“I've been coming to CBA for 15 years,” Higgs told the audience. “Whatever I've been doing, you've been gracious. You've seen me with blonde hair, black hair … I've been chemically dependent.”

Higgs then noted that her hair began to turn white when she turned 50 two years ago. “(The Bible) says silver hair is a crown of glory,” she said. “Why color it when you can polish it?”

But Higgs turned to a serious subject for her 15-minute devotional message, observing how "most of us live in fear of disappointing God. We think that when we fail, we must bridge the gap between us and Him.”

Higgs cited the story of the prodigal son, noting in particular Luke 15:20b, which says, the father "ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”

“My favorite two words are 'he ran,' ” Higgs explained. “He didn't wait for the son to bridge the gap. … That's the picture we have of grace. God hugs first. … Grace, beloved, is a gift. You can't buy or earn it. … He says, 'My grace is sufficient for you.' ”

Katrina Dowis, who attended the Daily Devotions with her father, said the early morning inspiration was her favorite part of CBA Advance.

“I missed breakfast so I can be here,” said Dowis, who owns Shepherd's Corner Christian Bookstore in Columbia, S.C. “Liz was the main speaker of my first CBA 10 years ago, and I've been a fan since. Her message today resonated with me.”

Michael Ford, who attended with his wife, Nancy, echoed Dowis. “(Higgs) humorously reminded us of some great basic things (about grace),” said Ford, owner of the Words of Wisdom store in Swansee, Ill. “In the hustle and bustle of getting out to the Expo floor, she reminded us that it's about God and not us.”

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