Ever
heard the jokes about a priest, a rabbi and a minister who walk into a bar? Well, here
is a new one.

I, Connie, a 6 ft blonde, married for almost 18 years, and a missionary walk into the
bar... and I'm given $100.  

Now that you heard the punch line, let me tell you the story.

One of my favorite people and best friends, Caroline, got married yesterday. I
drove to Alabama with another friend on Tuesday to prepare for the celebration.
Not only did I have the honor of being a bridesmaid, but also her decorator.
 We began immediately with last minute errands, organizing, list making,
and hard labor.

I disagree with drunkenness, it has the potential to lead to making poor
decisions, not to mention, can be costly in many ways. With that said, yes, I
occasionally have a drink. Many of my friends drink - I don't judge. *Cha-ching I frequent bars seldom. The
most time I spend in bars have been in ministry overseas. 

As 2 am rolled around, we left one bar and walked to another. One where few people
were hanging out in. A place for us girls to hang out, bond, laugh, and enjoy
the music. Here's what happened next.

HIM: Hey, what's your name? This is a great Journey song. I bet you don't even
know who that is.

ME: Connie, and yes, I recognize the song. My HUSBAND and I saw them in
concert.

HIM: No way! You are too young. How old are you? 24? 25? 26? 27?

ME: Stop. I'm 39 going on 40.

HIM: Whoa! I guess you are old enough to know who they are! And dude, you are
older than ME!

I laugh and walked away, flattered that he thought I was younger than I am.

I watched this man striking up conversations with the others. Like I said, the
place was near empty. I kept requesting 80's music...and enjoyed watching my new
friends celebrate Caroline. It took 2 hours for me to drink my one Blue Moon. *Cha-ching. At this point my ears were
ringing and I was getting tired. So when the gals wanted to move to the back
patio for fresh air...I was all over it.

Then a funny thing happened. "Him" walked over to me again. In my mind I was
thinking... "Please go away, close talker".

HIM: So what do you do for a living?

ME: I do missions and humanitarian work.

HIM: Like what? Are you a Lutheran?

ME: Nope. I'm a Bible believing individual...non-denominational.

HIM: I'm a **** and a sinner and I'm going to hell.

ME: I'm a sinner and I'm going to heaven. No need to go to hell.

HIM: I don't go to church.

ME: (laughing) Good, I don't either. *Cha-ching
I mean, I don't go every week. You don't need to go to love God.

HIM: I like to go out on my boat and fish on Sundays instead.

ME: Well, God doesn't just exist in a church building. Do you believe God can
be anywhere?

HIM: Umm, yes.

ME: God's on the boat fishing with you. You know He still talks...right? I bet if
you talk to Him next time you are out there, He will talk back. Just listen for
Him.

HIM: I see Him in your eyes.

ME: What?

HIM: I see Him in your eyes. You are a good person.

ME: Thank you! I'm happy to hear that. Consider this possibility.... that God sent
me here to tell you He knows you exist, that He hears you, that He loves you
and you don't need to go to hell.

HIM: Thank you! What is your next trip?

ME: Thailand in a couple weeks.

HIM: What will you be doing?

ME: Funny you should ask. I'll be working in bars telling girls in there the
same thing I just told you.

HIM: I want to give you some money.

ME: OK!

HIM: Here is a $100. Do good with it. You know I have a wife and 2 kids. A 5
year old and a 3 year old. I'm a bad man.

ME: God loves you and knows your heart.

HIM: Thank you for telling me that. Please help those women. They need to know
too.

I broke a rule. I gave him a hug and my business cards. I told him I'd pray for
him and his family. I also told him that if he wanted to send in $100 each
month to help, that I would gladly take it! We both laughed.

As we left at 4:30 am (5:30 am my time) he came over to say once again, to say
thank you.

As we turned the corner, I looked at Caroline and the other bridesmaids and
said, "Guys, I made $100 tonight!"  We shared a laugh that of all people,
of all places... God is at the Bachlorette party! What a testimony.

We called it a night and walked to our hotel.

*Cha-ching... the sound of money. Either
I will gain or lose prayers and support over this blog.