Do you believe in providential encounters? These are meetings or interactions divinely arranged for a specific purpose. If you’re unsure, you may reconsider after reading this story.
On November 3, 2023, my husband and I boarded American Airlines Flight 283 from Antigua to Miami, returning from a vacation with our best friends. Little did we know that God had already orchestrated what would happen next.
Even as I write these words, my eyes well up with tears, reflecting on the depth of His thoughts toward us. I’ll try to keep this brief. That day, we sat directly across from Bonnie and Donnie. If you know them, you know—Donnie was relaxed, while Bonnie, as always, was busy. Meanwhile, my husband, Harold—though a pastor—is an introvert who rarely initiates conversation. But on this flight, something was different.
He noticed Donnie’s HE>I bracelet, a symbol he was deeply familiar with—Harold has the same phrase tattooed on his right arm. At that moment, he found himself in a silent debate: Should I say something, or should I sleep? Normally, he’d be asleep before the plane even left the runway. But this time, he chose to speak. That small decision has profoundly impacted our lives.
I share this story because my prayer is that others, like Harold and me—an African American couple—and Bonnie and Donnie—a Caucasian couple—would open their hearts to the beauty of connection beyond differences. It is in our diversity that we create something priceless—a masterpiece woven together by God’s design. He is waiting on us to embrace the richness of our differences and the unity of our gifts to transform the world!
This providential encounter didn’t just open the door for Bonnie Floyd to become the first Caucasian to minister at Compass Worship Ministries; it also forged a connection between the four of us that extends beyond a moment. It has become a Lasting Legacy: Spiritually, Relationally, and Financially.