I felt totally honored to be in the midst of such distinquished men of God.
(I mean, these guys were "big-wigs).
More men arrived, filling up the seats. There were only a few of us girls and we all sat together. The meeting was about to begin.
I was attempting to behave my very best: stand straight, hold your stomach in, don't talk too much, and no sarcastic jokes--think anointed and full of glory.
Think composure, behave like a leader.
The last thing I wanted to reveal to these respected leaders was my propensity to mimic Lucille Ball.
After our first speaker was finished there was a break. I went into the restroom, closed the stall and a few seconds later heard: "Well, Ralph, how are things with you? . . .Oh, I guess you'll have to wait your turn."
"HUH?!!!!? Oh God no . . . I'm in the men's room!"
I quickly jerked my feet off the floor.
What do I do now? Why did I have to wear my bright rainbow shoes? Lord, You promise to give your people a way of escape!!! I need one NOW!
I didn't know what to do. I thought maybe I should just speak up from my stall and announce: "Well, I'm sure glad co-ed bathrooms are now legal!" No, that won't work. It will not be funny to these men--besides it will be all they remember about me. I'll be branded for life!
(You have to understand, I am of a different generation where there is absolutely no discussion on the subject of co-ed bathrooms.)
Then I heard another male voice, one I quickly recognized to be the president of the organization!! A saint of a man, very conservative, very, very, very modest.
I stood on my tip-toes and squeezed myself between the commode and the wall hoping no one would look under the door and notice my shoes. I was not one bit comfortable to be privy to this stream of activity.
I held my breath, kept myself braced against the wall . . . . . and waited.
Talking . . . washing hands . . .primping (did you know men primp?)
Oh Lord, make them leave the bathroom! Finally the room was silent. I peeked out the crack in the door . . . anyone there? NO . . .GO . . .
Quickly I opened the stall and flew out of the bathroom. SAVED! THANK YOU, GOD. Luckily no men were on their way IN to the bathroom when I flung open the door.
Red faced and grateful, I rejoined the meeting. I must have had a smirk on my face because my friend leaned over and said, "What happened to you?"
"Oh . . . nothing . . . I'm just happy God gives us a way of escape."
"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience (well maybe not in this case). And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation (to make a fool of myself) to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13)