Yesterday, I had lunch with Bishop David I. Hartman, who is the Chaplain for the Taxi & Limousine Commission, and someone who I consider to be both a very close friend as well as my spiritual advisor. Out of nowhere, he sent me an e-mail and asked me to call him. So I did – and, like every time I see him – I had a very spiritual, educational and moving experience while in his company.

As soon as we saw each other in the parking lot of Applebee’s, we ran toward one another and gave each other a very big hug. I was very elated that he was as happy to see me as I was to see him. And for close to three hours, Bishop Hartman, my friend Lisa and I sat and talked about everything under the sun. From the Bible, to the goings on in my life – to life itself – and every second of our discussion was an amazing one. The reason he called me was because, in his own words, he felt I needed him at this time – and as always – he could not have been more correct. While I am happy with where my life is presently, I could use some spiritual guidance right about now – and who better to give it to me than Bishop Hartman.

As we talked, I explained to him the things that are currently bothering me the most, which are the fact that I am not where I want to be financially – and that when it comes to romance and relationships – I am horribly jaded and feel that my love life is at an end. Using his divine and infinite wisdom, he explained to me that it is okay to not want to be in a relationship right now, because even if there is someone out there for me, God would not present her to me at this time because I am not ready for her. Only when I am both emotionally and spiritually ready for her, he said, will she be brought into my life. Although I do want to remain single instead of being in a relationship and do not think that “the one” for me actually exists, I believe him to be correct, because to me – he is the most God-fearing person I have ever met – and I do take his word as gospel.

As for my financial situation, he said that before God grants me miracles, there is always a storm to endure – and even that storm is a test and a builder of my character. Everything we go through, bad or good, is a learning experience. And, according to him, God wants me to gain experience from this tough time – whatever that experience may be. Bishop Hartman also said that both he and God know that I am a very giving person, and perhaps the reason I am not financially stable is because I would give some if not all of it away. I will admit that it is true that even when I do not have money to give – I try to help people as much as I can. He said that in this time of need, I should ask God to grant me financial stability and abundance. I told him that I thought it selfish to ask God for such things – to which he replied that you cannot always pray for others without praying for yourself.

After we said goodbye, I felt as if a tremendous weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. Granted, he did not fix my financial and romantic woes – but his words, wisdom and advice made me realize that in some way, I will overcome them. Each time I meet with Bishop Hartman, he fills me with his own divine wisdom along with the glory and grace of God in a way no one else can. I could never possibly repay him for what he does for me, but I thank God so much that He brought Bishop Hartman into my life. There are many people in this world from all different religions that dedicate their lives to their beliefs – but I dare you to find one as dedicated, motivated and heartfelt as Bishop David I. Hartman.

As always my dear friend, thank you so much – and God Bless You.