Church!

I am constantly amazed by the people who make up what we have called Revolution for the last 2 and half years. For those who may think that our generation has nothing to offer or is nothing worth writing home about, I encourage them to meet the people that I am proud to call my friends, my family. I have never met a group who "get it" like they do...who are dreamers, fighters, givers. I am so humbled. And I don't think I even realized what I have until just recently.

Tonight was the last Revolution service officially. Emotions ran high as Bobby finished up what would be his last message taught here. As I looked around at all those people, I suddenly felt so undeserving of their love and kind words. Because there were many days when I didn't want to be in ministry, that I didn't support Bobby as much as I should have, that I was simply negative. There were many days that I just wanted to get away from "church" and be "normal" (whatever that means).

But once again God showed up for me when I didn't deserve Him. My heart has softened in the last month or so. It has been confirmed over and over that this new church is every bit my calling as it is Bobby's (thank you, Tim)...I was just a little slower in accepting this call. I've realized that it's ok to be the backstage crew, or the one who hands the cup of water to the runner. That it's not just ok, it's vital. Because without those people, someone else would miss their cues...or be really thirsty. I realized that I've missed out on doing my job to the fullest because I've spent a lot of time worrying or complaining or wishing I was someone else. But I know now that I'm exactly who I need to be. And I've realized that this isn't my only role, that I DO have so much more to offer. I've begun to see myself in a different light.

And all this has happened, of course because God's awesome, but also by way of other people's words and belief in me. It hit me just now that this is exactly who the church is supposed to be. So edifying and encouraging, so brave enough to speak the Truth, that we love each other on to become who each of us was called to be. To bring out the "God-flavors" in each other. For each and every one of us to embrace our strengths--and weaknesses--and be the best we can be. That's when we truly live. Imagine a whole group of people who live this out every day. Imagine a people truly living! Let's not miss out on what God has called us to do...to be. I'm certainly not going to miss out on any more.

Thank you, Revolution, for loving God by loving me. Thank you for being the church.