Chapter Fourteen

Open Doors

My last day driving on the I-40/Rt66—was an adventure.

In searching for Church Rock in New Mexico, I not only found that particular church but also found another church, her name: Jimmie Sue. I prayed for her two-week Route 66 adventure, which had just begun—paying forward the way Ross and Brenda (my Bottle Tree Park buddies) once prayed for me.

The Petrified Forest brought majestic views and majestic moments, both of which took my breath away. Along the way, I met another new friend, Earline, who offered me the best, most random piece of advice about church: “Go to church, but KNOW THE PEOPLE in it.” Her lesson for me felt perfectly timed.

I stood on the corner in Winslow, Arizona, and then cried my way up the mountain and through Flagstaff, surrendering things to the Lord that I no longer needed to carry.

As I came down the mountain and onto the final stretch of America’s Mother Road, I heard and received a prayer that opened a new door in my spirit. I chose to believe God for the pursuit of my dreams. I chose to believe He wanted this kind of adventure with me—and with others—every single day.

As I looked back on the favor I experienced during this trip, I realized it wasn’t just about blessing—it was also about walking the path God set before me, even when it wasn’t easy. His favor meets us as we step forward in trust, because He is a big God who delights in leading and blessing His children.

Are you in?