A Woman with a Plan
While researching historical events looking for the unique person, place or event, I frequently run across a woman whose name is unknown but whose story is surprising or amazing. This year I’ve actually met a modern-day woman like that. I want to tell you about her.
Last February I attended the Book ‘Em North Carolina Book Festival at a Community College in Lumberton, NC. I was placed at a table with another children’s author, Jane T. Pait, who writes Bible-based stories to read aloud to children. Though we were working, we became acquainted; well, a little bit. Well, okay, we exchanged business cards. But at the end of the day when two authors have shared an author experience, they always plan to stay in touch. Maybe they’ll exchange books and Like each other on facebook. They wave when they see one another across the room at a conference, because now they know one another.
But, my story with Jane didn’t end that way. This spring she contacted me with a plan. She asked me to read one of my children’s books on the radio. I would stay at her house. This was an interesting invitation. But, I’m always looking for new adventure. This one is 5 ½ hours away. Of course, I would go!
Jane is a woman with an idea, who became a woman with a plan. Her idea with her writing was to show Jesus to little children and share God’s love for them. She gave away as many books as she sold. She faced some publishing disappointments and felt she needed to do more for God’s Kingdom, but what could a retired teacher living in a rural community do? She came up with an idea.
She visited the local radio station, a Christian Gospel station, and told them of her idea. They were enthused and encouraged her. Her idea became a plan.
Every Friday morning on the radio, listeners in five counties can tune in to Giddes’ Story Hour. (Gidde is what Jane’s grands call her.) She solicits sponsors, provides the DJ with the script, has gifts for callers, and produces the show every Friday. She brings an author with book, or she brings a local person like the chief of police and provides a Christian book or Bible story for them to read on the air. Can you imagine how much time and organization this takes? And what a wonderful idea!
I’m so glad I came. It was a great experience. I would have missed so much if I’d declined. Sometimes we just need to step out in faith and be open to new adventure and new people. And sometimes we need to give up our fear and turn our idea into a plan. Jane says, “I was scared, but I just said, ‘Okay, God, if you want this plan to work, tell me what to do,’ and He always does. I’ve gotten so I can recognize the Holy Spirit’s voice.” Imagine if every woman with an idea listened to the Holy Spirit and turned her idea into a plan?