Don't be Afraid of the Detour

There will be times when things are sailing smoothly and you think, wow this is really a breeze. However, the winds pick up, things start swirling around and you find the course you planned to take has now been deemed "off limits."

This happened to me not so long ago while c0-hosting a 5K  and empowerment fundraiser. The day before it was to take place, we were advised that the running course was under water and no one was allowed to walk or run on it. We then for the umpteenth time looked at the weather forecast for the next day and found that even more saddening. We were faced with an uncomfortable situation and had to ask ourselves some very hard questions. Should we continue with the speaking and empowerment part of the event or should we cancel it completely? Who would even show up if the 5K part was canceled? Very possibly no one!

While still contemplating and praying for some answers, I felt God in my spirit saying take a new route....devise your plans...go where I lead and everything will work out fine. I discussed this with the co-host and we decided that we would move forward. We had no clue of the direction this would go or who else would be on board. However, we made a commitment to still show up and keep this thing rolling. We were both scheduled to be speakers and we made a collective vow, whether 5 others showed up or 500, we would hit thatspeaking platform like we owned it.

On the day of the event, I started second guessing our decision. Had we completely lost our minds? The wind had picked up even more, the air was cold and the ground was still filled with moisture. I decided I would remain faithful and go along with the decision we made. Then on the way to the event, I received a call from two of our scheduled helpers that they would be unable to make it. After shutting off the phone, I looked up to God and cried out to Him, "Okay, I am following your directions and depending solely on You now. I know somehow we will have to take a detour. Please don't allow us to get lost!"

When we arrived there was an added a problem. The entertainer showed up without any equipment. What he previously asked was if there was a hookup and a microphone, to which we responded affirmatively. What he really needed was an amplifier, which is equipment that we have never owned.

We had now come too far on this journey to even think about turning back. There were a few people gathered, we noticed a few more coming, and it was time to crank up and get going. I said one last silent pray before I stepped behind the podium. "God have your way and I will obey, no matter where you lead me."

There were so many things that took place during the time that we gathered...networking, relationship building, collaboration planning but the one thing that is still totally mind blowing is that from the event a true movement was built with right now 1,200 followers. I am still in perfect awe of this and how God strategically planned it. We were thinking 5K with a message mixed in and God was planning a movement.

I did not go to that event expecting to become the co-leader of another movement, but that is how I emerged. In my mind, my plate was already full. However, the route that God planned has led me there and so far it has been a phenomenal experience. I have not only met some amazing people, it has been business enhancing as well. I have encountered some people who are right in my community and I had no idea they were still there.

Don't get so caught up on the route that you have planned, that you are afraid to get off course. God may have a detour planned for you that totally blows your mind.  It won't be a bad thing for you, just like it wasn't for us.  The winds have calmed down, the ground is now dry and the weather is actually warm. In addition to it all, we are the talk of the town as The Stomp Out Addiction Movement is flowing!