Who is at my door tonight?
I’ve been trying to decide what to write about from the conference, but I’m having the hardest time picking one thing to write about.
I’m also having trouble even typing because a certain puppy whose name rhymes with FUDDLES is insisting on curling up on my laptop keyboard. Yes, he’s that small. I know.
I suppose the thing I want to write about will be a bit different from everyone else’s recaps, but oh well. I mean, how many times can we really read about Beth’s hair?
Actually, um, forever. I’m still not over her hair. IT’S A SICKNESS, I TELL YOU.
I think the interesting thing about this particular conference was the fact that so many people were getting the chance to meet other people that they really admire, especially from the blogging community. I don’t know about you, but I have an little tendency to get really excited when I meet someone famous or well-known. There’s nothing inherently wrong about that, but just like most everything else in our lives, it can cause problems if it gets distorted.
When I boarded my first flight on Friday morning, I pulled out my Bible and began reading about favor. As I was praying, I very clearly heard God instruct me to not try to open any doors for myself this weekend. I don’t have a tendency to do that in day-to-day life, but I knew He had reasons for His instructions so I decided to obey, and STAT.
Throughout the weekend, I had so many different opportunities for God to show me what graciousness looks like, especially when it comes to people we admire. He also reminded me that we should not be living to please man, which is something that I think can be difficult in the blogging community.
The ugly truth of it is that it would be so easy for any of us (I’ll use me since I’m the one on the soapbox) to treat certain people differently (read: better) than others simply because of their status or what connections they have with others. In other words, am I being sweet to Melanie or Sophie because they are Major Bloggers or just because I like them as people? And am I excluding other people because they aren’t part of the “in” crowd? I hope not, ’cause I’m not sure what Jesus would think about me acting that way.
I was thinking about this late Saturday afternoon after I had a chance to talk very briefly with Amanda. I started reading Amanda’s blog awhile ago, long before I knew who she was related to or where she worked. I like Amanda because of the way she writes and the way she lives her life, not the connections she has or the doors she opens. I like her because she’s Amanda, plain and simple.
After our chat on Saturday, I headed back to my hotel room because I was tired and just wanted to take a nap after I got caught up on a little Starlite work. Not long after I shut my door, I heard a soft knock and found the maid ready to clean my room. I could tell she was in the mood to talk, so I began to ask her questions about her life.
How many hours had she worked that day? Eight, but she only had two left. Does she have any kids? Four, but she’s got 13 grandchildren. Does she get to see them a lot? Some, but it’s hard since she works seven days a week.
Our conversation was still going strong long after we had made the beds and replaced the towels together, in between my bites of a grilled cheese sandwich and her occasional breaks on the chair in the corner of the room. I was genuinely interested in her life, even though I won’t see her again. She’s retiring next month after 27 years of being a maid at this particular hotel.
When the door closed behind her as she made her way to the next room down the hall, I heard a quiet voice whisper “She’s just as important to me as the rest of them.” He’s right, of course.
I want to be the type of person who will answer the hotel room door with the same attitude whether it be Beth Moore or the maid on the other side. Don’t get me wrong: I believe in giving honor where honor is due. Beth is an incredibly gifted Bible teacher that God has used to impact so many different lives. But I truly believe that God loves Beth just as much as He loves that maid and that He desires for us to reflect Him in that way, especially here and especially now.
Amen.
Posted: August 25th, 2008 under Uncategorized.
Comments: 27
Comments
Comment from Bethany
Time: August 26, 2008, 1:27 am
Because I needed another cry, right?
Oh Amy Beth. You are just so special. I wish I’d been able to do more than a quick hug and 30 seconds of conversation.
Comment from Cabana Maam
Time: August 26, 2008, 7:34 am
Simply beautiful. Oh, I love our God!
Comment from mandy
Time: August 26, 2008, 8:01 am
When God whispers to you…does he have an accent?
You are oh so beautiful AB…you have no idea how you are impacting those of us who read this here blog. =)
Comment from Brittany
Time: August 26, 2008, 8:14 am
What a beautiful reminder. Thank you for sharing.
Comment from Shara
Time: August 26, 2008, 8:31 am
What a beautifully, well-written picture of the story in your heart. Thank you for sharing that with us!
(And just for the record, I live in Texas and didn’t get to go to this conference and was very sad at the missed opportunity to meet lots of my favorite bloggers.) =)
Comment from Cindy
Time: August 26, 2008, 8:39 am
So, so good, sweet girl. I had some of those same thoughts rolling around in my head but I never would have been able to create such a beautiful post. I love your heart.
Comment from Shanda
Time: August 26, 2008, 9:29 am
I needed this…thanks for sharing your heart with us over and over.
Comment from Tamara
Time: August 26, 2008, 9:42 am
This is powerful. And so insightful. Because I was just a teensy bit “starstruck” at all the bloggy goodness at Siesta Fiesta. But did I equally esteem the women sitting next to me? The women serving me at the concessions or in the parking lot? Probably not. Good lesson, AB.
Comment from lori
Time: August 26, 2008, 10:06 am
I have a post really close to this going up in two days. I want to be the same, and not pass someone by to get to some one (in my shallow eyes) better
Comment from Brandy T.
Time: August 26, 2008, 10:12 am
It’s so hard in our world not to get caught up in the who’s who of Christianity. You are awesome, AB.
Comment from Ronnica
Time: August 26, 2008, 10:29 am
Great reminder. In our humanity, it’s so easy to show people favoritism.
Comment from Mocha with Linda
Time: August 26, 2008, 11:14 am
Wow. You have much wisdom at a young age. Great, great words.
I loved meeting you and hearing about your ministry. I look forward to knowing more about you.
Comment from Kelli
Time: August 26, 2008, 11:22 am
That was so perfectly written. I think that might be one of the most touching things I have read about that weekend, and OH what a difference you probably made in her day.
You are just too sweet for words AmyBeth. I pray that I can someday come close to having a heart of servitude like you.
Comment from Diane
Time: August 26, 2008, 11:46 am
Good job,AB. Such an adventure following Jesus and loving people. You’re letting your little light SHINE.
Comment from Abby
Time: August 26, 2008, 12:52 pm
I am in tears and so grateful for this post. I cannot tell you how easy it is for me to be SO busy that I literally miss people. WHAT A PERFECT REMINDER… Thanks for your heart and your courage to listen/share.
Comment from Sarah
Time: August 26, 2008, 2:35 pm
Your heart is beautiful, thanks for sharing it with the rest of us 
Comment from Linda at 2nd Cup
Time: August 26, 2008, 3:46 pm
So well said. I always think of that “entertaining angels” verse in moments like these. But more than angels, people are children of God and deserve to be treated as lovingly as we can. Thanks for sharing.
Comment from Natalie @ I AM (not)
Time: August 26, 2008, 7:17 pm
I think of that stuff too. Thank God for His word to all of us through you.
Comment from Lindsee
Time: August 26, 2008, 9:01 pm
Girl, I am so being taught the same thing. Over and over again. You are just stinkin’ precious and I am so glad you had a wonderful weekend. I do so wish we could have hung out longer..if only I’d of been at the PJ party! 
You are a precious jewel, and I love that you are learning to love like HE loves. It’s truly a wonderful thing.
Well done post, sister!
Lindsee
Comment from Mommy Cracked
Time: August 26, 2008, 11:35 pm
This is such an important lesson for all of us. Thank you for posting this. Food for thought.
Comment from georgiamom
Time: August 27, 2008, 7:44 am
Met you briefly in the lobby on Sunday, but heard of your ministry from momofeleven and emmy. So excited to find your blog. And more excited that this message spoke right to my heart. It is so like us, as humans, to get caught up in wanting to “be known” that we forget that we are known by the Creator of the Universe!!!!! Loved this post.
Comment from Emmy
Time: August 27, 2008, 5:16 pm
That was awesome! I love your heart! I was blown away by your testimony! Thanks for sharing! You have such a HUGE gift!
Emmy : )
Comment from Gayle @ thewestiecrew
Time: August 28, 2008, 9:35 am
Amen sweet sister. These are the very thoughts I have had even while we were there…. I love your heart girlie.
Comment from jmom
Time: August 28, 2008, 3:44 pm
Very, very good thoughts Amy Beth!
Comment from Kelley
Time: August 29, 2008, 10:34 am
Good stuff, girl…good stuff.
Comment from twinkle
Time: August 30, 2008, 2:25 am
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. This one has been made one of my favorite recaps of the Siesta Fiesta! I just loved your applicaiton of Beth’s Word for all of us…heiresses…
Comment from Melinda
Time: August 30, 2008, 8:38 am
Oh sweet girl…it’s not just you that needed that lesson from God, but me and, lo, all the other people-pleasers in the blogosphere. Precious, life-giving words.
Your testimony was perhaps the most memorable thing about the PJ party to me. I have two daughters - 19 & 22 - I appreciate what the Lord has called you to, more than you know, and your obedience to it, more than I can say.
Love to you this day,
Melinda
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