Faith and Fumes

Bible Study Cousin asked me if I bought any Bath & Body Works candles on the day of their big sale.  She knows I love Bath & Body Works.  I shop the semi-annual sale in December and June faithfully.  I actually kind of have a Bath & Body Works store in my house that my family members always want to shop at for free.99.  Like, I have sooooo much product.  My reply to her was that I’m existing on faith and fumes.

When she asked me that question, I had a total of -$4 in my bank account.  Well in the one bank account that I don’t touch. And that’s embarrassing.  But it’s factual.  I WAS DRAINED.  Financially, spiritually, and emotionally.  Just tired.

I applied for a retreat at the end of October.  They told me it usually takes months to be able to go.  The retreat is free, but you have get yourself there and back home.  And it’s in Utah.

Right before the Bath & Body Works sale, I got the call that they had room for me to go to the retreat the following week.  I said “yes” with joy and went to book my airline ticket.  You may wonder how I was going to get to this retreat since I said I didn’t have any money.

Remember my failed wedding debacle in “I Said Yes to the Dress”?  I had purchased non-refundable airline tickets for myself and the guy.  NON-REFUNDABLE.  Actually, my mom purchased them with the caveat that I would pay her back before said honeymoon but that’s a whole different blog.  Although the airline wouldn’t refund the money, they said I would have the credit in my name until mid-January 2020.  I considered that lost money, because although I could fly somewhere for free, I wouldn’t have money for hotel…food…anything.  My finances were TIGHT.

So, this was an on-time opening at the resort.  I went to book my airline ticket.  I had enough credit to pay for my flight to Utah.  I would only owe $4 for the flight.  I was pumped because I had $50 in that bank account that I don’t touch.  Then she said, they had a $50 fee, because I booked the ticket through a third-party vendor initially.  Even though I only had $50 total to my name, I gave her the card number, and the charge went through.  Faith and fumes ya’ll.

That’s how I ended up with my account being in the negative.  But when you’re desperate, and sick and tired of being sick and tired, you’ll do anything.  I also debated going away for a week because my finances are in turmoil.  I can’t afford a week off from work.  If I don’t work, I don’t eat.  But I couldn’t afford not to go.  I had been praying for change and breakthrough.  God was pushing me to go.  Faith and fumes.

My days away were life changing.  And freeing and everything I needed.  I’m back, and I’m rejuvenated.  I feel purpose.  I feel peace.  The fumes have dissipated because I’ve been filled, and I’m just left with faith.  #wepreach