Kindred Spirit

A couple of years ago I went through one of the most difficult periods in my life. It was something I’ve never experienced before, but something that is not uncommon. I really didn’t understand why it happened, but it left me mourning and outright balling my eyes out. I was at a loss…it felt like I just didn’t have the motivation to move on, but I knew better than that. I turned to my God in deep prayer and an honest pursuit of Him, what He wanted in my life, and to do what He created me to do…there was nothing else but Him.

During that time, I also asked God to place a brother or brothers in my life that would help me get back on track with my walk with Him. Men who may have gone through the same heartaches and trials as I have. Men who would sharpen me as I can sharpen them…brothers in arms and warriors for the cause of Christ. God answered my prayer.

I met Shannon during the Spring of 2006. We both attended a Bible Study on Thursday nights…it was a Bible Study that I attended for a while, but skipped out on for half a year. I didn’t know Shannon at all, really, except that it seemed his heart for God and for people was a lot like mine. I saw him a couple more times throughout the week and decided that I should probably get to know him better…so we met up for steaks at Texas Roadhouse. That’s another thing we shared in common – love for food! Come to find out, Shannon and I have a very similar past and have been through very similar trials and heartaches. We hit it off. We talked about our desires for our life, which centered around the Kingdom building of God. We wanted to pursue His will regardless of what this world may throw at us.

During the past couple of years, we’ve grown a lot in our relationship with Jesus Christ, and have truly been an encouragement to each other. We’ve shared a lot of the revelations God has given us in our lives and have shared some tough times, but were always greatful for the plans set in stone by God that are beyond us. Now, God has been leading us toward the plans and desires He has created us for in ministry. Shannon is a leader for First Priority, which exists for the purpose of reaching and discipling the next generation for Jesus Christ. As for me, well, God placed me in a team with three other brothers to start a new church in Littleton, CO, called Forefront Church.

Shannon was recently engaged to a lovely young lady, named Ginger – you can see their photo in my Flicker pages. I actually met Ginger about a year before I met Shannon. They’re a match made in heaven and an excellent example of what a couple should be like – Christ-centered. Well, today, I was deeply honored by Shannon as he asked me to be his best man at his wedding. I can’t describe how moved I was, but to give you an idea…I shed a few tears. It’s probably one of the greatest honors that has ever been presented to me.

All this to say that Shannon is definitely a kindred spirit…even his family has “adopted” me. I can’t thank God enough for placing this brother in my life as it has certainly been part of my restoration.

I love you Shannon and Ginger! Thank you!

BTW, TTFN, AWHFY?, LOL…and the sort

I never really saw myself as a text messenger. It just seemed to be easier to call someone instead of having to type out complete thoughts using the keypad on my cell phone. I used text messaging once in a while, but not very often…well, until recently. I picked up an iPhone a few weeks ago to get my emails real-time, have a planner, iPod, and other neat stuff all in one place…the coolness factor was a big sell, too. It’s a lot easier to type a text message using the digital keyboard on this thing. Funny, I recently had to increase my text messaging limit from 200 to 1500. I feel like a high schooler.

It’s pretty amazing to think about how far technology has come. It seems like not long ago, I was still handwriting letters to mail to family and friends. Now, I just type out a quick email. Look at how far cell phones have come. Not only can we send text messages, but we can check email and even surf the internet on our phones. It’s definitely a whole new world out there…a very digital one.

But, when I think about how cool all of this stuff is, I also wonder how far from organic have we become. Instead of calling someone or just visiting in person, we can just send a quick text message. Sometimes, I even try to call a friend to say “hi”, but I get some “lady” telling me how to leave a voice message. So, I try to send a text message. I hate to say that there are times when some of my friends don’t respond…it could be because they never received the message, or they’re just blowing me off. It’s easier to screen our messages nowadays. It’s easier to blow people off because we can hide in our digital world…one that isn’t so personal anymore.

In true community and fellowship, it takes commitment from each of us to be intentional in our relationships. We can’t hide behind the cell phones or the computers. We have to go beyond a text message sometimes to really show how much we care…how much we love. There’s something about a hand written letter or a phone call to meet up that goes beyond the superficial. There is a statement made that says, “You mean a lot to me, and I am willing to take the time to spend with you. That nothing will distract me from my attention to you. I am here to help, to encourage, to have fun with. I’m here to do life with you.”

Think about this: what if Jesus and His disciples sent text messages to each other all the time? Would Jesus’ teachings to them really have hit home? Would the disciples have experienced true fellowship with Jesus? What kind of relationship would they have had?

I’m not against text messaging at all. I just challenge you to take the time by going beyond KIT (keep in touch) and HTH (hope this helps). Focus on the quality of your relationships, and not necessarily the quantity.

TTFN!