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| - OK Christians: Raise your hand if you tore your clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and cried out in the midst of sin city when the Family Christian bookstore closed? (Raising hand)
How did this happen? Every time I was in the store it was packed with people shopping for Jesus. I myself, stayed away because I couldn't leave the store without spending at least $100. I was a member with my own card, I bought my first "mature" bible here along with other versions of the bible, bibles for my niece, and many cheesy Christian DVD's that had that 80's "after school special" appeal to them. I even remember buying "THE CASE FOR CHRIST" by Lee Strobel for my atheist ex-boyfriend. So many memories and now the store was vanishing like Jesus in an angry crowd! Yet, internally felt I needed to repent for not supporting the store and ordering off of Amazon because it was cheaper.
Shortly after the store closed I saw the EMPOWERED LIFE sign go up. Another Christian bookstore? Well, didn't the first one fail because it was a Christian bookstore? My eyes cut to the side, and I became a judgmental Pharisee. What kind of "Christian" bookstore is this? What makes it so different? Is this some "NEW AGE" religion that's going to promote "That was then, this is 2017."? Skeptical, I walked in and was surprised that not much had changed. The same types of items were for sale, but with a lot more variety. I thought it was cool to see so much Joseph Prince studies. I used to look at him years ago on TBN! While I browsed, employees checked on me and was very friendly. I spoke with one employee named Renee and she gave me the REAL background on the rebirth of store. Basically the Family Christian bookstores were closing! So Troy & Joyce Wormell take up their cross, sacrifice themselves, and resurrect the Christian bookstore. They are even affiliated with the Blueberry Hill restaurants. Wow! The very same people are responsible for that soft buttery French toast I can't get enough of. What an awesome story! You can read more about it on social media. Not only did they pick up where FCS left off, but they are interactive with the community! Inside there is tables & chairs for reading or enjoying the worship service on stage--yes! I said stage! There is a monthly calendar of events and coming up January 12th, 2018 there is a purity class for teenage girls!
Miracles DO happen and a store where there's no judgment and learning the word is encouraged remains open! The timing of this store officially opening came right at the perfect time of the celebrated birth of Jesus, Christmas. As I shopped for gifts I was reminded of the real reason for the season and that the material sold in Christian bookstores is timeless. It was a great reminder that love, peace, joy, and forgiveness can be spread all year round and these Christian bookstores are making it happen!
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