It’s truly humbling how the Lord will put things into your hands. Seems this spiritual assignment to write out the Top 40 God moments has unlocked something in my brain that encourages me to search old email addresses for the word “BLOGS”. The “Always loved me some Floyd” memory is in the Top 40 list. Rather than rewrite, I am copying directly from the 2006 blog. It appears the beginning may be elsewhere, but for now:

….I did not feel defeated. I did have faith that I would find my happy place. It is what I do. And just after I put on my happy pants, that “fly by” action happened once more. Have Faith. Louder, stronger and with a direction. Then I heard that George Michael song in my head, which almost started to agitate me. Instead, the direction led me to Floyd. 

I have always loved me some Floyd…..

Many of you have my phone number. It seems to be a running MySpace joke that I can only love you after 9 pm CST and on weekends. You know I can not afford it and you respect it. THANK YOU ALL!! Too bad collectors do not embrace my request to be tormented on the weekends. Regardless, I rarely allow myself to make phone calls during normal business hours. It is not a luxury I can afford.

Yesterday, the “fly by” action was a solo effort. It was a one time thing. Why it compelled me to look down at the letter from the State of Tennessee, I will never know for certain. The point is, I didn’t even see the phone number the night before. However, when I ever-so-briefly glanced down at it after hearing “have faith”, the phone number may as well have been in 10000 font. In bold with flashing lights. It glared. I called.

Understand my logic for a moment. Calling a state agency is the equivalent of saying, “I have nothing better to do than to be on hold for twenty minutes.” Seriously.  Still, I dialed the number.

On the very first ring, a gentleman answered. I explained quickly that I had received a letter. I asked if anyone could possibly look up the property identification number in the letter and tell me how much was “over $100”. To my shock, he did not pass me off to another extension. He told me his name was Floyd and he would be all too happy to happy to help me.

First ring. Kindness. No pass off. Okay, I am sold.

Almost instantly, he is telling me the check is from Prudential. The noteworthy part is that I worked for Prudential from 1988-1993. The first year or so was on the insurance side. The last three years were at the brokerage firm formerly known as Prudential-Bache. I have not worked for them in over thirteen years.

Did you catch the THIRTEEN YEARS?

Back then, a paycheck was less than $400, after taxes. Once I got my broker’s license, I did earn commissions the last year. However, they minimized them to such a degree that after three years, I left to pursue my current field.

Floyd tells me the check is for $2023.75.

I fell into an uncontrollable fit of tears. Overwhelming and happy tears. With a few hundred out of the rest of my child support at the end of the month, I can make those two necessary mortgage payments to save our home from foreclosure. Maybe.

Floyd did not know why I was crying. I am sure any other person would have thought I belonged in a looney bin. He just says, and I am quoting him:

“God works in funny ways. Sometimes, you just have to have faith.”

No.He.Did.Not.

Yes, he did. And, those particular words threw me into another stronghold of emotional breakdown. Then I had to do the next right thing. Despite his wonderful help, I had to ask how long it would take to get the money.

“Usually five or six weeks.”

(Okay, still a huge blessing) 

If you have done the math, that would be after our home was foreclosed upon. I cried again and told him I have concerns about my mortgage. I did not tell him I needed the money before November 2 or 3. I was so grateful for the quick information and kindness, that I did not wish to push it any further.

Floyd did something that will MAKE A DIFFERENCE to me and my children. He suggested that if I have real issues with my mortgage that the check would alleviate, I could come to his office and ask directly for him. He said he has seen checks cut in two weeks, give or take.

Do the math. Do it now.

November 1 or 2, I could have my check. It is possible to save our home.

I bawled like you would not believe. I had chills and the shakes. And, when I cry that hard, I can’t help but sniffle like crazy because my nose is draining like a broken faucet. Okay, it is NOT pretty. But, it takes extremes to bring on those extremes. 

Floyd tells me after I have calmed down that it was not his experience for checks to come from employers that far back. He digs deeper and sees the check was deposited to the State of Tennessee Treasury Department 1999.  Please understand, I was already in a state of shock and awe.

First, the money being owed to me by Prudential, of all employers. Then,the amount. Now, the timing of deposit and delivery.

It made no sense and will never be something that can be explained away. In my heart, it was ALL very much a “God thing”.  Floyd then says one more thing to leave me overwhelmed.

“God knew exactly when you would need this check.” 

I thanked him profusely. Through tears, an expanded heart and a few snot rags, I gave him my deepest gratitude. I can not wait to meet him tomorrow.

Sass Monkey and I are going downtown tomorrow morning to meet Floyd. We are baking cookies and brownies for his office. Maybe, just maybe, they will sweeten their day.

Maybe, just maybe, we can Make a Difference, too.

Speaking of which, that leads me to the second miracle of my day. After finally coming down from the clouds yesterday, I was sent right back up. I received a call from Terry Byrnes at USA WEEKEND. I will tell you all about it tomorrow.