Dear 2018: new blog, new book, new pods, new ministries, new goals!

Dear 2018,

2017 treated us with such anxiety-producing muddle it’s a miracle I made it out without a heart-event or aneurism. But for all its geo-political woes and my extra patches of gray above my ears, plenty of joy was had. We celebrated our first full year with Grace (1yr old). I celebrated a 7th anniversary with my boo. I became an uncle again. Students at Wake stepped up and have begun taking care of each other and growing the ministry. Doug Jones happened. Ralph Northam also happened. Women are feeling more empowered to speak and have been given platform to be heard. People are resisting misogyny, racism, and working to overcome injustices. “Orange is the new asshole” happened. Because of these movements and people desiring what is good and decent (and despite the demagogue in the white house, immigration bans, Alabama almost electing a child molester) I have renewed faith in humanity. 2017 was a hell of a year and we’re all tired AF but I am hopeful.

If I say, “the worst is behind us” I know 2018 will prove me wrong. Even so, I remain hopeful because I’ve seen the best of humanity rise up to the absolute worst of God’s creatures.

Personally, I hope to do my little part here in this little corner of the Kingdom. Armed with a renewed commitment to my rule of life (I'll share later) I am working hard towards greater self-awareness, a strengthened marriage, and better fatherhood.

This will be my most ambitious year yet. It’s scary to even say it but I am learning to grasp the idea that I am a writer. This is the year (hopefully) of my first book (co-authored with a campus ministry colleague). This is the year of my first podcast and two more co-produced podcasts with friends. This will also be the year of new ministry with young adults in Winston. I also hope to with the help of yet-to-be-found volunteers and alumni, re-start campus ministry at Salem College.

Why start my blog with this letter? Well…because if I spell it out here for all the world to see, then it will hold me accountable to shoot for these goals. It somehow becomes more real than a post-it on my desk or an ethereal thought waiting to be set free into reality.

Because this is the day we remember the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., my prayer for the New Year comes from the Book of Common Prayer, p.260: “for Social Justice”

Almighty God, who created us in your image: Grant us
grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace
with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom,
help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our
communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

And for me, personally, my prayer for 2018 also comes from the BCP, p.832-3: “A prayer of self dedication”

Almighty and eternal God, so draw my heart to you, so guide my mind, so fill my imagination, so control my will, that I may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use me, I pray, to your will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love in Christ,

PS: If you see fit, soften the hearts of congress to do what is right over what is easy. And just, "no" to Joe Arpaio. Just no.