You Are More Than You Know

The story of Moses causes me to smile, probably because I see myself in him. In his early days, when God called him to lead the Israelites out of slavery, Moses was a whiner.
“Moses raised another objection to God: ‘Master, please, I don’t talk well. I’ve never been good with words, neither before nor after you spoke to me. I stutter and stammer.’” Exodus 4:10 Message Translation
With a good southern accent, I also complained, “Lord, please, I can’t write. I’ve never been able to write and you know this about me. Why are you asking me to write a book?”
However, because I felt God had asked me to write a book, I dabbled until an eighty-two year old writing teacher confirmed that I indeed could not write.
“Mrs. Rhonda, you have had a lot to happen in your life and you have a great deal of passion, but you just can’t write. A good book should have a total of five explanation marks. You had five at the end of one sentence!”
Deflated and unsure of what to do–I prayed and whined some more.
Shortly after, I was invited to a book club event to hear Patsy Clairmont speak. I knew of Patsy, who had authored over thirty-five books and was one of the founding speakers for Women of Faith conferences, but it was a great surprise to me when this spicy little gal stepped up to the microphone. She was wearing a cute bandanna to contain her gray curls and funky red glasses, as though she were a Foster Grant model. I was convinced she was speaking directly to me when she questioned, “Has God ever asked you to do something that you didn’t feel equipped to do?”
The following morning, to my surprise I had an invitation to an event called “Shaking Your Tree” from Patsy Clairmont. It wasn’t because I was special; I had just been added to her email listing the night prior. My heart fluttered with excitement as I signed up.
The event was actually a small quaint group of women within Patsy’s home. We gathered on a Friday evening and all day Saturday as she inspired us to see something new within ourselves. I had never been more uncomfortable in my entire life. My tree was shaking alright—from fear! Yet, I couldn’t deny, something else was stirring within me.
A few weeks later, another email arrived from Patsy herself. She was thinking of offering a five-week writing course on Monday nights and asked if I would be interested. Nervously, I replied yes.
We gathered comfortably in Patsy’s living room once again. I sunk into a chair, pretending to fit in and smiled at others as they arrived.
I don’t belong here…
Why did I sign up…?
The other women in the room were artistic, creative souls, then there was me—a fish out of water. Each night she challenged our minds to think outside the box. On the last week, she randomly tore a page from a magazine and handed a sheet to each of us. We were told to write a couple of paragraphs based on the images upon our page. Then she added, “Be prepared to read aloud what you have written.”
I studied my magazine page and words began to form in my mind, as I looked at the stunning woman dressed to the nines. Her hair was loosely pinned back to expose diamond earrings; her gaze seemed to search for someone. I read aloud…
“My man could be seen across the candlelit room. He lured me with the curl of his lip. I drew near, sensing his passion, as his eyes stared deeply into my own. We touched and found once again, hearts on fire.”
After I finished reading, there was total silence. Slowly, Patsy arose from her chair and knelt down in front of me.
“Rhonda, you are more than you know.”
That moment changed everything for me. I saw myself in a different light and realized that God would not have asked me to do something unless He…
“Equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever.” Hebrews 13:21
May He receive all the glory!!!!! (When I get excited, I can’t contain myself)
Love those exclamation marks! My friend, you are an excellent writer! Your light shines through each of these blogs. Beautiful work!
My sweet friend that has seen the worst of me! You have seen first hand that God’s word is true–nothing is impossible through Him! Love you!
You are more than you know and God is bigger than we realize So grateful for you and your obedience.
Is it still considered obedience when you kick and stream as you are doing it? haha Love you!
You are coloring way outside the lines, Ms. Rhonda! And now you and Patsy Clairmont are buddies. How cool is that?!
Oh Jon, She is a rare gem indeed! That woman is so gifted and God was so tender as He guided me in these unknown paths…
Rhonda I can see and hear you reading an putting so much emphasis and emotional in each word you read. You are so good with words. Stand tall and be proud . I am proud of you and the good work you do . Love you my friend.
You are precious to me! This has certainly been a journey, but I can see clearly what He has done in hindsight. Love you!
I love your blogs. You are such an inspiration!
I just prayed for you this morning my friend! I hope you are well and that God continues to draw you near unto Him. Thank you for your sweet words…
Girl, I’m so inspired by what you share❣️I look forward to each new post😍Thank you!!!💝
Thank you Dawn! God is faithful! Love you!
What a wonderful blessing! He does indeed always equip us for what He calls us to! Thanks for the reminder! xoxo
Yes He does! Why is it so easy to lose sight when you are in the midst of a trial? It’s so easy to Him when we look in hindsight to see what He has done! Love you!