Friday, January 24, 2014

Arrival in Tampa


January 24, 2014

 Writers block is a formidable barrier to break through.  I know because I have been staring at my own block since April 11, 2011.  I have approached it many times, sometimes attacked it, but always retreated in despair and defeat in the end.  Recently, however, I have obstinately laid siege to it, leaving myself no option but victory, standing on the promises God made in his Word for challenges such as this.  For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. ( 1 Corinthians 10:3-5) I have reclaimed the cardboard testimony I made in 2008, that though “I was driven to distraction, I am now focused on the prize” of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. (Phil. 3:13-14)   I have given in to my conscience that convicts me that our Father has called me to write what he has and continues to show me.  I am now obeying the commission “You should write this stuff down!” commanded by so many who have listened to me share verbally.  I have refused to continue to walk the path of Jonah, stopped ignoring my commission and stopped kowtowing to every weakness and distraction that has resulted in my silence.  Today, the siege has broken through the wall.  My writers block is finally being destroyed…obviously.  God is indeed faithful to his promises.

I praise God for his miraculous provision that has helped make this possible, beginning with Taylor McCall.  For months, he and Jeremy Gore have been pushing me to begin writing again, praying God would heal my wings so I can spread them and fly.  Taylor was already in communication with and being ministered to by the ministry The Tampa Underground in Tampa, Florida.  He asked them to begin praying for me by name months ago and began encouraging me to go spend time with them in Tampa, believing they would be able to encourage me and guide me in our common vision just as they had already ministered to him.  God led me to commit to go sometime in October (I think) and I began praying he provide the way for it to happen as early as January. 

 By November, my job as Filter Program Coordinator at U S Steel was dissolved when the plant management decided not to renew the filter contract with my employer, The Burch Corporation.  In December, I began working from our Birmingham office, performing filter maintenance for other clients in the central Alabama area, conveniently providing the opportunity to get better acquainted with our owner.  From that familiarity and the advocacy of my former manager and friend at U S Steel, my request to work from our Tampa office was approved.  Further, God gave me favor with our owner that led him to pull my file and discover my education and sales background, leading him to create work for me in Tampa in the sales department.  These plans were only finalized the week before last, two weeks after I agreed to go to Tampa with no promises of what work would be available. 

 Of course, evidence of God’s faithfulness and provision still continue to manifest since my arrival.  The Burch office here in Tampa provided me my own office with a computer, agreeing to also allow me to use it to work on my blog so I could have internet access and a quiet place to work.  The Tampa Underground Staff have also been wonderfully supportive and accommodating by providing me a communal place to stay and access to their ministries and staff.  Some have also expressed interest in exploring the ideas from When Helping Hurts.  For transportation, I was able to bring with me the bicycle God provided me months ago through the ministry Redemptive Cycles.  Having used it for months in Birmingham in the absence of a car, I’m in more than sufficient condition to handle the six mile commute to work and the necessary travel around town. Clearly, all my needs are being met from a combination of sources that only God could have brought together. I never cease to be amazed by how God manifests himself and his blessings when we approach him in faith, expecting nothing but his faithfulness and presence, knowing his presence is all we need and his faithfulness endures forever.  Praise him!!

 I confess the battle is not over so I covet your prayers.  It has taken me most of the day to write this.  I feel depleted, like when I first started exercising again after months of idleness.  Anxiety and perfectionism still plague my mind and emotions along with homesickness and doubt.   Nevertheless, I know the spiritual and emotional struggle will lessen with perseverance, as stated in Hebrews 10:11-13:  

 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.

Regardless of my struggle, I know progress is being made and I am being healed.   I also remain in awe of the abundance of our Father’s mercy and grace despite my wretchedness, unworthiness, faithlessness, despair and sinful betrayal.  I am steadfast in the knowledge that I can again bear witness honestly that the gospel is true, that it’s not about me and my insufficient flesh, the prodigal can return home and it is all for his glory.  I am truly thankful beyond measure to be a part of his Kingdom work and look forward to sharing this journey with you whom he also loved enough to die that you may live.  Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! A-men! (Rev. 7:12) 

 Thank you for your love and prayers, family!

 Rainman

 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven.  Col. 1:19-23a