Is It Worth the Risk?

"and this is love:  that we walk in obedience to his commands.  As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love." - 2 John 1:16 NIV

We have now departed from the crazy homecoming season in the state of Texas.  It was a season of larger than life mums and proposals that seemed more lavish than the announcement of a wedding engagement.  So it was that my sweet son participated in this process, despite the fact he would be hundreds of miles away on the day of homecoming.  He would be running in an out-of-state cross country meet while others ran in "hoco circles" for several hours.  My boy still found a creative way to ask his date, and she said, "Yes!"  He took a compelling risk.

Several years ago, our church began the process of establishing a relationship with the residents of a mobile home park nearby.  It was our desire to serve them, love them and provide hope to a community living in poverty.  I remember what it was like to stand in the grassy area of their mobile home park on the day we hosted one of our first events.  I remember the awkward stares as we organized food and crafts for the "Fiesta."  We appeared as strangers to all of them, and they weren't sure of our purpose.  As mosquitoes swarmed around us, underneath a hot sun, I questioned if we had made a mistake.  That hot, summer day, I knew we took a compelling risk.

On October 15th, the Grapevine City Council will meet and determine the fate of these 128 residents.  A land developer plans to rezone this property and build luxury apartments in this space.  I cannot adequately put into words the feelings of our church members and the residents as we prepare for this.  When we took a compelling risk so many years ago, we found God's love.  Relationships slowly developed as a mutual trust formed.  We discovered ways to serve this community, and they reciprocated by blessing us beyond measure.  In time, they became the first people to search for effective ways of serving in our church congregation.  In those tender moments of community with one another, we merged as one.  Our souls intersected when we allowed Christ's love to build a powerful bond between us. 

In our walks of faith, as Christ-followers, we often encounter many risks.  Sometimes, God's gentle whisper nudges us to step far out of our comfort zones.  In that step of faith, we ask ourselves the tough questions. Should I do this?  How will I ever do this?  Is this worth the risk?  I have come to believe the Holy Spirit convicts us and gently reminds us, "Yes...for it is here where you will find God's love."  Thank you, Jesus for the risk-takers.  Thank you for your love. Amen.