I read on a sign during my trip in Fayetteville last week, “Every time you speak your heart is on parade.” I drove to several other destinations to speak in the Sandhills (Lumberton, Pinehurst, Fayetteville) Christian Women’s Connection circuit, and I pondered this little quote.

A parade is for a cause for celebration! I had to consider the theme of my heart and the words from my mouth – “for out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34) When I speak, what comes out of my mouth? What am I cheering about? What am I celebrating?

I am thankful that when I get the opportunity to speak to groups, truly there is nothing better to share than what God has done for me, for us. I love to talk about God’s plan of salvation through his Son Jesus Christ. It energizes me; I believe because his Spirit is alive!

After sharing my story to three groups last week, and witnessing the evidence of God using my story to encourage other women, bringing some into God’s family – there is a cause for celebration! And God does it all – through all of us!

Many ladies pray and work to plan a beautiful program with a special feature (usually a local store of interest – ie. a cheese shop in Pinehurst, “Southern Whey” or a jewelry shop in Fayetteville, “Rhudy’s.” In Lumberton, there was a sweet time of reminiscing to music reflecting on our mother’s advice in honor of Mother’s Day… “What mamma used to say…”(One in particular that I thought was cute: “Look for the tallest bush and the sweetest berry.” ) Often there is a song or two of special music before I speak.

All the ladies were all so warm and welcoming! I truly loved my time with my hostess and her husband. They treated me like family – and put me to work as they prepared for a day of community service at their church for the weekend. They also were gracious chauffeurs for an evening event in the pouring down rain. I’m sure they saved me from getting lost for hours!

At the Pinehurst meeting, one of the songs as the special music was “Blessed is He.” The lyrics continue, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” (Mark 11:9) The lyrics are scripture in reference to Jesus as he entered Jerusalem on a donkey while the crowds were screaming; “Hosanna!” which means “save us”! Most likely, little did the people realize the cost of those very words (or prayers) which were the cause for their celebration that day in the city streets of Jerusalem.

Listening to the song, I was thinking of those who take the Name of the Lord to the hurting, to the lost, and to the world. For me, what a blessing it is to go speak “in the name of the Lord” and tell my story, wrapped up in the grace of his story! My heart is on parade – “Jesus saves!”