My First Encounter with Strong Love

by Maggie Gore

 

IT WAS SEPTEMBER OF 2012, and at the beginning of that month, I received the exciting news that I had been accepted as the new Public Relations intern for the American Red Cross in Hampton. I obviously anticipated learning invaluable public relations skills, but little did I know at the time, this internship would afford me the chance to cross paths with a man who would change my life forever. That man was Ron Strong.

 

I sat anxiously in the waiting room chair and flinched as a bead of sweat zigzagged down my back. I scanned the walls, reading the chapter’s mission statement and examining the black and white pictures of Red Cross volunteers providing assistance to their community. After a few minutes passed, a young woman named Emily, who had interviewed me for the position, walked into the lobby. She welcomed me with open arms and escorted me to the back office to meet, as she referred to them as, the “team.”

 

As the Volunteer Coordinator for the chapter, Emily had her hands full. Based on the greetings from her co-workers as we passed through the hallway, you could easily tell that she had established a strong rapport with them. She first introduced me to the Chapter Director, Ms. Heather Livingston, followed by the Event Coordinator, Ms. Roxanne Kohlman, who would also serve as a mentor. Already, I could tell there was great energy in the office. Ms. Kohlman and I proceeded to talk about P.R. plans and goals for the semester. Amidst all of the planning and excitement, I heard a man walking down the hallway, giggling and chit-chatting with a co-worker. The laughter and positive energy grew closer until a older man with big brown eyes popped his head through the office door.

 

“Hey there! You must be our new intern, Miss Maggie! My name is Ron Strong; I am the Public Relations Director for both the Williamsburg and Hampton chapters. We are just so excited to have you here. Welcome to our family!” said Ron enthusiastically.

 

And just like that, all my anxious thoughts and fears were alleviated and I felt at home. He was genuine and full of God’s grace. It wouldn’t be long before this man would share the wisdom and insight that would change the way I lived forever. ◊