Harding Uplift & Their Applause for Jenny

I had the privilege of speaking at Harding Uplift on Monday night and Tuesday morning. I'll be making the trip for all 3 sessions this year. I had no clue what to expect, but I joined in the worship service on Monday night and found 1100-1200 kids who were really excited to be there.

I was talking about how God has chosen to join us in the crossroads and intersections of life and what this means for us. I began sharing the impact this has had on my life in 2010. I told them that on Feb.3rd my sister, Jenny, sent me a text that she was running a fever of 105. We exchanged a few text messages and the last one I received from her, it was actually the last coherent conversation I would have with her, was Jenny telling me that even in her sickness, she was praying for our home to sale and for us to find a great place to live in inner-city Memphis. I told the kids that on February 4th she went into the hospital and was immediately placed in ICU.

One thing I realized in this moment was that if you talk about a sick sister in ICU, you get every one's attention. :)

I talked about this for a few moments and then I said, "On February 22nd, she breathed her last breath."

I never expected what happened next.

Someone yelled out, "We love you Jenny!"
Then, the place started clapping and people began yelling:
"We love you."
"We were praying for you."
"You are loved."
"Our church was praying for you."

I was stunned. Shocked. Frozen.
It was moment in which the grace of God rushed over me.
I'll never forget it.

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Malaya was baptized last night at Bammel Rd. As soon as I get pictures, I will post a few.