Working at Starbucks was the first of an interlude of radical obedience in my life this year. It all began on my birthday in January when I asked God what I could give Him as a gift of of thanks. “Your story Emra, the one you haven’t told”. With that came a picture of a circular place and me sharing. I promised that I would tell it to two, twenty or two-hundred, knowing He would make the story to tell clear.
A month later the crazy notion of working part-time at Starbucks came about and the moments there were filled with everyday workplace details. Most which I hadn’t experienced for a long time, having being in management and leadership. This was real people-stuff, I had little say in how work played out and simply had to endure it. It was different for me. Humbling and perhaps crafting a willingness, an enabling for servanthood.
Four months later, I stood in a circular space before two-hundred women at the Lead n Link Conference telling the story I had promised to tell. Radical obedience. Doing what doesn’t seem to make sense. 
Soon after the Conference the Starbucks experience ended as I plunged into writing, assumed studies to complete my Human Studies degree and held the first Teatime Stories Chapter tea. This is just the beginning of an exciting adventure where God is combining all He’s designed me to be, my life experiences and His gracious interventions to show His story of love through mine.
What does Radical Obedience look like?
1) Time spent with God
- Read His Word daily
- Time spent in deep, reflective prayer
2) Hear and listen to Him
- Confession and repentance
- Change what needs changing
3) Action steps
- Take the next step He asks of you
Often it makes no sense at the time but as you look back, it always does. It’s not only about the task at hand, it’s about YOU being molded for the task ahead. Upside down moments are really right side up in Him.
What is He asking of you today as He takes you to your tomorrow with Him?