Going Public

Wow.  Just wow.  I knew coming into this week that I was excited to spill the beans about my personal life so that I could talk about how excited I am to be going to seminary, finally answering the call to ministry, and just be able to speak freely about life in general, without having to always think about my response.  That had become particularly hard with Adam living in Austin for the last month, yet I couldn't explain any of that to coworkers.

Well, the news breaking this week has brought me to a new place of complete and utter thanksgiving for the grace of God.  I have been so humbled.  I have been so encouraged.  I have been so touched by the words of so many friends at Southwest - and now beyond Southwest, as I posted to the masses on Facebook - who have shared how  they are proud of me, they are thankful for me, and they are incredulous at the move that our family is taking to begin this new journey.

I want to share a few of the responses that have humbled me, made me laugh, cry, smile, or all of the above:

 -   "I am so glad the church is going to have someone like you.  I might actually try going back to church if I knew someone like you was there."

 - "You will be brilliant at this.  I love that faith is getting someone so smart.  Faith and logic is an awesome combo."

 - "Wow, you took this 'increase conversion' goal really seriously."

 - I admire you for following your passion.  For leaving security and stability to do what you feel you are called to do.  I am inspired by you.

 - I want to read about this and follow along on your journey.  Do you have a blog?  (mentioned that I had started this one and it was unpublished so far....)

 - I am so proud of you.

I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, as well as the outpouring of questions.  I knew that this news would grant me the opportunity to discuss my faith in a way that is not typically allowed in the halls of corporate America.  I did not realize how many questions people would have though, or how they would now turn to me for support and advice on things that we previously would have never discussed.  I have loved every second of it.  To be allowed into people's hearts and to be able to share mine.  Living life together - this is what leading a community of faith will be all about.

God is so amazing.  And this is just the tip of the iceberg.  I can't wait. :-)