On Sunday, August 13, I had the distinguished honor, privilege and pleasure to meet Nikki Giovanni! Now, why is that significant, you ask? It's because she reviewed my original manuscript for the book: WHATEVER! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age.
How this came about is a long story so I'll try to make it brief. It is also my testimony of how God works when we put our total trust and faith in Him.
OK...back in February of this year, I found Ms. Giovanni's office number (she's a professor at VA Tech) and called her around midnight. I left a message asking her if she would review my book. Time passed. No response. In March, my employer gave me an ultimatum: "publish the book and be fired" or "don't publish as long as you work here anbd keep your job because we love having you here"
I prayed about it and God told me to choose option One because my ministry at the television station had been completed---it was time to move on to minister to others in another way.
(It's all in Chapter 5)
OK...so I chose Option One---being obedient. I was fired on a Monday, march 27. On Tuesday, the phone rings while I'm having a pity party over my termination. It was NIKKI GIOVANNI!!!!! She said she would review my work and even gave me an endorsement for the back cover!
This was affirmation for me of God's promise. He said He wouldn't leave me nor forsake me because I stepped out on faith and trusted him one thousand percent.
I'm still unemployed but I have a wonderful man of God (my husband) who stepped up BIG TIME in his own servant role with God.
I was a featured author at the Literary Festival in Charlotte, NC this weekend and Ms. Giovanni was the guest of honor. I had planned to leave early because of the long drive, but she didn't stop speaking until 9pm. My spirit said "Wait" and I did---for that moment to meet her and to say "Thank You!" She gave the book her blessing and told me I was on to something so stick with it.
I didn't sell a lot of books over the weekend but God gave me so much more and that was PRICELESS!!!! Sometimes it's not about the "sale" you make, but what you GIVE to or RECEIVE from others. Then, and only then, can you say "I had a successful day!"
Peace & Blessings,
Beverly Mahone
Author, Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age
www.talk2bev.com
