While perched on a comfortable chair in the nail salon, I relished the chance to relax and devour more chapters from my favorite author’s book. Meanwhile, my sweet Vietnamese friend, Lily, created a beautiful set of newly-painted toenails for me. Afterwards, she pulled out her phone to show me the latest picture of her adorable young daughter.
I continued reading while waiting for my toenails to dry. When I turned and reached for my pink and white water container, the woman in the seat beside me smiled and asked, “What are you reading?”
After giving her a brief description, I asked what books she liked. She rattled off a few titles. We laughed about our mutual love of books and also exchanged names.
Mary proudly announced, “I belong to a book club.”
When I responded, “I’m an author,” Mary’s face lite up. “What do you write?”
“I’ve written several books about fear of rejection. They are based on my personal journey of struggling with fear and finding God’s path of freedom. Now I’m passionate about helping others let go of their fear so they can become their authentic self.”
“God has helped me a lot in my life,” Mary said, “but I sometimes still struggle with fear of what others think about me.”
Just then, Ty, one of the other nail technicians, beckoned her to his station for a manicure. Mary smiled at me, “Guess I’m on to part two!”
As she rose I told her, “I have a copy of two of my books in the car and I’d like to give them to you. I’ll connect with you before I leave.”
But a short while later, Mary reclaimed her original spa chair, prompting me to ask,
“What happened?”
“Ty asked me to wait here because he needed to pause briefly and assist another customer. He’ll let me know when he’s ready. Gail, Ty has never done that before. This is all a ‘God thing.’”
I smiled in agreement while enjoying her excitement. “Guess this gives us more time to talk!”
We finished our appointments at the same time, and Mary handed me a note that listed her contact information. As we walked to my car together, I think we both felt like old friends. After signing both books, I handed them to her, along with my contact information.
She planned to read the books and then suggest them to her book club. We promised to keep in touch, which would be easy since she lived only a few blocks from me. Once again, we acknowledged God’s hand in all that had transpired.
A few days later, Mary called about her discovery. “We have a mutual friend—Debbie Burton, whom you know from your Word Weavers critique group. She is the founder and leader of my book club. We taught together at Dover Shores Elementary.”
A few weeks passed. I was already scheduled to do a book signing with two author friends at a bookstore in a neighboring city. When I realized that my good friend Susan, who usually comes with me to these events, would be out of town, Mary’s name popped into my mind.
When I sent an email to Mary inviting her to go with me and help at the bookstore, her answer didn’t catch me off guard. It simply reminded me of myself many years ago when I held back from saying yes to opportunities if there were unknowns involved.
“I received your email last night,” Mary said, “but I wanted time to think about it a bit. Thank you for asking me. I think I’m ready to take a giant step out of my comfort zone and accompany you.”
I was proud of her for saying no to her fears and taking a step forward. Even though it was her first time being involved in this kind of event, she adapted quickly and helped me arrange my book table. I watched her delight as she met the other two authors as well as the people who wandered into the bookstore and stopped at our table. Our friendship deepened because of our adventure.
God wasn’t finished with His creative connections at the nail salon. During my next appointment, a similar scenario unfolded. I was quietly reading my book, and when I looked up, the woman next to me asked, “What are you reading?”
We exchanged titles of favorite books as well as our names. When Dorothy discovered I wrote about fear of rejection, she said, “I would like to read your book.” I wrote down a title for her.
Like Mary, Dorothy was soon called away to Ty’s station for a manicure. Afterwards, she stopped by my chair. “Could I also have your email because I want to write you after I read your book.”
“Sure, that would be great. I’m glad we met, Dorothy.”
I hope Dorothy will call me, because I sensed sadness in her eyes. She had no pep and gave no indication of happiness. Even when she walked to Ty’s station, her slow steps gave me the impression that she had nothing to look forward to.
God created a beautiful opportunity to offer dignity to Dorothy that day by looking into her eyes, listening to her words, interacting with her, and paving the way for her to read my book that will speak to her heart. I believe God’s plan was for me to be one link in the chain of people who will eventually lead Dorothy to Jesus.
The Lord has made the heavens his throne;
from there he rules over everything.
Praise the Lord, you angels,
you mighty ones who carry out his plans,
listening for each of his commands.
Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels
who serve him and do his will!
Psalm 103:19-21
(New Living Translation)
Have you had an unexpected connection with someone recently? Did you sense that God created the opportunity for you? Click below to share your experience. I hope you will preserve your memory by writing in your journal or another special place.
