A couple of years ago I made a decision that had an impact I could NOT have imagined. I was scrolling, actually probably more like trolling, through social media one morning when I saw a tweet that caught my eye. It invited readers to apply for a book launch team. My book-loving self wanted to know more about what that was because I had not heard of such a thing prior to this tweet.

Turns out, I made a rash decision to apply for a spot on the book launch team. It was an author I had not read before, but knew from social media posts that she was talented and witty. In full disclosure, I was interested in getting a free book. I can’t help it, I love books. I also love free.

Apparently, 5,000 other people also applied. Who knew? In a stroke of some kind of miracle, I was selected to be on the team. What happened next was not anything I even knew to hope for or imagine. I gained a new book and 500 new friends. Over the past two years, we’ve carried heavy burdens in prayer, laughed until tears were streaming down our faces, and shared countless memes.

One of the friends I met was Lauren. She’s a central Texas girl, a children’s book author, a blogger, community advocate, and mother. We would not have met if it wasn’t for my impulsive decision to apply for that launch team. We have shared so much more than a mutual love of writing and good books!

I am honored to be featured on Lauren’s blog today-in a series called #TexasStrong.

Who knew that one decision would have such a huge impact on my life. These are now my friends; people to call on in times of great joy and deep need. What started online is now real life. I know people don’t believe that can happen, but it can and does. We don’t all hold the same convictions, background, or dreams. Most of us have one thing in common, though. We believe that God is at work in each of our lives. In fact, we even call this church.