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As a Registered Nurse at a local hospital, just having
were rising substantially. The bank initially told us that
given birth to my second child, I was struggling at work.
an increased loan would not be a problem. Several weeks
My patient group would always “fall apart” before the
in, they backed out, saying this industry was too risky.
day’s end. The easy patients who were supposed to be
A week or so after that, it dawned on me that I had NO
in and out would ultimately have some major issue. One
retail experience. My training was in nursing and pharma-
day, a fellow employee asked me if I prayed. Yes, I prayed.
cy. What was I doing? What was I thinking? So, I prayed,
All the time! But, I felt like I couldn’t share my faith with
asking God again if this was the right path for me. Fear
my patients. The hospital never said I couldn’t, but there
was trying to take over. Then, one day, I heard the Holy
was always this fear that I would get in trouble if I did.
Spirit remind me that THIS was what I had been praying
I hadn’t always been a Christian. As I was beginning
my critical care semester of nursing school, I wasn’t doing
for. That was my huge “Duh” moment. I had been praying
for job where I could openly serve Him.
as well as I wanted. Though I was studying all the time, I
We opened in February of 2010. The look and dynamics
became very frustrated and fearful of failure. Then, I
of the store have changed drastically since then. Initially
started having suicidal thoughts. But, one day, it came to
we had a whimsical boutique with children’s wear and
me: I had everything… a great husband, a child, family
handbags, jewelry, and some gifts for babies and adults.
and a home. Then, it clicked. The thoughts that haunted
After completing a successful diet several years ago, I had
me were not my own. This was the evil one on my shoul-
trouble finding the clothes I wanted, so I prayed again.
der trying to get me to end my life. It became clear to me
Then, I ordered a few things to see how it would go. With
be easy, but it will be worth it. The Lord has brought
that I was in a huge spiritual battle, and I didn’t know
more and more requests, I built up my women’s clothing.
God-loving people in my life who have retail or business
what to do. I was afraid to tell anyone. In the medical
I kept in mind what Florence had to offer shoppers, and I
experience to help guide me. “Blessed is the man who
field, anyone with thoughts of suicide is automatically
thought there was still another market that had not yet
perseveres under trial; because, when he has stood the
referred to a behavioral health facility, but my situation
been tapped into.
test, he will receive the crown of life that God has prom-
was different. After several weeks, I called a Christian
As time passed, we were bursting at the seams. I prayed
ised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12) Stay focused
friend and asked them to pray for me. But, the “thoughts”
for over a year to see what I should do. After Christmas
on God and His word, and don’t forget to thank Him.
didn’t go away. Not too long after, the church of a family
we got a computer system to track inventory, then nego-
I often think of the saying, “What if you wake up tomorrow
member was having a revival and I had an urge to go. It
tiations and pricing began for an expansion. I was fear-
and only have what you thanked God for today?” Have
was almost like a gentle push and a small voice saying,
ful again. The process was not easy for me. I had staff to
faith, and believe that God will see you through.
“Go. Go. Just go!” So, that night, my mom went with me.
schedule, sales to plan, marketing strategies to initiate,
I have grown leaps and bounds in my Christian faith
At the end of the sermon, I responded to the invitation
and lots of extra inventory and racks to buy… but no-
since opening this business. God’s love is amazing and
and gave my life to Jesus. It was as though a thousand
where to store them. Then, I learned a lesson. God moves
His forgiveness is astounding. Just give Him a chance.
pounds had been lifted off my shoulders, and a sense
in His time, not mine.
Give your life to Him and watch Him move in it! If any-
of peace and love filled my body. The spiritual suicidal
I told my sister recently that I don’t feel like I own this
one prays for God’s will, He will show the way. He loves
battle continued for several more weeks, then, finally, it
store. This is God’s business, and He is using me help
you and will never forsake you. It won’t always be easy,
subsided.
spread His word. We only play Christian music. The
but it will be worth it. The Lord has brought God-lov-
I wanted to work where I could openly share God’s
scriptures on the wall will soon be up again. (They
ing people in my life who have retail or business ex-
great love and not be afraid. After months of praying, my
were taken down during the renovation and painting of
perience to help guide me. “Blessed is the man who
husband asked me if I wanted to open Pretty N Bliss.
the walls.) We staple a scripture on every receipt and
perseveres under trial; because, when he has stood the
I have always loved clothing, and I loved dressing my girls.
change them several times a week. I try to encourage and
test, he will receive the crown of life that God has prom-
At first, I didn’t think he was serious… but, he was!
motivate others to continue living godly lives by plant-
ised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12) Stay focused
Although some of my family thought I was a little
ing seeds of hope. An elderly woman saw a scripture
on God and His word, and don’t forget to thank Him.
crazy leaving a paying job with benefits, they still sup-
on her receipt and said, “Wow, you’re bold.” I replied,
I often think of the saying, “What if you wake up tomorrow
ported me. Another retailer in town told me I was crazy.
“No, ma’am. Just being obedient.” I deal with fear like
and only have what you thanked God for today?” Have
She said she and others were struggling to pay the bills
everyone else, but I don’t let it control me. Recently, a
faith, and believe that God will see you through.
and she didn’t think my business would work. But, I was
customer told me she had started giving scriptures to her
determined. My whole mission was to serve the Lord and
customers at checkout.
let this business glorify Him.
About two months before we were set to open, costs
If anyone prays for God’s will, He will show the way.
He loves you and will never forsake you. It won’t always
I have grown leaps and bounds in my Christian faith
since opening this business. God’s love is amazing and
His forgiveness is astounding. Just give Him a chance.
Give your life to Him and watch Him move in it!
Rhonda and Grant Page live in Florence and attend Cornerstone Baptist Church. They have three adorable children, Lauren, Callie, and Emerson. Originally from
Hartsville, Rhonda is a graduate of Hartsville High School, FMU, and FDTC. Pretty N Bliss is located at 2509 S. Cashua Drive in Florence.
SHEMAGAZINE.COM
NOVEMBER 2015
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