Life has been a little hectic lately. Hectic, but wonderful. I just enjoyed winter/spring break last week, and it was great to not think about class for a little while. I went to Detroit on a 4-day mission trip with a small group from UCO (University Christian Outreach), and we had an awesome time. I went on the same trip last year, so I was a bit familiar with a few of the things we did. One thing that really struck me about the trip this year was the hope and joy that the people of Detroit have in the midst of their troubled circumstances. It really amazes me. Seeing the smiles on their faces and the light in their eyes makes me wonder something: If I was in that situation, living as they are living, would I have the same outlook on life? I think maybe I would...but only if I had Christ. Otherwise I think I'd be terribly depressed. The people in Detroit that we saw last week really had a passion for God. They knew His love and joy, despite their horrible living conditions and lack of food. I loved being able to pass out lunches one day to about 80 people living in poor conditions. It brought joy to my heart, and I know it blessed their lives as well. Another day that stands out from the trip to Detroit is Friday, when we got to sit in on an AA meeting. I didn't know what to expect going into it, but whatever I expected wouldn't even have come close to what I experienced. There were probably about 15-20 of us gathered around in a small room in one of the soup kitchens. Before I knew it, the meeting was off to an interesting start. These people had such amazing stories to share, and they weren't afraid to share them. There were a couple of women there that shared stories about their lives...how they were prostitutes in order to make a little money, but that they would most often spend that money on drugs or alcohol. One woman even admitted to stealing money from her children. God really broke my heart for those women. I can't imagine what it must be like to feel the need to sell my body for money. Now, before you all get depressed or anything, there is a bright side to this story. Although these women talked about selling themselves, drinking, and doing drugs, they were at that meeting because they want help and they know that God has a better and more beautiful plan for their lives. And they are all so encouraging to one another. When one man told the group that he had been clean for two months, everyone clapped for him. Also, they know each other by name and are like one big community. They're all there to get help and help one another. That really inspires me. We should also be encouraging to one another. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ...but often I don't think we act like it. I love the idea of having a group of friends who all know one another's strengths and weaknesses...a group that rejoices in others' good times and weeps with them during the bad times...a group of people that lifts one another up and supports each other through prayer and kind words. I see the people at that AA meeting as a great model for unity and true Christian community.
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the 40 days of Lent. I will be blogging each day like I did last year to keep a record of the things God is doing in my life as I grow closer to him in this 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. For those of you who do not celebrate Lent, I encourage you to take this time to learn a little bit more about what it is and why we celebrate it. For those of you who do celebrate Lent, I hope it is a wonderful time of spiritual growth for you. You are all in my prayers. :)
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