I Can’t Handle the Truth

I’ve been burned before. Many times, in fact.

I can count on at least one instance of pain of every year.

Why? Because the past is a pretty good predictor of the future.

So how do I handle this current season of life? A season of smiles and fellowship and good news?

I’m not handling it well. While the world around me swirls in child-like giddyness, I am stuck in waiting.

Waiting for the other shoe to drop. For the dream to end. For reality to set in.

But no more!

I declare today the day I will stop living in fear and enjoy the world around me. Today is the day I will stop worrying about what I have yet to accomplish and celebrate that which already has. Today is the day I will stop shying away from talking about this season and shout loud from the 2nd story balcony (we don’t have mountains and all the roofs are steeply pitched).

Today – I can and will handle the truth!

Today – I will revel in Clemson being undefeated. I will no longer wait in anticipation for the inexplicable loss – like Duke in BC last year or MD in ’09 (and the ACC Championship game to GT), or MD & Wake in ’08, or BC again in ’07, or VT in ’06, or (shall I keep on going, or do you get the picture).

So who will stand with me?

Psalm 118:24 says “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Also, even though Clemson plays a game at Maryland this weekend, I will not fear. They may win or they may lose. That is to be determined.

Until then, I will bring the 23rd Psalm with me as well: Even though I (the Tigers) walk through the valley of the shadow of death (Byrd Stadium), I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

GO TIGERS! (there – I said it)

Where Willy was Found

I’ve never been much of a leader. Never made Student Council or captain of the football team. Was never elected for anything. Never chose the dinner locale. Never was first in the class for grades or girls or sports…

But something happened my freshman year at Clemson. I became a Christian…

I met a girl…

I made new friends…

I made a name for myself – not in the Civil department, but in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)…

Started leading a Bible Study and was on the leadership council…

Following school, I got a job. I was a number again – until Janet and I found a church home…

Soon after I was allowed to be funny on stage and teach kids about Jesus. Not too long later we were leading a Small Group…

And this thought came to me:

Christianity is the one thing I do where I’m a natural. I’m able to be myself – and it works…

I feel accepted like I never did while in High School or within my major at Clemson or playing sports…

Why is that?

Because this is the one area of like that is not dependent on my skills or money or looks or IQ. We are all gathered for the same purpose and to worship the same person…

We are all under one umbrella…

Are there bumps in the road? Yes
Do I get frustrated and put off? Yes
Do I screw up? Yes

Am I still accepted? Absolutely…

I know this is not the experience of everyone with some even having terrible, unforgettable experiences. But this is still a gathering of people – seriously flawed people – but I’m telling you, when done right where honesty and freedom reign rather than envy and judgment, there is no place more inviting…

And no place I feel more alive…