I write to you this morning about the word preparation. Many of you, just like me, went through our daily rituals this morning to prepare for the day. We all tend to be planners. We find ourselves planning for meals, exercise, meetings, birthdays, holidays, vacations, retirement and the list goes on. Somehow, I think for me, planning always made me feel a sense of control over a given situation.

In December 2006 I had plans. It was two weeks before Christmas and the house was decorated, most of the shopping was done, dates were set when all of the family would come for dinner, and my youngest son, at 5 years old, was full of anticipation for all that was happening.

I had planned, but not for everything. Awakened from a dead sleep I was told that my husband’s plane had crashed in Texas. I last kissed him goodbye in the driveway, watching him back out with the back seat of his car loaded with presents, saying, “go ahead, we’ll get them out when you get back tomorrow.”

Now it was tomorrow and he wasn’t coming back. All planning ceased. Those of you that have faced death understand that there are no adequate words to describe it. The depth of pain is unimaginable. I tried to understand, but I couldn’t. I tried to face the reality, but I didn’t. My children needed me, but I felt absent, gone, as if I had died myself. However, in the midst of it all, without even knowing, I had planned.

When I was pregnant with my youngest son, I began attending weekly Bible studies with friends. The studies were written by Beth Moore. I had never heard of her and I had never done Bible studies like these. In the process, I met some of my dearest Christian friends, two of whom were the first to my house the night of this awful tragedy.

I also met God like I had never known Him. I learned things that were put in my heart through the years of Bible study that God, in His mercy and sovereignty, knew that I would need to get through this devastation. And, in December 2006, God showed up for me and my family.

He was faithful. Now, 2 and a half years later, I can tell you that no matter what has happened in your lives that you didn’t plan, whether it be death, illness, divorce, broken dreams or disappointments, you can seek His way and His plan. He is greater than the pain. He is faithful and His plan is better than ours, .even when we don’t understand why. Only He knows what the future holds for us. I truly don’t know where I would be without the foundation that I was given in my Bible studies.

Now, I would like to reach out to each of you with an invitation to hear from the one that truly has had a profound impact on my life.

Beth Moore has written numerous Bible studies and books. She is one of the most powerful teachers I have ever learned from, and truly a humble vessel of God. She is a gifted speaker with talents that could only come from God. In her obedience to God’s call on her life she helped seat me with the tools that I would need to face my own tragedy.

First Baptist Church in Natchez is hosting a Live Simulcast Event of Beth Moore on Aug. 28 and 29. The doors open at 5:30 on the 28th and the event is from 6:30-9:30. On the 29th doors open at 7 a.m., with the event time from 8-12. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at FBC office, Anruss Salon, Dr. Robbie Savant’s office and Pamper Me Please.

I know it’s football season, and no one loves football like the Brown family, but I encourage you not to miss this.

I would submit to you that at any time your best laid plans might change. It is my desire that each of you would start today to accumulate the tools you will need when that happens. Please join us for a time to get away, get renewed, and get a fresh word from God.

For more info online: www.firstbaptistnatchez.org or call FBC 601-442-1464, or me at 601-446-6387.

Beth Brown is a Natchez resident.