I originally intended for Prayer and Light to only be a couple posts. I figured that I could sum up about two days per post and wrap the week into three posts. Little did I know after starting the first one that it would turn into what it is now: a ten-post, expansive narrative of our week in New York City.
So if this is your first time visiting these post, I want to say thank you.
Many people think that writing is just the transference of knowledge from mind to page. But, it is not that simple. A good writer takes time to craft his work. It means something to him. If anyone writes something and there is no strain during the process, it means nothing to him. At the end of the work, if there is no exhaustion or feeling drained of emotion, then it means nothing to him.
So, I have taken the time to pour into these posts, revisit memories, analyze situations, and formulate insights. It has been a long process but a completely worthwhile process. I think people need exercise their memories and thinking more often in this way. Not only has it helped me remember the trip, the people, and the experiences, it has helped me internalize everything I learned during the week. I know that everyone learned something different during the course of the trip, but I hope that my thoughts echo the consensus of our team in one way or another.
You are seeing my thoughts, feelings, emotions, and insights. Something that is very personal to me. And for you to take the time to read each post makes me feel honored more than you would imagine. So, again, thank you.
If someone referred you to these posts as a way of sharing how our trip went, please thank them. I hope that–even if you don’t know me–you will be encouraged by the stories that I share. There is no way I can share every story or experience being that I am only one person in one place. So, I encourage you to ask other members of the trip. Ask them to share their experiences, ask them to tell you a story, ask the how God changed their world during that week.
I know it thrills me every time I get to have a conversation that relates to New York, and I know that it will encourage any one of my team members to share their experience as well.
So my encouragement to you is this: read the blog posts. Enjoy them. Laugh. Smile. Think. Ponder. Rejoice. Agree. Discuss. Share.
But also find the person who referred you to here and take them out for coffee, lunch, or dinner and ask them to share their stories with you one-on-one. It will make their day.
May God encourage you in your faith as you read my words. May He be made famous through my thoughts, not for my own glory, but for the ultimate glory of the name of Jesus.
Enjoy.
