Walk Across Alabama

It is Holy Week…a special week to be very intentional about what Christ experienced as He prepared to make the most sacrificial move the world has ever known. As we draw closer to Good Friday and Easter, we literally begin to follow Jesus’ footsteps. On Thursday night, I am attending a Sedar meal at the Auburn Wesley Foundation. This is the traditional Passover meal that was the core event during this time. Afterwords, I will be part of a watch service at my church and spend some time praying-remembering the exhaustion and confusion of the disciples in the garden as Jesus prepared for his persecution and death.

Following in Jesus’ footsteps- walking with Christ-demands and expects a level of sacrifice and commitment that only those who follow and serve can understand. Why is this? Not because of rules, expectations, or a list of do’s or don’t…but because of love. True love hurts. True love sacrifices. True love is vulnerable. And in the end, true love brings joy that words do not do justice.

As we walk in the footsteps of Christ through Holy Week, I think of our walk in June. The walk is not a cupcake experience. It will have it’s ups and downs, rain and sun, good days and maybe some bad. I’m not sure. What I do know is that we do this out of love. It is love for our brothers and sisters who are marginalized, love for those who are stuck in poverty, love for children who are the most susceptible in poverty situations. Jesus didn’t have a large list of rules-just two. Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. I pray we have the courage to walk with Christ as we walk across Alabama. Have a blessed Holy Week.

See you on the walk!

As some of you may know, I’ve been in Iowa for a few weeks wrapping up some National Guard training. I’ve been involved in a planning and team development exercise that has been a great learning experience and somewhat fun. I guess what I realize is that I’m just not a big fan of cold weather. Never have been-most likely never will be. So, my training has been about 2 miles every other day for the past two weeks. Not exactly the 20 miles/day I need to be working toward. But, that is ok. Beginning this weekend, the training begins.

Also-this week we are also launching our sponsorships for Sonshine Kids Day Camp. This camp in Livingston (West Alabama) provides children with a safe place to learn about God, play, and have enrichment opportunities. It is a positive intervention into children’s lives. Knowing the hardships that children in poverty face make sour walk that much more critical. We walk so that we can repair homes but also so we can be play a positive role in a young child’s life. Christ’s message of love is SOOOO HUGE…and it takes all of us to continually and daily communicate it.

Would you like to walk? There is an information meeting next Thursday April 2nd 6:30 PM at Auburn UMC RM 102 in the Britt Building. It is for those in the Auburn/Opelika area interested in the walk. Are you coming with us??? Then this is the meeting you can come to. Blessings to you all and see you on the walk!