If God Approached Our Merch Table

I have chosen you and have not abandoned you. Isaiah 41:9 [NIV]

Last weekend, I was one of 65 authors at Copperfield's Books in Spring, Texas for their annual event for local and indie authors.

We each set up our books and related merchandise and/or giveaways on tables beneath an enormous, weather-ready canopy.

Despite a tornado watch, monsoon strength winds, and heavy rain on day one and uncomfortably cold temps—but blissfully clear skies—the second day (Texas, y'all), avid readers of all ages came out to peruse the tables and make their purchases.

I've participated in my fair share of book signing events, and I've learned to study people. Closely. I'm a pretty good judge of my audience.

Those with piercings and purple hair are typically going to migrate to dark fantasy, themes of death and mayhem (as one reader bluntly told me as she by-passed my table featuring distinctly swoony romance covers).

Despite great turnout and sales, every author had to endure the reality that not every reader wants what we're offering.

In other words, rejection.

As I woke the second morning, prepared to tackle another 7 hours of engaging potential readers, I envisioned God at this author event and wondered ...

Would he show interest in my books? Would he pick it up, glance at the cover, turn it over to read the back cover blurb?

Would he shrug and return it to the table? Oh, the rejection!

Then I heard God say,

"I wouldn't choose your book."

My heart sank. Until he tenderly followed with,

"I choose you."

Now, take a hot minute to let that soak into our spirits as we encounter rejection. Because this side of eternity, it can not be avoided.

Maybe we're in the mire of rejection right now.

Didn't get the contract? The engagement ring? The big sale? The crucial phone call?

Rejection cuts deep. It lurks around every corner and festers in our brain, hissing lies about our worth.

But if we're honest, would we rather God only want our stuff, our accomplishments, our highlight moments (cue my meeting Donny Osmond last month) Or would we rather experience what our hearts really long for when he chooses ... us?

I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

The most powerful moment of the 2-day event occurred during the final hours.

A man in a ball cap, jeans, and faded T-shirt ambled down the aisle, studying the book tables. He was intent in his search, the bearing of a cop. He did not fit the profile of a romance reader. I'm thinking he'd be better off at the thriller and mystery tables.

But when I continued to consider him, it occurred to me. This was the same guy I met last year. (and, yes, a retired law enforcement officer)

When our gazes connected, he stopped and smiled. With a finger pointed at me, he advanced and said, "You're who I'm looking for."

Turned out, he (Ed) purchased an entire series from me last year, a gift for his avid reader wife. She read the books, loved them, passed them on to her sister who (drat) misplaced them.

Ed and his wife were there together this year, determined to find my merch table and purchase the entire series again (which, happily, they did—and 5 others)

Many times, God slips into skin and chooses us in these tangible, redemptive ways. Though their purchases were an incredible blessing, it was the experience of being chosen that mirrored what only God can do for our hungry souls.

So, be on the lookout. Because we are who he's looking for.

We—not our stuff or accomplishments or good deeds—are who he chooses.

Thanks for reading!

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Marry Me, Marla is available for purchase in ebook and print HERE.

Book 5 in the Wild Rose Ridge Series.

A determined romance columnist.

A humanitarian who secretly loves her.

And one remarkable personal ad.

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Until next time,