Over 600 photos over the course many years in a hardware store at Aisle 31.
So, I'm asked what is the reason behind Aisle31? Do you know all of these people who take their picture with you?
Why has Aisle31 been one of the hot spots in Florence that everyone is talking about?
Having a front row seat at Aisle31, this is what I have observed:
Aisle31 is a place, a platform I use to add value to my honored guests, people that have a relationship with me
Aisle31 is a place, a platform where people and their stories matter
Aisle31 is a place, a platform where I give those who watch for the next post an opportunity to share with my featured guest how much they mean to them
What is Aisle31? It is a place of love
"But we don't need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another." 1 Thessalonians 4:9 NLT
"Indeed, you already show your love for all the believers throughout Macedonia. Even so, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you to love them even more." 1 Thessalonians 4:10 NLT
This has become for me an easy to do ministry of encouragement. In future posts, I'm going to challenge YOU to be intentional and look for ways you can build your own Aisle31.
Before we get to meet the Aisle 31 Hall of Fame, I need to share a bit of backstory with you on how I got to Aisle 31.
There have been times where I have landed in a job that I was grateful to have the opportunity. And there was one time where I landed in a Hardware hardware store (for the fourth time) questioning the wisdom and ways of God: "How did I get here? And how fast can I escape?" Little did I realize a place called Aisle 31 was right where I needed to be . . . so I could do what He had in store for me.
"Aisle 31"Before staff cuts were made at the bookstore I was working, I began to work some part time hours at Schofield's to help ends meet. Being a friend of the Lyle's family for over forty years gave me some favor, I suppose. When the bookstore did let me go, there were two full time openings at the hardware store. I got one of them. My assignment led me to a place I now affectionally call, Aisle 31.
But before my awareness and my assignment at Aisle 31 I had to do some serious heart checking. My heart conversation sounded a little like this: "Lord, why am I here? Don't you remember I spent five years earning my doctor's degree in leadership? Don't you recall I'm called to be a pastor, a teacher, a writer and a life coach and don't you think that's this is a huge waste of my gifts?" Honestly, it sounds like a pretty good speech to me and an excellent line of reasoning.
It was . . . until I connected with Jon Senseney at Aisle 31.
