Hello Blogging World!
I've been gone for so long. Like 2 years long. But I'm baaaaaacccckkkk! I was thinking about what my first post should be about. I had all these topics going around in my head like union with Christ, the power of prayer, and more. I may write about those things at a later date but for now I would like to share some stories from the Legacy Conference.
What is the Legacy Conference, Stephanie? Glad you asked. Legacy Conference takes place in Chicago and focuses on urban missions/discipleship. But I would check out the website for more details. http://www.legacydisciple.org/about/mission/
The conference was amazing and I loved every part of it. However, what I want to share through this post has more to do with the people than the actual teaching I received while there.
The main theme for the Chicago trip and the Legacy Conference was John 13:34 -35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Here are 4 stories where I was able to be the benefactor of someone doing what Jesus told them to do: love.
1. Get On Da Bus
Imani and I arrived to Chicago about 7 hours before our dorm room would be available. This meant we would explore Chicago while we waited. We rode in a car, a plane, a train, a boat, and a bus on that first day. When we were done exploring Chicago we charged our phones for a bit at Union Station. We had to get on one more bus to get to our room. By this time my ankles were like, "C'mon Step. You doing too much." Anyway, another man was at the charging station with us. He overheard us trying to figure out where we needed to go. Jokingly we said we would walk all the way to Moody's campus from Union Station. He chimed in and asked us what we were in town for and asked if we needed some help. We told him we were here for Legacy and that we were trying to get on some bus. He turned out to be a minister who just returned from Las Vegas doing some outreach.
Long story short, he began pouring so much wisdom into Imani and I and he also shared a bit of his testimony with us. But he did more than just share about God's goodness in his life. He helped us two country girls. He walked us to our bus stop, which was different from the stop that was on our smart phones. Not only that, he waited with us until the bus came to make sure that we got on the right bus and that we were safe. We waited for over 20 minutes and it was hot! Had we not ran into him, we would probably still be looking for that bus stop or we would have paid too much for an Uber. I was so blessed by that exchange. It's in those moments that I see God caring about every detail of my life.
2. Rain Rain Go Away... Or At Least Wait A Second
This was Saturday after Legacy Fest and a storm was a'brewing. The sky looked like it was about to bust open. A group of us were waiting on shuttles to take us back to the dorms. It was no telling how long the shuttles would be. I was thinking about where I would go if the rain started. I was going to run to the train station to at least get some cover. But a friend I met last year showed back up to the event and he asked if we needed a ride back to the dorms. Thank you, Lord! We got in the car before the rain started. But sure enough, within minutes, the rain came. My next thought was how Imani and I were going to get food once we got to the dorm. I did not want to have to call a delivery person in that weather. But my friend offered to take us to get food too! Another burden was lifted!
3. The Good Mints
I was out of gum and decided to buy some more from the (overpriced) vending machine instead of walking to the convenient store. I ran into this girl I met last year. We talked a bit then I told her I was downstairs to get some gum out of the machine. She said, "Oh, I have some mints." And I told her I needed enough to last me until I landed in Charlotte, NC. She was like, "Here, you can have this whole pack." And home girl pulled out a new box of Altoids! Those are some good mints and I collect the containers for a yet to be discovered reason. She probably thought I was overreacting because I was standing there like, "Awww man, thank you, like for real."
4. Whoa.
This was the final day of Legacy and once again Imani and I had time to kill. We were gonna repeat some of what we did when we first arrived to Chicago. But I and my bank account truly wanted to just chill at someones home until it was time for us to go to the airport. We were headed to Union Station when we learned that two other girls, who had a late flight, were going to the home of Brian and Heidi Dye (Brian Dye is the one who started the Legacy Conference). Imani asked Heidi if we could go to their home. She said yes without hesitation. I thought it was going to be a small group of us. But it was about 30+ people (who did not already live there) in their home. I was thankful to just be in their home. I have been following the ministry of Brian and Heidi Dye and truly admire what they do. Then to now be in their home was blowing my mind. But once again I started thinking about food. We were thinking that we would leave for the airport a little early so that we could eat. But after a few short minutes Heidi comes in and says, "Brian brought pizza. It's in the back. There are drinks too." Sayyyy whatttt? They not only let 30+ strangers in their home... They also fed these strangers. Once again I was truly blessed!
After everyone ate they began organizing rides to airports and train stations. Some of us hung around and sat on the front porch talking and eating popsicles like it was our home. Eventually it was time for Imani and I to leave. We got our ride to the train station and only spent $3 to get to the airport.
That was a lot. But as I was typing this I began to wonder what would happen if we all did our part as the Church. What if every need that anyone had, big or small, could be met by the Church who acted out of obedience to Go? Kinda sounds like the Church in Acts 2. Anyway, that's another post.
But I was and still am truly grateful for the love that was extended to Imani and I while in Chicago.
Thank you.
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