2011 Part 1

Well, everybody, only six more days and another year is finished. It’s truly hard to believe. Time seems to be passing faster and faster. This is depressing. Truly. I keep thinking of that song “100 Years” by Five for Fighting. I HATE that song. By the end of it, I’m convinced I will be dead tomorrow. Thanks guys. What a hit.

Thus, in true blog happening, I am going to recount 2011. Actually, in sitting down to write this blog, there is so much I could cover. So, I’m only going to hit a few points that impacted me profoundly. **I feel like, at this point, I should let you know that I’m watching “A Christmas Story” as I’m writing. Not sure why, just thought you should know**

This year has truly been one of finding myself. As I type that out, I still feel somewhat like that statement is prideful. Truth be told, however, I’ve learned that personal indentity is CRUCIAL in life. I mean, who wants to spend their existence in this time living as something they’re not supposed to be? The month of Feburary truly brought a lot of this. We had an incredible Gathering at The Ramp, where the Lord reminded me of being filled with Holy Spirit when I was 11. I was a boy. I hadn’t danced in front of people. I didn’t know giftings. I didn’t know ministry. I didn’t know anything. I simply knew He was real, and that I wanted Him. And that’s where my connection with Him was made. It’s THAT connection that has stayed with me over a decade later. In the midst of being used in various ways, that nagging, foundational feeling of only needing Him has never left. Never let your giftings, or opportunities, or the like identify who you are. Platforms, engagements, connections, they’re all good, fun, and effective. Ultimately, however, what should drive you, and me, is the inward desire to simply be with and worship Him and Him alone. EVERYTHING flows from this one point.  Paul wrote, in Colossians, “If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on the earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” (3:1-4) All we are is found in who He is.

I’m sure no one in the south can write a blog of reminiscence and not mention the tornadoes that swept through in May. I actually had an extended conversation with my grandmother about this last week. Those few days in the spring have forever changed my life, and will never leave me. I won’t forget walking into Hackleburg, AL the night after the tornado hit. It was like a movie. Standing in the midst of destruction, realizing that people had died, been left homeless, and were left with nothing, reality fell the best it could on me. I didn’t lose anything, nor anyone. Volunteering those next few days taught me true ministry. The cameras, lights, sound, bands, all of it, have been amazing, fun, and filled with memories. However, interacting with those who have nothing, it teaches you something deeper. People came together in ways I never thought possible. I met a man who lost a sister, I believe, yet he was helping out with anything he could. I sat down with a woman, who had been transporting goods for various families. She looked at me. I gave her a simple smile. She broke down crying and said she just wanted to talk. Her house had been destroyed. They couldn’t find a relative. Yet there she was, being strong, longing to help others. Sometimes, when we’re praying for people in the altars, I can still feel what I felt there. Though the people in the altars aren’t without natural things, they are without in the Spirit. They have no home. They have no life. James defines true religion for us. He says, “This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27) I’ve spent my Christian walk longing to walk out the second half of that definition, but May showed me how to live the first half.

That’s part one. More to come!!!!

Advertisement