It Was A Night Fit for a Queen

So last night I had a first.  I had never experienced anything like it.  I was a Queen.  My friend Beth had invited me to come to "Queen's Night Kansas City".  It was a night for women of Africa to gather and worship together.  Needless to say, I was the only white Queen in the room among 400 African women.  That is right!  400 Women.  Queens!  

It was a night FULL of worship, the Word of God, testimony to what He has done in people's lives, and dancing....great dancing!  I moved as best as this white girl knows how to move and had so much fun!  There were even conga lines!  I am not sure if the Marriott Hotel knew what had come!  We were there from 6pm-2:30am!!  Yes that is right, 400 plus women worshipping the Lord until 2:30 IN THE MORNING!  Can I get an Amen??  

As I stood in that room I was overwhelmed in many ways.  I was overwhelmed in thinking I have never been that much of a minority in my life.  And wouldn't you know, people greeted me with great warmth, hugs, high fives, and lots of hand shakes.  I was able to feel what it was like to be the different one in the room.  I loved hearing different languages all around me.  Seeing women laugh together and gather together to encourage their walks with the Lord.  I was overwhelmed by their worship.  By their encouragement of each other.  And isn't that how it should be?  Walking with the Lord is not a promise of ease.  It is a very narrow road.  And we should be lifting each other up.  Encouraging one another to keep going.  Reminding each other we serve a God who is living.  Who is active.  Who loves you beyond measure and has a plan and a purpose for your life.  A plan that has been laid out since my mother's womb!  Amen?  Hallelujah!  Praise Jesus!  

I was in awe!  You know, I was wondering if the color palette were reversed, would a group of my friends of 400 would let loose and dance all around in front of each other with no reservation, no care of what others will think, no care of what other people are wearing, comparing, etc.....there were no inhibitions.  Praising the Lord was authentic.  I was thankful to be in a room of women who were not worried about what the other women at their table would think if they raised their hand to praise.  Raised both hands.  Or did a great dance or even started a conga line!  Pure worship!

I also fet great admiration.  Great admiration.  This is a room full of women who work very hard to be here in America.  And not only do they work hard for their family here in the US, but they work very hard for the family they have in Africa.  No one is forgotten in their families.  They moved to this amazing country that by the grace of God I was born in, with a dream and a vision for a better life for themselves and their children.  And day by day, week by week, one shift, double shift....they work toward that dream.  Admiration.

I also felt unity.  There were many times I did not know what they were saying, but we worship and love the very same God.  Who does not change.  And is the same today, yesterday, and forever.  I just lifted my hands and praised Him!  I shook my sweet white self and just had fun!  I laughed with my friend who I am so thankful the Lord has brought in my life to encourage me, challenge me, and love on me.  

The night also confirmed my hearts love for Africa!  My heart thought about the day I would one day see this amazing land where these women came.  I will love one of its children.  I left with a longing.

"A grateful heart worships.  And worship brings breakthrough."

The Queens of the night!