“The Bag Story” or Why You Should Invite Me to Your Church

The forsaken bag awaited me at the top of the stairs when I returned home.

I am busy scheduling 2012. One of the things I love about my work is how every conference is a story unto itself – the precise people put in the exact place in a singular moment in time. Small world meetings and falling-scale moments conjoin to reveal the outer limits of God’s limitless story of grace. We laugh and we weep as we soak in the cleansing downpour of his remembered love. People experience really good stories and sometimes, “this-will-make-a-really-good-story-one-day-stories.”

Last month in Birmingham, the ‘t-w-m-a-r-g-s-o-d’ moment arrived early, and thankfully, the one-day came swiftly. Let me explain by telling the story. The compassionate women of OMPC had assigned me a “body-guard” of sorts, a strong hostess who would literally carry my burdens, since I was still recovering from recent rotator cuff surgery. We arrived at her house, and she came to my car to help with my bags. I pulled my briefcase out of the front, and then went round to the rear to find my overnight bag. There in the hatch were boxes of books and a jacket. I knew right then I would not find my bag there. I flashbacked to the wonderful conversation I had had with one of my children while I loaded my car, and I guessed (correctly) I had forgotten to put it in. AWK-WARD.

Or not. The sweetness of the story did not escape me. Not long ago, I would have felt pretty intense shame over not having my “stuff,” but on this occasion, it just seemed like another opportunity to enjoy the community that is the essence of a Living Story conference. My hostess shared some basics with me (yes, she did have a new toothbrush:)!), and I was well-provided-for. Not only did I not feel shame, I was eager to share my funny story of God’s grace meeting my foibles with my new friends. They laughed with me, and I believe we would all say that one of the major points of the conference, the freedom to be real because of the gospel, came across loud and clear. As you plan for 2012, consider a Living Story conference, and if you do, expect at least two things: growth in humility and gratitude for redemption.