One year ago, on April 27, 2024, I set up a table at a local book fair—an opportunity that came thanks to my Portraits of White book. Having never attended a book fair as an author, I thought, Why not? So, on a dreary morning, I arrived at the venue, laid out my CDs, T-shirts, and a stack of books… and waited.

But no one came.

I felt for the woman who organized it—it’s a huge effort to plan something like that, only to face an empty room. But the authors who were there made the most of it, swapping stories and learning from each other.

One of those authors was a local pastor. Our tables were side by side, and we struck up a conversation. Months later, he read my first book, Inside Things, and invited me to his church for a concert—which finally happened this past Sunday night, the day before St. Patrick’s Day.

I’ve been doing concerts for over 25 years, but something about Sunday night felt different. Like my songs and my story had been marinating for years, and putting it all into book form had somehow solidified my journey.

As I wove my music and words together, sharing excerpts from both of my books, I could see—even for myself—how following your heart does pay off. I would never wish for another season like March 2020, but I can say this: what’s come out of it has been deeply satisfying.

The highlight of the night? Meeting a longtime email subscriber—a young mom who decided to hop in her car, bring her 5th-grade son, and give herself a much-needed night out.

As we sat across from each other at the pre-concert potluck, I could feel the weight of what she’s been carrying these past five years. And in that moment, I realized… all the emails I’ve sent, all the stories I’ve written, the way COVID forced me to dig deep—it all mattered. She mattered. And somehow, she reminded me why I do this.

Moral of the story?

Lisa (the woman who planned that book fair)—what you did mattered. It mattered to me, to that single mom, and to every connection that has come from it.

And to that mom—if you’re reading this, it was a joy to see you. I hope, even for just one night, you felt seen and loved.

But that isn’t the end of the story…

An Unexpected Full-Circle Moment

Back in 2014, I took a huge step of faith—I traveled to Nashville, TN, to rehearse with Ed Kee (the conductor of the Portraits of White Concert) and do a full read-through of my Christmas music with an orchestra. It was a big undertaking, and I raised over $4K just to make that rehearsal happen.

For the next five years, every August, I returned to Tennessee to rehearse with that same orchestra. They became like family, and Portraits of White in those days wouldn’t have been the same without them.

Among the musicians was a violinist from Dillsburg, PA—Veronica. Every year, we’d reconnect in Nashville, miles away from home.

Fast forward to this past Sunday night—when I performed at Celebration Community Church in Dillsburg, invited by the pastor I met at last year’s book fair.

And who is that pastor? Veronica’s father!

The moment we made the connection, we were all in shock—what a small world!

And yes, I completely forgot to wear green for St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday—proof that I’ll always need a little help with my wardrobe! 😊

Why Showing Up Matters—And How to Do It Well

• Say Yes to Opportunities – Even if they seem small (like a low-attended book fair), you never know what connections will come from them.
• Engage with People – Genuine conversations can lead to unexpected doors opening.
• Trust the Process – Even when things don’t go as planned, something meaningful is always happening behind the scenes.

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About Frances

Frances Drost is a singer-songwriter, Billboard-charting artist (Double Keyed), speaker, and author with a passion for helping others find hope and inspiration through life’s challenges.

Her Barnes & Noble Bestseller, Portraits of White: Hope and Inspiration for Those Who Struggle with the Holidays, weaves together heartfelt stories, music, and personal reflections to guide readers toward a more meaningful and joyful season.

With over two decades of experience in music and storytelling, Frances blends authenticity with artistry, offering relatable insights for anyone navigating grief, loneliness, or the complexities of holiday traditions.

Discover more of Frances’ inspiring journey—and practical tips for overcoming holiday struggles—in Portraits of White, available now wherever books are sold.

🎶 Download a free song from the Portraits of White album at FrancesDrost.com/Miracles.