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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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
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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
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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.
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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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