GUEST BLOG: Handing Over the Pen and Trusting God to Write Your Story

For I am going to do something in your days
that you would not believe, even if you were told.
– Habakkuk 1:5

 

That scripture stood out as I read my Bible on a Sunday morning in June 2004 while sitting in my Chevy Astro van with the odometer reading a bit over 177,000 miles.

Divorced from my high school sweetheart after twenty-five years of marriage and struggling financially as the economy had severely challenged my decorating business, it hit me — I needed to find a new career at the age of 48.

I need to let you know that I never finished college. So now what?

Sitting at my pondering spot near an old covered bridge in Indiana on that Sunday morning, I just knew God had to have a plan. At least, I hoped He did. 

“OK God, show me what to do,” was my prayer as I scanned the newspaper classified ads. So many jobs. There were very few that didn’t require a college degree.

The newspaper fell on the floor between the seats opened to an ad for salespeople at Don Hinds Ford.

No experience required.

401K.

Insurance.

Demo vehicle.

Will provide training.  

I remember looking up and telling God that I didn’t know a thing about cars and trucks, and I had never worked with men. I also told him I’d probably do better as a missionary to Africa.

 

Trusting God to Take That Next Step — And to Keep Moving Forward One Step at a Time

Still, something inside told me to call the next morning to set up an interview. Of course, I told no one of my plans. I knew they would tell me I was crazy. Talk about unqualified. 

There was a lot of arguing and wrestling with God most of the night. 

I called the following day to set up an interview with the sales manager. I still remember walking in wearing a black suit trimmed in fuchsia pink. I also remember trying to swallow my nerves as I asked to speak with the sales manager. I got a few stares as I followed him to his office. I looked nothing like the other salespeople. 

I informed him that I had never worked with men and knew nothing about cars and trucks. He didn’t seem surprised.

I did let him know that with my business, I had twenty-six years of sales experience. I promised him I would work hard to learn product knowledge. 

I proceeded to tell him I would never lie to people. I would treat people like I would want to be treated. I think I was actually trying to talk him out of hiring me. 

He must have been as crazy as me because he did hire me. 

When they found out, my friends expressed their surprise and voiced their opinion with “What are you thinking?”.

 

When Things Come to Pass That We Would Never Believe

Within a few months, I became one of the top salespeople. My boss said that he was not sure what I was doing — but to keep doing it. I told him I was just listening to my customers’ needs and wants.

Jay, a true “old-car guy,” taught me about diesel engines, towing capacities, and axle ratios. I soon became known as the “Truck Lady.”

 The scripture that God gave me that day truly came to pass: 

“For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” Habakkuk 1:5

It’s one I have marked in my Bible as well as in my heart.

 

God Keeps on Writing — Even When We Think Our Stories Are Done

 

A couple of years later, Jay dared me to send a story to our local paper, which was asking for guest columnists. I reminded him that I didn’t have a college degree. He told me I had a gift for telling a story. 

The editor called after it was published and asked for more. After a few weeks, she asked if I would want to write a weekly column. 

My heart did somersaults.

I had been keeping journals for years. Writing was my hidden passion — had been my secret since I was a little girl in Mr. Purvis’ literature class in the eighth grade.

Now, fifteen years later, I have a weekly column, From the Hart. I share my life, my faith, my thoughts, and my opinions with my readers.

Retired from the car business, I am writing my first book. My thoughts and my life will be shared with others who need a bit of hope in the middle of a life that makes no sense. 

I want people to know that joy can be found in their “not so happily-ever-after” — and in ways they never expected. 

As further proof of this point, I met my husband, Chuck, in the waiting room at the dealership where I worked. Our wedding reception was held in the showroom.

God writes a much better story than we ever could — if only we trust Him with our pen.