We arrived in Atlanta Friday evening. After dinner, we were challenged to go out onto the streets with a group, find random people, and share stories with them.
I will admit, my first reaction to this news ran more along the lines of "Say What??" rather than "OK, let's do this!" So it shouldn't be a big surprise to know I started out a little apprehensive about the whole experience. My mind went into overdrive thinking of all the possible scenarios that could come out of these encounters. What if…What if…What if….
But I knew if I didn't practice this skill now, I would be completely out of my depth for the next three and a half months.
And I admit I didn't talk much that night. But God showed me so many different people, all in the space of just a few blocks of Atlanta. We met a quartet of Georgians dressed up for "Dragon Con,"a woman named Debby who hoped a job would come, and three zombie princesses on their way back from the zombie prom. Some people we prayed with, and others we just talked about our experiences, but the positive response from everyone was overwhelming.
I realize this is not always the case, and indeed in one instance that evening it was not, but I felt overwhelmingly blessed by the complete strangers we met that night. They may be completely unaware of how much their reactions supported me in knowing I could learn how to reach people, and that I was in the right place.
I know God directed my team that night. I know he pushed and stretched my limits mentally and spiritually on purpose, and I am so glad He did.
Next time, I'll speak up. I'll push myself, not just wait for someone else to. Because I know God wants me here. I know He wants me to grow farther than I think is possible.
And I know He will give me the strength to.
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