Many of us have a story ~ a single defining event that determines the trajectory of our lives. We tell the story often. Good or bad, these stories have the strength to tear us down or build us up. I’m no exception. And although I have a plethora of life-altering events that have steered me over the years, there still remains one. This one rises above the rest in ways that continue to be revealed to me even after more than 25 years. For those of you who know this story, lean in and listen to what God has done this time.
This past weekend, I spent my fourth year at a writer’s and speaker’s conference in Grand Rapids. Every year, each attendee and staff member says, “This was the best year ever!” And yes, we said it again as we wrapped up on Saturday afternoon. But for me, there was a special reason to make that statement.
This picture is of me with my new friend, Deanna. On Thursday afternoon, we were given the opportunity to sit with our peers and a conference faculty member to share a sample of our writing. The idea is to receive honest feedback and critique from industry professionals in order to improve our skills. As an extrovert, I tend to gravitate toward tables of people that I don’t know. I found myself in the middle of the Grand Hall with four other women and our appointed faculty member. It’s common to lift your name tag, which also displays the city and state you come from. My new friend was from Osgood, Indiana; only one hour from where I live. What a nice surprise.
We passed copies of our writing around the table, and the faculty member assumed the role of reading the submitted pages. Anyone who is participating for the first time tends to be extremely anxious. It’s daunting to be vulnerable with strangers while handing them your heart on a piece of paper. Having submitted samples in previous years, I rested in the message God gave me. No worries. My words were read aloud, and I relived those moments again as if for the first time. Once our group finished, we parted ways to find our next chosen session.
On Friday morning, Deanna and I crossed paths again very early. Common practice includes selfies with anyone and everyone, which is precisely what we did. As we quickly fumbled to make that happen, this was our conversation in a nutshell (although certainly not word-for-word):
Deanna: I texted my friends last night and said, “Do you know Michele DeRolf? She’s from Shelbyville.”
Deanna’s Friend (Pam): Yes. Her brother is the one who died that Jeremy found.
Deanna: The one we prayed for 25 years ago?
Deanna’s Friend (Pam): Yes.
Deanna: So you’re friends with Pam. And Pam’s son Jeremy found your brother dead.
Me: Yep. That’s me. And now Pam is on my prayer team.
Tears ran freely, washing freshly applied makeup as the details sank in. It was 25 years ago, in March 2001, that my brother died. A freak accident was the result as he was playing a practical joke on his friend. That friend found him dead the next morning. Living in a small, rural Indiana town means that word travels quickly. Deanna is a friend of Jeremy’s mom. Prayers were requested instantly. And a seed was planted on that day that wouldn’t fully bloom until July 2026.
I’ve seen the goodness of God more times than I’ll ever be able to record. And although I would love to have my brother back, I consider the words of our keynote speaker on Saturday morning, which went something like this: Someone else’s freedom is dependent on your obedience.
I’ve been given a story. A painful story that I wouldn’t choose for anyone. But that story has been used to tell thousands of people about the hope of Jesus over the last 25 years. My obedience to tell that story might be the turning point in someone else finding freedom. Deanna was a part of that story because she stormed the gates of hell with her prayers. And God brought both of us to Grand Rapids to meet at a table of strangers.
Friends, God is in the business of showing up and showing off. Just be obedient and watch it unfold.
Revelation 12:11 ~ and they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
Absolutely beautiful! I’m so thankful to have sat at that small table that day as God found the exact right seat to make a lifelong difference and a new lifelong friend.