Publisher’s Special

When I hit bottom in 1989, God graciously met me at the breath of my repentance.  I was a mess.  I was confused.  I was breathing…and that was about it.  I was a twenty-something mom of two, legal wife of one, and emotionally battered by my own choices.

Shortly after my return, a STRONG urge to read and study the Bible began.  I had bibles given to me as a kid:  small ones, cardboard leather-look ones, children’s ones.  But I wanted new.  I wanted a new life, a new outlook, a new adventure, a new bible–and I wanted leather.  And I wanted it to be pretty.  So off to the mall the girls and I went.

I didn’t realize until that day how expensive leather bibles were.  They were beyond my reach.  Money was tight during those days, and I only had fifteen dollars.  I searched every box, on every shelf, at least four times looking for ANYTHING in my price range.  Nothing.

Emotions were dwindling when I heard that sweet soft voice inside say, “Look one more time.”  Out of skeptic obedience I began.  Shelf after shelf I looked again, the same boxes I had just searched through, when THERE IT WAS…a red box with a bright yellow sticker that said $14.97!!  I grabbed the box, lifted the lid and smiled so wide it felt like my lips touched my earlobes.  A New King James Version in SOFT leather!  And it wasn’t just a plain, ordinary dark color, it was rose pink with silver gilded pages!  BEAUTIFUL!!  My heart was SO happy I thought I would be raptured right out of the mall!  But then reality hit me:  I ONLY had $15.00 to my name–I didn’t have enough for sales tax.

I sat my purse on the floor and began digging.  I think I scrambled up about sixty seven cents–not enough.  But I was determined that God had given me this bible and that He would provide.  He could place a Good Samaritan at the register who would either give me a few cents to complete my purchase, or a clerk that would allow me to run home and rummage the sofa cushions and come back.  Whatever it took, God would work it out.

I stood alone (obviously the Good Samaritan option was out the window) and with anxious anticipation waited as the clerk rang up my purchase.  “That will be $14.97”, he said with a smile.  “No tax??”, I exclaimed with wide eyes.  “No, there is no sales tax on bibles.”.  Once again, I thought my spirit would leap out of my body and run laps through the store!  That didn’t happen, but  I think the girls and I may have skipped to the car.

This story may not mean anything to anyone but me.  But it still brings tears of joy to my eyes as I type.  Why?  Because He loves me.  GOD, HIMSELF, LOVES ME.  He not only provided a bible so I could study about Him–He made it pink!  My favorite color!!!

I’ve purchased many bibles since, but I read from that one every night.  It will always be special.

He can do the same for you.  🙂

Sheila

“…seek first the kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  Matthew 6:33, NKJV