…how is that you get to go to sound checks though…that is the burning question inside my rattled head right now!
paige
Oh sister! And boy do I have a “Memphis.” I mean, let’s be honest, I’m 24 and single. Take a WILD guess.
Haha! Loved the post. And sad I didn’t get to enjoy this weekend with the rest of you! Have a great week, Melanie!
Beautiful. And now, my day is complete. You truly have the gift of (blessed) gab.
Thanks for that. My Memphis returning to college after 25 years at the ripe-old-age of 47 and being scared to death of failure, success, and everything in between. Now post some pictures. And slaw on the barbecue, honey, that’s just the way the Lord intended!
Thank you so much for this! I even forwarded this to my husband, because this is totally where we are right now. Except that we live in Memphis and the place we’re trying to get is Louisville, for seminary. Thanks again for the reminder that if God wants us in Louisville, He will get us there!
I just pray that my Memphis is His Memphis.
Thank you for the metaphor.
Thank you! I needed to hear that. It has stuck with me all day. Thank you for reminding me who’s in charge.
Girlfriend…I don’t know if you remember but I am from Memphis….although we just finally met in Orlando. It sounded like everyone had a great time…I am glad my hometown made you proud. It’s changed alot since I lived there. I hope you’ve enjoyed your jewelry and I hope Caroline liked her goodies too! Big Hugs!
“If God wants you in Memphis then He’ll get you to Memphis”… thank you. I needed to hear that today. The metaphorical Memphis seems impossible to get to right now.
Since i’m still looking for “Memphis,” I can’t wait to tell you when I get there. Or will I ever get there? I sure hope so. I may have some stops along the way, but I want nothing more to be in my “Memphis.”
You were just so precious to us and I loved every ounce of it with you. I wish I could have just talked with you more. Is there ever enough time?
And, let me tell you…Corkys is AWESOME and I’m stunned you never knew of slaw on a BBQ sandwich? For real? This is the deep south baby.
Can’t wait for more recaps. I know the girls of Rm 631 are bonded at the heart….all because of this nutty internet thing. I totally get it.
Hugs~
Fran
I totally get the Memphis metephor. My husband and I are in a waiting period and we know that God will get us to Memphis if that’s where He wants us.
I just hope we’re not ‘living on the wrong side of Memphis.’ Sorry, I just couldn’t resist!!!
btw, was the mustard gold jacket “just darlin’”?
Oh Big Mama, you, well and, you know, God, brought this message home in my heart.
I was just thinking and praying on the matter and have been really struggling recently as to if what I foresee as God’s plan in my life is REALLY God’s plan, or if it’s my own selfish interpretation of what I WISH His plan would be.
It was comforting to know that while I pray on it, God is humoring me, all the while slowly pushing me to where I need to be.
Thank you for this (and every!) post.
I just want to say that I’m very happy for you; and I totally understood the entire thing. I followed the entire post perfectly. And my head didn’t hurt one bit after.
But I must say, that of all the things you have shared- I am most impressed with the fact that you got TO MEET MARTHA! OMG- how great is that!?
Seriously- glad you had such a great time.
Thanks for that reminder! My Memphis comes in the form of wanting a turnaround in my marriage and another child.
For what it’s worth, I wish you would have kept going for another 1100 words!
I just need to say, please ramble for another 1100 words. If they are as good and thought provoking as the first 1100 I want to hear them. You have spoken to my heart and yet another piece of to the puzzle that God is putting together in my life right now.
Thank you sooooo much for sharing! Beth just has a way of doing that to one’s head and heart.
I haven’t read the comments, but I just wanted to say that I LOVE you sharing Beth’s Memphis story.
I’ve got my own Memphis journey right now and I’m fretting about it like crazy. Thank you for reminding me that if it’s God’s will for it to happen, that it will happen. If it’s not, then it’s something better anyways!
Melanie, I’m so glad you quit the stupid pharma company. Remember the fear you had back then? God is doing so much more with you today than he did back then with them.
Denver. My Memphis is Denver. Feeling shoulders deflate as I submit. As. I. Submit. THANKS!
I was there last weekend and it was completely amazing! You have blessed me so much with what you said about ‘if God wants you in Memphis, you’ll get to Memphis’. My Memphis is a house. I know it sounds crazy & selfish, but that’s the truth…Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the wkend! I can’t stop talking about the words God spoke to me…God is so GRACIOUS!!
Thank you for writing the rambling Memphis thing
I needed to read it today. We are struggling through a stopped adoption process at the moment and are anxious to get our kids home. I know that God’s hand is over the whole thing but that doesn’t mean I worry about whether or not the adoptions will really go through. I hate that I have NO CONTROL over the situation AT ALL. That kills me. In my head I know that God is controlling it but my heart is struggling to hold on to that truth. Now I’M rambling. Anyways, thank you for sharing 
I was also among the 13,300 women and a few good men there last weekend. Can I tell you how glad we are that God really got Beth to Memphis literally? As I sat there from the top of the Forum listening to Beth, I finally realized “I’m in Memphis”. I made it….and what I should be doing is thanking Him so much for getting me here. Because guess what? It was Him that did it, not ME and all my fancy planning, organizing, etc. It was Him! So thank you God that your Memphis and my Memphis seem to coincide this time and thank you Beth for reminding me that it was Him that really wanted me here and thank you Melanie for writing about it.
And for a little Memphis humor…I’m pretty much a native Memphian. I’ve been here, literally, all my life. We even served Corky’s at my wedding reception. Yes, you read that right! My hubs and I just celebrated 15 yrs and went to Corky’s to celebrate on Saturday. So sad to have not seen all of you. I probably would have been too much of a chicken to actually approach ya’ll anyways. Although I did squeeze my girlfriends arm on Saturday while Travis was singing the Southern Gospel music and scream “Look! I think it’s Boo Mama and Big Mama down there! Really, look I think that’s them!”
So glad you enjoyed your short stay! And I’ll read your 1100 words anytime!
Thanks for the recap, Melanie. It was a fabulous weekend in Memphis. And so very true…God will move us wherever He desires us to be. His ways are higher than ours!
I’m tickled you got to meet my “Bubba.” (That’s my brother!!!)
Oh, my word. So the reason I’m so exhausted is because all this time I’ve been living inside your head. Or else we have similar head interiors.
It’s comforting to be reminded that God’s purposes will be accomplished. If it’s to be, it will and it’s not, it won’t. Takes a big load off my brain and heart.
I’m just catching up on your blog, and I gotta say that this one is perfect for me today. I am certainly struggling with my Memphis right now…which was ironically a trip that we took last year.
Thanks for that reminder. I often worry about how I am supposed to get there.
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