Today turned out quite unexpectedly pleasant despite the rough start to the morning.

After work I had planned to just get a haircut and then perhaps a little mani-pedi at a nail salon that’s sponsoring my radio station. I thought nothing of it really, just walked into a nicely-lit salon with a beach theme and thought I’d prepare myself for some pampering. I didn’t realize that there was a much higher purpose for which God brought my through that door.

The moment I sat down, the nail stylists/beauty technicians all nearly instantly recognized me. One thought I was my older, more well-known sister, while others remember me from various adverts and TV hosting I’ve done. After a few niceties, while they began the paraffin wax hand and foot treatment, I started to engage them. The only other two customers had already finished and left so I had the whole place and staff to myself.

I started to ask them simple questions like where they were from, which ones were married and single, etc. As the conversations went on, two of them in particular out of the 6 started to get more personal and open. One was heartbroken over a boyfriend whom she’s not heard from in over a week; the other lady was airing her heart’s emptiness considering how her husband left her about ten years ago and has now fully stopped sending child support.

My heart broke but at the same time I felt an excitement well up inside of me. I felt the Holy Spirit just fill me with love and joy and empowered me to comfort and encourage them. Soon they were all sat around me as I talked (and waited for my Monroe Red nail polish to dry). I told them about how much God wants to bless them with a life full of passion, joy and peace and how much He wants to give them out of this life–if only they would accept Jesus as their savior and begin a personal relationship with Him. They agreed that they really could use a little more God in their life. It was amazing. We all had the same familiar emptiness that women who have not been brought together with their God-chosen life partners feel, and in that little circle, we found encouragement and hope.

After awhile, I asked them if it was okay that I prayed for them. They seemed really excited and asked me if I really would. So I did. I thanked God for their lives, for their hearts and for letting our paths cross. I asked that God would bless their livelihood and their families, that He would protect their hearts and their health. It was amazing how the Holy Spirit was just there.

I told them I’d visit them every now and then just to say hello and that they shouldn’t hesitate to text me if they need a prayer or encouragement. I walked away from there feeling absolutely blessed and humbled that God would use me after the many times I’ve failed him.

And almost instantly, after a God-glorifying afternoon, the enemy comes and tries to ruin it for me.