The Journey Begins

This past Sunday was a special day in my life & in the life of my family.  It’s the moment where, in a sense, this new journey begins.  It’s one we won’t soon forget.  And I have to take a moment to express our gratitude & thanks for the overwhelming outpouring of love from the faith family at Riverside Church over our family.

Just 12 days before we arrived in Texas.  With all three kids & the golden retriever in tow we made the long drive from Atlanta, GA to Dallas, TX.  For us, this was a leap of faith.  We felt called to come.  We felt led by God.  And we believed that if you believe what you say you believe, then when God moves you move.  If you believe what you say you believe, sometimes you have to step out in faith & do what He’s asking you to do.  With that desire to follow Jesus, be faithful to His calling & trusting that He’s got this we made the decision to move to the western border of the now expanded SEC.  Thankful the whole way that at least every other year we could see our Auburn Tigers play in College Station against those Aggies!

Saturday night was like Christmas Eve.  There was this holy anticipation for me about what the next day would hold.  This was a moment for which I had prayed, for which Riverside had prayed, for weeks, months & maybe even years.  To know & to witness it all coming together was a sight to behold.  There’s nothing like those moments when you get to witness God answering prayer.  That’s what this was for me.  And it was awesome.

Sunday morning I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.  I knew they were planning something.  But this marks one of those special days that’s a turning point, a launching point.  I’m thankful for the ministers & elders who put this moment together.

Before my family was called onstage, this special video was played for us.  I’m grateful for Dusty Rush, Jarrod Robinson & Randy Harris for taking time to say a few words via video.  It was great!

As my family gathered on stage surrounded by the shepherds & their wives, I was ordained as the preaching minister of the Riverside Church.  I was challenged & the church was given a charge.  And then, with holy hands placed on us from every direction, we were blessed.

The Spirit was present.  It was one of those moments God felt so close you could reach out & touch Him.  How I was able to preach after that holy moment I’ll never know.  I was speechless & in awe of the love of God in that place.

But there was more!  The church gathered again that evening.  I couldn’t believe how many people came together & brought food to meet us, fellowship & get to know each other better.  There was a Cowboy’s game in progress, a Rangers game pending & people still came!  There were special tables set up for our kids & their new friends!  The BBQ smoked by Matt Walker & friends was some of the absolute best I’ve ever had.  When it was all over & we loaded up to go home, we couldn’t believe the number of notes, gift cards, & other gifts.  It was an amazing day.

We’ll spend all our days trying to say thank you to our new faith family here at Riverside for how you have loved us & welcomed us from the very beginning.  No one could ask for more.  You have truly outdone yourselves & we are the recipients of the love of God on display through you.

Thank you.