I guess I always knew it would be this way. Seemed a bit odd for me to find myself in places that just seemed to not fit. I learned so much, had the opportunity to go places that otherwise would not happen. Sat under great teachers, great men of faith. A strong foundation was given. Now it’s time.
Someone told me once that it would most likely be this way. Did not really understand the implications till now. We seldom do though.
Over the years, I’ve asked for opportunities that I really did not understand. Being ready and being able is often two different things. At least in my case.
I joined the Navy right out of high school. Not my first choice, but it was better than what was left. After boot camp and school for training, I was given my first duty assignment. Charleston, SC. I arrived pumped about going out to sea, seeing things I had never seen. What I was assigned to was a ship that had come in for a 18 month dry dock repair.
We chipped paint, rebuilt engines, added new stuff, stripped out the old and put in the new. Best as I can remember, I was in trouble a great deal of the time. Had to spend many weeks restricted to the ship. During those times of struggle, I learned all about that ship. Every nook and cranny. Every deck, every hiding place, even places I knew I had no place going.
After all the dry dock repairs, we were ready to head out for sea trials. It was time to make sure we were sea worthy. Inspectors were crawling all over the ship. One Captain grabs me by the arm, tells me that we have taken a missle hit right where I was standing, “you’re taking on water, you’ve lost 50 of your shipmates, fire is spreading! What are gonna do sailor?”
I stare at him as a freaked out 19 year old, and said “run?”. “Wrong answer! You are officially dead! Hit the deck! I laid there for 2 hours. Got a 10 min lecture about being prepared for any situation. and to help me remember, I was put on mop duty for 2 days.
Being teathered brings a bit of security. You know where you are, who is around, where to go. Even when the storm comes, you realize that as long as the rope is tied, and is in at least half way decent shape, and though the ride may be bumpy, you are still teathered.
Headed out to the fringe. Not completely cut off from what has sustained me, nor turning my back on what i’ve learned or people I know. But, the reality is, some folks just won’t come in. No matter what is offered, no matter how attractive it is, some just want to stay out on the fringe.
It is the fringe where I am being sent. To live, and to love. People matter to God. All people.
May 1st, we will go live with Primal Faith. Blogging, videos, interviews, stories about and from people on the fringe. This has been 2 years in the making. Finally seems a bit trite, but appropriate. Not sure I am ready for all situations. But I am ready to meet folks. I am ready to fulfill what has been poured into me. We are already making some cool connections, unpacking some really cool vision, planning some really cool events.
Maybe, you’ll stop by and check in, stay in touch, offer up a prayer for what we hope to acomplish. It is pretty broad and overwhelming. But, so is faith.
Primal Faith, Life on the Fringe