Another Reminder

Today I went to church.  I’ve grown up going to church my whole life.   In the past I would go out of obligation.  I go now out of passion for the things that I see God doing in the church that I’m a part of.  In the past couple of years God has shown me more and more of Him and pulled me out of the life of obligation I was living.  I have never been a part of anything like C3 Church in my life… God is real to the people there.  Let me share why I love God’s church… C3… so much.

-Diversity-  Churches are the most segregated places in our country.  It’s sad and really upsetting to me.  Most churches are predominately made up of one race with a couple of token members from different racial backgrounds attending.  That is so unfortunate, especially in a city like Orlando where there are so many beautiful and interesting people living in our communities with varied cultural backgrounds.  Jesus walked this earth over 2000 years ago… He loved, accepted, and built relationships with a diverse group of friends.  He didn’t seek friendships with those who only looked like Him, lived in His neighborhood, or talked like Him.  He shared His time here with people of every background and He expects the same from us.   I love going to church on Sunday and seeing an accurate sampling of what Orlando looks like.  I love going to church and seeing an accurate sampling of what heaven will look like.  We are truly connecting our community with Christ.

-Vision-  This morning I felt so honored to be a part of the ministry of C3.  I feel this way often but when Pastor Byron spoke about the social outreach opportunities that we will be taking part in I knew in my heart that Jesus is proud of His people.  I am so excited about teaming up with “Feed the Children” and the opportunities in Kenya… I can’t wait to go!

-Leadership-  Darrell and I have the privilege of serving on the management team at C3.  We also have the privilege of knowing the rest of the staff as some of our best friends.  We know the real deal.  I love them all more than words can express.  I’ll try to communicate it though.  This team is the most loyal, God honoring, courageous, sacrificial, honest, strong, obedient and beautiful group of people I know.  What you see is what you get.  I wouldn’t serve with any other team.  Everyone of us believes in what God is doing at C3 with all of our hearts.  To sit and talk with the management team, to pray with them and to know their hearts is something that encourages and strengthens me.

Most importantly -The Lives-  Every face is an example of God’s work.  I have met the most sincere, genuine, honest, and real people at C3.  It is a church full of people that don’t even try to claim to have it all together but love God and feel Him changing their lives.  It is a church full of my best friends. I feel comfortable in my skin.  I’m not having to pretend to be a perfect pastor’s wife.  The “church politics” don’t exist… as they shouldn’t.  I don’t think Jesus was much of a politician anyway.  I’m a mess at times and it’s okay because God can get me out of my messes when I come to Him.  I can be honest about that and not feel judged.  I can appreciate that environment for others walking into it for the first time.  The walls are down. The people are authentic.  None of us are cookie-cutter Christians.  We are all a little rough around the edges.   We just love Jesus and want to tell others what He has done to change us… and He’s still changing us.

So to my C3 family… God is blessing you for being you!  You remind me of it week after week.  I love you!