FAITH Will Set You Free

When I left Grenada, I had a stopover in Trinidad. On the plane from Trinidad to Ft Lauderdale, I was sitting beside a man who was 76 years old and was very kind and gentle. We chatted on the plane because there was an empty seat between us. Caribbean Airlines offers free sandwiches so we both took one, but the stewardess came back a second time and sort of insisted that I take a second one. I thought it was a bit odd but took it anyways. I told the man my hotel was a 2-hour drive from Ft Lauderdale and would be renting a car to go. He said he takes the train to where his car is parked about 30 min from where my hotel was, so I offered him a ride to his car rather than him taking the train. He accepted, so off we went having to take 2 shuttles to the car rental agency.

I had a speaking event at 8:30pm, and it was 5:30pm so time was tight. We get there and I realize I didn’t have my wallet as I left it in Grenada! All I had was my passport and a picture of my visa so I couldn’t rent a car. Now what do I do? Instead of panicking, I gave it over to the God and had complete Faith that everything would be OK. So, the kind old man suggested we take a taxi to the train station and once at his car, he would give me a ride to the hotel. I called the Hotel and explained my situation and they said it was ok with a picture of visa.

I had to cancel my speaking engagement while we waited for a cab. The cab never showed up, so we took the 2 shuttles (with all our luggage) back to airport where he kindly bought us coffee and water and waited on a bench for the shuttle to the train station. It was very hot while we waited endlessly and after awhile, we both realized we were waiting at the wrong bus stop! Off we go to the right place and had to wait 45 min for the next shuttle. All the while we were talking and sharing about life; he was so patient and gentle with the whole situation.

We finally make it to the train station and find out we just missed the train, so we had to wait another 2 hours for the next train. He was a diabetic and the sandwich the airline gave me came in handy as we shared it together, as well with a war veteran who was waiting for the train as well. The train finally came, and it was another hour train ride to his car, of which when we arrived realized was out of gas…. we laughed together through this whole ordeal and not once did we worry. I only had Eastern Caribbean money, currency from Trinidad and $10 dollars Canadian which didn’t help us one bit on a Saturday night. This kind gentleman told me he was enjoying himself immensely as this was the most action, he had seen in 25 years! He said I was the most interesting individual he had ever encountered and that he was grateful. This precious time together allowed us to share our views on life, on God, on Love and how we lived our lives. It truly was by far the most precious time 2 complete strangers could have! We finally make it to the hotel at 1:30am and said our goodbyes sadly.

The story goes on…. because I had chosen to completely surrender my situation over to God, the miracles kept coming. It turns out that the hotel I had picked provided full breakfasts, so I didn’t have to worry about food. I had a book event in Miami that I needed to attend that day at 2pm (it was a 3-hour drive) and now I didn’t have a car. So, I called the bookstore and it turns out that he didn’t receive my books yet, so I didn’t need to go there after all! In the meantime, I had called a friend who lived an hour away to come drive me, so he picked me up in a convertible Porsche and took me to his boat in the Marina. He was with a friend who was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of MS and we spent the day sharing about life, kids and love. I worked on the MS unit for 3 years so had things to share with him. I think that whole meeting was divinely connected, and I am grateful for that encounter.

Going on with the incredible story…my friend with the Porsche bought me dinner in a nice seafood buffet restaurant and food was bountiful to say the least. The next morning I once again had coffee and breakfast provided by the hotel (still didn’t have any American money) I had a 3 hour live Radio interview and it turns out the show host had a co-host who owned a restaurant and insisted we have lunch there. The show host drove me there in a brand-new Mercedes Benz! After a delightful interview and lunch, he invited me to speak at his AA mtg that evening. He has 9 1/2 years sober and I have 7 1/2 years sober, so I agreed. He came back to pick me up and bring me to a popular seafood restaurant on the shore-front, but the waiting line was 45 min not to mention the time it takes to get the food. But because he is a popular local radio guy, we were given a place with an ocean view and our food was brought out before anyone else (the restaurant was full). I still couldn’t believe all the constant miracles that were coming our way!

I spoke at the meeting and was touched by the sharing of those after they heard my story. It was as if my opening, gave them the inspiration needed to talk about their struggles. What a Blessing that was and I am grateful to have been able to participate in that moment.

The next day I had to leave for Tampa (a 2-hour drive) because I was flying out of Tampa to Minneapolis for the Seminar, but I still didn’t have a car or money. My long-time friend whom I hadn’t seen in 30 years was in Tampa and we were actually calling each other at the same time! He ended up driving all that way to come pick me up and bought me some local oranges freshly picked off the tree, and gave me $200 US to get me by, and drove me to the airport! Unbelievable!

I make it to Minneapolis still with no identification other than my passport, and because I always rent a car at the same place for the last 6 years, the guy who is now my friend, gave me a car with no proper DL or Visa in hand! He said he has never done that in 15 years, but it was because he has known me for many years. I ended up bringing him a seminar program and bought him a journal that my story is in. All this to say, that had I filled myself up with fear and worry when I realized I had no Identification, I would have closed off the heart centre disabling it to receive the gifts of the Universe. Instead, I chose to remain faithful and full of love & adventure which enabled me to remain open to the many miracles to come my way.

Thank you, GOD, for the continued guidance and love that never fails.