Sometimes I stand, hands in pockets (hopefully I have pockets) a little self-consciously, as people walk past me, mostly avoiding eye contact, because, you know, that’s what we do sometimes. And I stand there alone, doing my best at the connection table at church, trying to connect. Pockets help.
Even though I love meeting and talking to people, I volunteer for this “job” because I’m someone who has to, well, yes, work at connecting. If I had my way, I’d come late and leave early to my own funeral. I’m not fond of small talk. Is that social anxiety?
But I figured out the secret to connecting. I pray before, pray after, pray during my time at the table. I just invite God into my conversations, and oh, the people I’ve met, and the stories I’ve heard. All I do is say/pray, “Who do you have for me to talk to today, Lord?”
This particular journey started four years ago with these two people,
That’s Marc and Nancy Erickson, the founders of our church, um, over 40 years ago now…? They go way back in my family history that started with these two people:
My late parents, Bill and Dee, who were both passionate about the power of prayer and their Lord. They never stopped letting me know that, even though I didn’t want to hear it, and at times, said as much. But they never stopped praying for me.
It’s one of my favorite things about my church—the priority it places on sharing our real and sometimes difficult stories in order to connect with people in meaningful ways. The church was founded on that.
If my parents were still around they would agree that I struggled with organized church things over the course of my life, left it at times, and have been hurt by it. But I never felt God left me. And I never left God.
Now I’m someone who has become so fond of my church that I can’t keep quiet about it. I’m certainly not alone in my story of struggles with it, and God always knows where there will be good, honest, one to one, connections that bless me and hopefully, those I connect with. I just show up.
And although we hear a lot, lately, that people, especially young people aren’t going to church, it seems, I’m meeting more and more young people at the connection table. And people who have left the church for different reasons, but haven’t left God. And for all sorts of reasons have decided to give it another try. Why?
Connection.
We need good people in our lives, honest to goodness, have your back, kind of people. And just maybe, they too, realized, they just might find that inside those doors that have seemed so closed; for so long.
And that’s why I work the connection table!
Speaking of stories, I wanted to tell you, I signed the Agreement to publish the book that’s all about the two that founded said church—Marc and Nancy Erickson. They call it their God story. I call it a true Love story!
The best thing about stories is that they flow from the heart, from one’s own life with one’s own voice, about one’s own unique experiences that God loves and uses to connect with someone else whose heart might just need to hear it, to connect to God’s unconditional love and amazing grace.
And the prayers along the way? “Oh, the places you’ll go,” as Dr. Seuss himself says.
Just Along for the Ride will be available for purchase this coming Fall, 2025. More details soon.
God never leaves us. I like that.
The goodness of God is precious and when you taste of it, you know that you know because God truly is the source of all goodness. Well done, Deb! Blessings!
Deb, I had to smile when you said, “If I had my way, I’d come late and leave early to my own funeral.” Sometimes all of us get socially awkward but we connect with others and let them know that it is a pleasure to make their acquaintance. This makes the first bits of anxiety, worthwhile.
It is sure to be a pleasant task for you to publish Marc and Nancy’s book. Connecting takes effort but is worth all our time.
Oh…prayer…before…during…after. I love that. And I love hearing about your next project. What a delight that must be with all of the beautiful connections. It will be fabulous. And thank you for sharing the pic of your parents. The caption/quote about your mom’s perspective about the power of prayer for healing is lovely. Describes you, I’d say! Congratulations and big hugs! 🥰
Victoria, your gentle, healing words remind me of her, why it’s as if she is right there with you and here with me. You have the most beautiful spirit about you. Just your presence is healing in itself. How did I ever find you…? Sending a big hug back! ☺️💐💛
Aww, Margaret, I do too…thank you go reading and responding❤️
Bruce, you are so right. Blessings back, and a big hug along with my gratitude, of course! 😊❤️
Hazel/Gabriel—I just love this: “…let them know that it is a pleasure to make their acquaintance.” It’s so key! It takes the focus off me! And puts it where it belongs. Yes, connecting surely is worth all our effort and time. ❤️❤️
I love this tribute to connection — even when we don’t feel like it. And the places it’ll take us! So good!! And congratulations on that book contract!! <3 <3 <3
Oh my. You are so generous with your kindness. Heartfelt — I know it! I have no doubt your mom IS right there by your side. Keep her close. She must be so very proud of you Deb. So happy we’ve connected!
Xo! 🥰
Big smile here💕
Aww thanks, Wynne!❤️
Deb, I’m SO glad you’ve found a church you can love and play a big part in. I have, too, and it’s like a taste of heaven for a few hours each week, being with my heavenly family. <3