Blessing, Silver Lining Playbook

By: Bobbi Govanus Monday October 26, 2020 comments

I was speaking at a conference in Acapulco and flew through Mexico City.  I was nervous about changing planes in a foreign city alone, and my inbound flight was late!  I rushed to my new gate and made it just in time.  My luggage did not!  So I got to my hotel with nothing but my carryon.  The hotel was on a beach and far from any shopping, so all I had easy access to were the beach vendors.  I made friends with several women at the conference, and we headed out to see what we could find for me to wear when I presented, in case my luggage did not show up.  The beach vendors in Mexico are VERY persistent, wanting you to buy their wares, but I did not need jewelry, T-shirts, or hats!  I was growing impatient and worried that I would be wearing what I had worn on the plane for the whole weekend.  Finally, I rudely said, “NO, I don’t want what you are selling!”  The gentleman smiled and said, “Have a blessed day!” and turned to walk away.  I reached out and apologized and explained what had happened, and he told me how to get to the closest real shopping so I could buy underwear and necessities.  He directed me to a woman that sold dresses and shoes.  I asked him why he had been nice when I had been rude, offering me a blessing rather than a curse!  He told me that he had been a drug user and had nearly died when given a second chance by a white couple who had started a mission. 

Everyone has a story!  Each carries burdens and has stuff with which they must deal.  None of us are exempt from the baggage of past hurts and missteps that we have made that have sent us careening on a difficult path.   When we forget this fact, we become self-righteous and accusatory.  We lash out and are hurtful.  God will bless us when we are a blessing to others.  My luggage finally arrived the day I was leaving the conference, but my new dress that I was going to wear to speak was stolen, along with jewelry and a new bottle of perfume.  I was so blessed that I had met this man!  The thieves missed the belt to my dress, and I have kept it as a reminder to be a blessing!

Today all our social media is filled with hate and rhetoric defaming just about anyone for even the most innocent remarks.  The only thing that changes anyone's opinion is personal experience.  I learned this the hard way!  When you assume someone is anything, you really do make an ASS of U and Me.  Only through openness and a willingness to learn will this country come to peace and it must start within each individual person.  There is so much healing that must take place in our nation, in our neighborhoods, and in our families.  It can start when we count our own blessings and realize that without help we would not be where we are today.  As much as any of us want to claim that we are right, only God is perfect!     

Tod

About the Author: Bobbi Govanus

Bobbi loves sharing through the written and spoken word.  She is an Amazon Best Selling Author and has delivered topics that inspire and empower in business and personal life to international audiences.  Bobbi views herself as a Travel Guide on the JOURNEY of Life allowing others to thrive while avoiding wrong turns and rough terrain!  She is an award-winning Entrepreneur and Certified Passion Test Facilitator who helps her clients gain clarity by better knowing themselves and what lights them up.  

Find on Google+