The One With All the Red Flags.

Let me just start with saying that it is possible convince ourselves that we have “heard from the Lord” concerning an issue, and in reality we are in the midst of a sea of red flags. That’s a little scary that we convince ourselves of something…


I pulled up to the church  feeling frazzled and gulping down the nerves. I let out one last nervous breath, applied one last coat of gloss and popped in a piece of gum.  As I emerged from my vehicle my eyes immediately went to the only other people in the nearly bare parking lot, two couples exchanging  what-appeared-to-be “good luck” good byes.  I didn’t want to walk in at the same times as the two guys, so I did an Olympic-worthy-speed -walk  to the door, and began filling out the paper work for the audition.  


Name: Mary Catherine.
Part: Alto. 
Musical ability: can’t read music. 
Hobbies: NINJA.






This audition was for the worship of the church I had been attending for the Summer. Before my audition, the two gentlemen previously seen in the parking lot began setting up the stage for their audition. The taller one sat at the piano, while the sandy-blonde-haired-one took his place, center stage his guitar. They each sang a song, while the other played.  And as the words floated out of the mouth of the guitar player and throughout the auditorium, I found myself somewhat mesmerized.  







The next few months I thought sporadically about that guitar player, but was also aware of the relationship he was in. We spoke in passing, congratulating one another whenever either had recently been on stage; but mostly,  I spent many a moments praying for the Lord to guard my heart, and ultimately even began serving on  the team during opposing weekends.  (as my own safety net) 


During one particular meeting with the worship staff, the idea was brought to me regarding the guitar player and the possibility of the two of us leading together in the near future. My heart leapt out of my chest at this proposal!  I found it exhilarating and exciting, but I  knew in my heart ,that serving in such close proximity together would be challenging.  And I didn’t want to compromise myself, him or his current relationship. 


On the way home from that meeting I called my Mama and she & I prayed that the Lord would continue to guard my heart, and He did. Not too long after this prayer, the guitar player  announced that He was moving; and while this was saddening, I knew the Lord had answered my prayer to guard my heart. 


But little did I know that his leaving would not be our last time encountering each other, and would begin the journey of “seeing signs”. …