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Table for One

ISBN 13: 978-0-9851176-5-8

eISBN: 9780985117689

Published by New Spectrum Media Concepts

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Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Table for One Please

Sup at the Table

Water that Quenches

The Water Cleanses

Come Buy Wine & Milk

l am the Bread of Life

Responsibility at the Table for One

Storm Conditions

Feasting at the Table

Processing at the Table

DEDICATION

First and foremost, I give credit and praise to God because He inspired me to write my first book, l am thankful that He entrusted this message to me and my constant desire is to make Him proud.

As I sat on an airplane headed to preach my first Single's Conference, I was reflecting on the message that I had prepared. God interrupted my plans with the revelation that has become this book. I heard this title so clear, "Table for One." I immediately sensed that it was a God-given Word that would shift the lives of singles and those dealing with alone moments in life.

That singles conference was such a pivotal moment in my life. I am eternally grateful for Dr. Craig, Lady Cleo Oliver and the Singles Ministry of Elizabeth Baptist Church. Thank you for seeing the anointing on my life and inviting me to share with your ministry what God had given me.

It is hard to find the words to articulate my sincere love and appreciation for my family.Because when my life turned upside down and I was sitting at a "Table for One", your love and support filled many empty nights and seasons.

Thank you Preashea for every meal you cooked so I could have something to eat at the "Table for One."

Thank you Tina and Terry for the wisdom you gave in every conversation about the road I was about to travel and the pit stops I would encounter.

Thank you Ivan and Jay because you always find a way to fill even the quiet moments with sound and excitement. Thank you for teaching me how to love unconditionally, live unselfishly, and even like sports. Mommy loves you!

Thank you also goes to my spiritual sons because it brings me joy as I watch you all mature in a unique way across the country.

Thank you to my wonderful parents, Bishop I.V. & Pastor Bridget Hilliard. Your life demonstrates parenting at another level. No matter the season or the storm, you are always there. You find great joy in seeing the dreams of your children become a reality. Mommy is truly the CEO of her girls' fan club, and Dad you are the best coach. After God, I hope to make you proud. My life is committed to serving you both!

I must salute several amazing women who set an example of how to sit and comfort myself at a "Table for One". You are all unique, but from each one I have gained pointers for my journey. It's not always in what you do, but how you live to help others do.

Thank you Stephanie Kegler. I couldn't do what I do if you were not gracious enough to spend your single season helping me with the boys. You are like family!

Thank you to My Auntie, Berna Kennard. Every conversation, every work meeting you found a way to check in on my progress as I transitioned to singleness. You taught me so much and really helped me get through. Thanks for being my pattern of a woman thriving after a divorce.

This last person is now resting with the Lord but her presence in my life will never be erased. Sometimes my "Table for One" required me to put my own needs and feelings to the side so I could bless others. When the "Table for One" would get tough & the tears would fall your whispered prayers gave me a strength I will forever cherish. You took your "Table for One" and made it a place of serving in the Kingdom. There will never be another like you. I miss you dearly and acknowledge that God assigned you to me as I walked through my valley. Great is your reward in heaven. I love you forever, Ms. Mary Myers.

There are so many others that I would love to mention, but then my dedication would be longer than the actual book. Every person who is a part of my life in some form of fashion, you make me better.

And finally, thank you to the New Light Church family! Your love, support and encouragement through every season in my life has shaped me into the woman I am today. I preach better because of you. The Movement West, thanks for loving me in a special way. Greater is in store for us.

PREFACE

The idea of sitting at a table for one can be unsettling. In reality, it takes great confidence and fortitude to have a meal in a public setting alone. Without a doubt some would never consider dining by themselves.Yet, there are times in life when being alone is necessary for the sake of wholeness within the spirit, soul and body.

Tο begin the journey through the "Table for One", I introduce the fictitious story of a young lady with whom you may identify with literally, or conceptually. She personifies the inner conversation, the struggle and the temptation that singles and people in general face whether at a table, a social event, at church or in life itself. She has the voice of a mindset that may resemble yours, if not in totality maybe in some abstract manner. Though her story is distinct it offers you the same victory through the completed work of Christ in you.

I invite you to engage her story for the sake of your life.

CHAPTER ONE

Table for One Please