I'm Back!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Rev. Dr. Iyanla Vanzant~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm BACK!!

Oh my goodness, what an experience! I can not even begin to tell you what a fantastic time I had. God's hand was definitely upon us.

First, we made it to the recording studio early, something that seldom happens with my parents. My Dad drove us, so we wouldn't have to search for parking and then walk. But, we were in luck. We actually parked in front of the building in a meter for FREE!! If you've ever tried to park in the downtown Chicago area, you'll know this is nothing short of a miracle.

When we got into the studio we were lucky enough to snag seats in the first row. Although I've got to admit, any seat in the studio would have been good since there were only 25 seats. When they said it would be an "intimate" audience they weren't kidding! As it turns out, it was an audio only recording (not DVD)--probably the reason for the small audience.

Immediately when we entered the room we made friends with the rest of the audience members as they arrived. I met three woman who had been in a previous workshop with me in Maryland. Yup, it was like a homecoming. My dad was even invited to stay with us during the taping. Could things get any better?

When Iyanla entered the room it was like another homecoming. She was warm and engaging as she greeted each of us personally. There is absolutely nothing like an Iyanla hug! I knew we were in store for something special and I was right.

Iyanla centered on the seven points from her book, "Tapping the Power Within." Neither of my parents had ever heard Iyanla speak, other than her television appearances (Oprah, Starting Over, VH1's Salt and Peppa), so they really didn't know what to expect. I, on the other hand, have seen her in person before and knew she would be dynamic, interesting, engaging and funny as funny can be. And she did NOT disappoint. I only wish I could capture the essence of the evening here for you. Unfortunately I can't. You really need to experience Iyanla in person to get her full impact.

After the taping, my Dad told Iyanla she was the best speakers he had heard in the past 10 years (a MAJOR statement coming from my Dad). And you know she was. . . is one of the best I've encountered. Have I emphasized this enough? I can't even begin to imagine Iyanla and Beth Moore in the same room. I think the walls would explode!

Our evening ended with goody bags including a personal note from Iyanla to (Be Blessed!) and a tape of a previous live recording with some other "freebies" thrown in for fun. Of course, we will get a signed copy of the recording mailed to us when it's completed.

It was a wonderful, magical evening--one I was blessed to share with my Mom and Dad. I will treasure the memory for years to come. And for this I am so thankful.

As Iyanla would say, "And So It Is!"