Original articles by Melinda Clements
Take a Step in Faith
September 13, 2007
My hand shook so bad I could not hold the pen and when I dropped it on the paper I was supposed to sign the attorney handed me a tissue to wipe my eyes.
"I can't do this," I sobbed. "I cannot sign this paper to sell the land that has been in my family since I was just a little girl. I just cannot do it." He handed me another tissue and I took a deep breath.
"I'll give you a minute," his voice was deep and comforting. He rose from his desk and walked out the door gently closing it. I felt like I was being stabbed in the heart.
With the changing times we just had not been able to make a living ranching in the cattle business. Even with the hunting and the surface oil checks we received we just couldn't cut it. We just moved deeper and deeper in debt.
"I can't open a door if you don't close this one. Take a step in faith!"
Great! Now, I was hearing voices and despite my initial reaction to tune out that voice that echoed in my head I knew better.
"I'm afraid," I sobbed as I grabbed another tissue. "I'm so afraid. I don't know anything else."
"Don't you think Jesus was afraid of the unknown," the voice resounded. "He was afraid of what he did not understand. He was afraid of what he knew he had to do."
Unconsciously, I answered aloud.
"That is different," I said almost angry. "It isn't the same thing!" The attorney entered the room thinking I was talking to him. He walked to his desk and sat down.
"Feel better?" He asked. "We really need to move on with this closing. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are waiting.
"Where was that voice when someone else was around?" I taunted silently then muttered out loud, "Lord, help me to do this!" Suddenly a calmness and peace filled the void in my heart.
I walked over to the desk and with a courage I didn't know I had I stood over the paper and signed my name. All I knew was my whole life ended right then and there with my signature on that document.
"This is your deal, God," I whispered.
"Excuse me?" said the attorney trying to hear what I muttered.
I shook my head, picked up my purse and walked out the door. I guess I felt somewhat like Jesus headed to Calvary. "Help my disbelief, Lord because I have no idea how this is going to work. This one is on you!" I said frustrated.
When I got to the car I wanted to cry but I was more angry than anything. Then when my car wouldn't start and that just added fuel to my frustration. I got out and opened the hood and stood there in a daze.
"Do you need help, ma'am?" the man asked. I just stared at him, I'm sure, with a really dumb blank look. "I noticed you have a Southwest Cattle Raisers Association Bumper Sticker. You don't know anyone who might be interested in helping a city boy learn about the cattle business do you? I need to write off some money I inherited from my late grandfather and I thought I would try raising cattle." He grinned as he tinkered with my car battery and I just stared at him. He told me to see if my car would start and it did.
"Doors open, you know, when you have the faith to close one," that voice echoed in my head. When I got out of the car to thank the young man he introduced himself.
"I think I might know someone who can help you get started in the cattle business," I said with a quiver in my voice and a fear that I didn't understand. It made absolutely no sense to make such a statement to a complete stranger. Suddenly, he started talking excitedly about his plans and ideas. It was faster and more information than my dull mind could follow. I really needed to try harder to pay attention.
Take a step in faith and see where it leads. Remember, there is someone bigger than life watching out for you.
Be Blessed This Day!
Melinda Clements
(C) Melinda Clements / Fall 2007 / melinda@clements.net
