Today was a true blessing.

The Minnie Pause ladies performed for an amazing crowd at First Baptist Church of Houston. The ladies in the audience were ready to have a good time, and that always gets the cast going. There were a few men there, too, but this was a women’s event and the ladies were fired up about it.

The members of the cast were there long after the show ended taking pictures and sharing with the attendees. It is amazing what will be shared in this environment, and many times the only appropriate response is to stop and pray with someone. It is wonderful to watch, and it really does help. When your message is “Joy 4 Life’s Journey” it is important to embody what you are singing and acting out.

Usually, once the pictures are taken, the cast will change out of their costumes and wigs (you can see why!) before we leave. Today was different, though.

A long-time close friend of ours is dying. He and his wife have had a rough few years. Their son was born with special needs and died a couple of years ago. Rick and Patti were supposed to be able to enjoy some time together after going through that tragedy. Instead, more tragedy has followed. Watching your friend die is tough; watching your spouse die is almost too much to imagine.

Patti has attended several shows, and when we found out Rick was back in the hospital today we decided to go see them. After the show we decided that we would do so in costume. I was sure it would lift Patti’s spirits, and I know Rick well enough to know he would think it was hilarious to see these ladies walk in wearing gaudy makeup and two-foot-high beehive wigs.

The reaction was just what we expected. We visited and talked with Rick and Patti, and then Rick asked if we would sing. The sounds that came out of that hospital room sounded like heaven to me, and we attracted quite a crowd that just wanted to come see and hear what was going on. Rick was moving his lips right along with us, and I know his heart was singing to beat the band.

These kinds of moments are special. This is the heart of what being involved in a ministry is all about, and I am privileged to serve with people who gladly take on the responsibility. Sometimes joy is easy, but often joy is difficult. The joy on Rick’s face today is something that I will remember for a very long time; something that I will remember every time I think of Rick.

We love you, Patti and Rick! God bless every step of your journey.