Last night… I tossed, turned, and could not get any sleep! Why? Simple. The temperature dropped down to 27 degrees last night… In fact, I walked out to the truck, and it said “ICE” on the dashboard. The very thought that I’ll be in shelters, outside, and roaming the streets during my homeless journey is becoming more of a reality!
Don’t believe me about the temperature, check out google’s thoughts at 5 AM this morning,
This week has been taxing already (working tons of hours, working on this organization, and trying to prepare my mind for this journey). I have been praying, talking to folks, and frequently visiting spots in Atlanta where some of my homeless friends sleep to keep my mind focused and stay encouraged.
Even with all that, I still felt like pulling the plug at various times. BUT, I have made up my mind to persevere! I am determined to keep going forward regardless what the weather, circumstances, or anything else has to say…
Where is this perserverance coming from? I’m glad you asked. It comes from three specific places:
1) Calling. I believe deep within my soul that God has not only called me to live for God, but has also called me to reach, uplift, and inspire people to Trust God and live their lives fearless! The most frustrating place in life is being in a place where you don’t get a chance to do or be who you were created to be… There is no life in that at all. And guess what, we only have ONE life to live!
2) My family. My wife & kids are the closest thing to me (literally). My wife is my number one supporter, and my children are very close to me. Every day I have come home from a long days work (leading up to this). Their smiles, words, and belief in me fuels me to keep going. My wife @cecilialester literally told me last night, “This is what you are created to do, and regardless of where this leads…I believe in you…Keep going!”
You can’t go wrong with support like that!
3) A Book. Noooooooo…. not the Bible (although I do read it, and am a believer). But a book I came across some time ago called, One Month To Live by Kerry & Chris Shook. The premise of the book is life-changing! It focuses on the fragelty of life, and pushes the reader to think about the limited time (we ALL have) on earth. One quote in particualar that has pushed me this week is this,
“Your time on earth is limited… No matter how much this idea makes you squirm, it’s a fact. No matter who you are, how young or old, what measure of success you’ve attained, or where you live, morality remains the great equalizer. With each tick of the clock, a moment of your life is behind you. Even as you read this paragraph, seconds passed that you can never regain. Your days are numbered, and each one that passes is gone forever.”
The authors then go on to say that when we pass away (or die), the dash on our tombstones will represent what we did one earth while alive. With that being said, I keep asking myself, “Terence, what will be your dash?” “Will you live an average life, or will you live to help others live?”
These words alone are life-changing, and why I am perservering with the homeless journey and launching #lovebeyondwalls Jan 1, 2014. I want to literally start a movement of people who come together to serve communities, people, and model what Christ modeled in the scriptures. I want to raise awareness about an epidemic that is near and dear to my heart! I believe the greatest sermons happen when you live your faith…not preach it.
But, let me ask you a few questions…
Now that you know the clock is ticking, what will you try? What will you pick back up? What will you do to make the world better? How will you restore your relationship with God? How will you persevere?
Why do I ask? Simple. Because as you continue living, you’ll find out quickly that the greatest things in life are often forfeited for things that don’t matter at all. I refuse to live that way anymore! I am three days away from doing the most daring thing I have ever attempted, and I need your prayers, support, and for your to spread this mission!
Terence
