The problem is that people don't always want to hear it, and I can't control that. What I can do, though, is live my life in a way that matters for eternity. I am blessed to have like-minded friends, and one of them wrote a letter that the world needs to read. Even if you don't live in my community, take this message to your own town. Live out loud for something bigger than yourself. You were created for it.
Here is my friend Karin's Letter. I hope it blesses, challenges, and encourages you.
"The year ahead holds both great promise as well as enormous challenge as our community stands at a crossroads; it could easily go in a number of directions. The very real possibility of a night time strip club coming to Waukesha in the guise of a day time “Spin Club” is in the works. Waukesha currently does not have a zoning code in place that would prevent such establishments from springing up. Please pray for several pressing issues concerning the City of Waukesha and Waukesha County. For unity among our churches, regardless of denomination to love one another, and for the members/attenders to effectively collaborate to minister to our children, families and community.
In the midst of all that, however, we see the glowing promise of what this city could become. The hugely successful “Friday Night Live” music venues have now become a staple in Waukesha County, growing our downtown businesses and bringing more families to our nationally award-winning library and parks. Our new “Gibson Guitar Town” is already drawing the attention of music-lovers around the region, some very vocal naysayers notwithstanding. A new state of the art Convention Center holds the potential to host internationally acclaimed speakers and artists, as well as conventions. Waukesha’s own Stuart and Jill Briscoe and their “Telling the Truth” ministry would be a huge draw right in the heart of our city. Talk of a new local K-Love Radio station in downtown Waukesha also affords great opportunity. Please pray for these.
I am witnessing the most wonderful things going on in our youth right now to the most horrifying of which I will only say have brought me to my knees. They need to know they are loved, that their lives matter and that there is hope. Our Waukesha County congregations have an opportunity to adopt local public schools through the new " Oneness School Initiative" (www.onenesswi.org) to reach out and mentor our youth. Milwaukee Public Schools is starting this program in the fall; I pray we will have a more proactive approach in Waukesha.
In recent weeks, my heart has been deeply burdened with the strong sense that God is calling His people to come together in prayer in a way we have not yet experienced. This is our home. John 3:19-21 inspired me today to not let another day go by without asking, " What will you do? "
I will leave you with a few words sent to me by a friend. “Imagine a ragtag collection of surrendered and transformed people who love God and others. They are mesmerized by the idea that this is not about them, but all about Jesus. They are transfixed by His story and His heart for their city. They are seed-throwers and fire-starters, hope-peddlers and grace-givers, risk-takers and dreamers, young and old. They link arms with anyone who tells the story of Jesus. They empower the poor, strengthen the weak, embrace the outcast, seek the lost. They serve together, pray together, worship together, live life together. Their city will change because God sent them. They are us.”
So, anyone want to get together and see what we can do to change the face of our city? I have a few ideas...
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