The Lesson of Adoration for Marketers
Last week I'm in Chicago attending the Catholic Marketing Network (CMN) Tradeshow and the Catholic Writers Guild (CWG) Conference. Tuesday evening following the Mass I stay for the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and enjoy the beautiful music of Mark Forrest. I pray fervently for comfort and peace for my dad, for mercy. Near the end of the hour, in the silence I hear, “I have him. He is mine. All is well. Let him go.” I shudder, hold my breath and look around. Did no one else hear this? And then I smile. Really smile. I understand just then that I feel glad. Glad, as in Rejoice and be Glad! Glad is different from happy. I never realized that.
Then I feel a physical release, as if I have a forty pound carton of books in my arms and a stranger appears saying, “Here, let me help you with that.” Instead of helping me carry it, he relieves me of it entirely. This happens to me a lot, so this is a metaphor I really understand.
When I return to the hotel room, my roommate greets me with open arms ready to offer me a shoulder and dry my tears. “Your husband called,” she says. “Your dad passed away this evening.” But instead of collapsing in her arms, I nearly shout with joy, “I know! I know the exact moment!” Then I whisper, “It is so wonderful. God has him!”
That moment of blessed assurance reminded me no matter how small we are, where we’ve gone, what we do, every moment, God knows. He knows our name, He knows our need. If it’s important to us, it’s important to Him.
I’ll continue to work hard at writing and selling my books, being his hands and feet in this world, taking Him to work with me. Future book launches will first be held at His feet. The first book out of the box will be given to Him for His purpose. My marketing tip today is pray and trust Him to carry the boxes. Remember He is in the details of your life.
It’s been six days, I’m still smiling. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Willard Kipker.