Out of Town Visits

Randy’s March, 2012 Update:

Affirmations and Blessings for Scott:

In February, I went out to Iowa to celebrate my youngest nephew, Scott’s, 25th birthday (a quarter of a century!), and my eldest sister, Deb’s, “29th” birthday (wink, wink)!

My niece, Emily (Scott’s sister), was very inspired by the idea of the “living funeral” some people threw me last year (See my Christmas letter), which is basically a time of affirmation and blessing (affirmations for what you do, blessings for who you are).

Emily felt motivated to spread her leadership wings and organize a sharing time for Scott, to mark his milestone birthday.  She asked us all to prepare something to say and to also write it down, so Scott could have a record of the words to read afterwards.

We each stood up in front of the group and shared.  It was very moving.

My niece and sister shared beautiful words that were very meaningful.  My dad got teary at the end of his heart-felt sharing, which brought tears to many of our eyes.  Scott’s girlfriend, Ellen, shared very authentically and tenderly about her love for Scott and some of the things she appreciates about him.  We had the opportunity to see more fully into her beautiful soul, and love her even more.

It was great to hear my brother-in-law, Dan, share.  In the work I do I see how important it is for men to receive affirmation and blessing from their fathers, especially when they are young and growing up, but also during the age of transition, like the twenties.

At the end, Scott said, “That was intense!…I’m going to read these later and cry.”

Kudos to Emily:

I was very proud of my niece, Emily, for organizing this event.  I do these kinds of things with friends and Legacy peeps, but for some reason, haven’t done much with family.  It was awesome doing it with family.  It just took someone to lead it, and Emily was the perfect person to get us all to do it.

I love seeing twenty-somethings, like Emily, living out the strengths and talents they’ve been designed with, allowing their true selves to be called out and stepping up to the challenge, making the world a better place even if for only just one moment.

I’ve seen such moments have a ripple effect that can ultimately change lives.  I think this particular moment had that potential, as all of us who were present are slightly changed and are more likely to remember and share affirmations and blessings more freely with others in the future.

It was definitely one of the highlights of the year so far.

Hopefully the ripples with continue: You invested in some young people, they threw me a celebration, which in turn inspired my niece, who then organized an affirmation and blessing time for my nephew…and who knows where it might go from here.  Maybe it may come full circle and encourage you to take a step that will keep things rippling.

A Challenge For You, To Keep It Rippling – Yikes!:

Perhaps I can issue a challenge here.  The challenge is to think of a way you might affirm or bless someone, and then do it!  I’d love to hear your stories of affirming and blessing your family, friends, and even strangers and enemies.  What might that look like?  Are you willing to do it?  Would you be willing to share your stories with us?

Meeting Melanie:

One day when I was talking to Justin, one of the guys I mentor, he mentioned a woman in Oklahoma City who was doing great work with people in their twenties.  Though naturally gifted and passionate about the work she was doing, she felt the need for more training, equipping, and support.  He asked permission to put us in touch with each other.

It was obvious in the very first telephoneconversation with Melanie that God was at work, so we decided to give this spiritual mentoring thing a try over the phone, long-distance.

That was almost three years ago.  In all that time, we never met in person.  If I had passed her on the street, I won’t have known it was her, though I had seen a picture once.

Recently we had the opportunity to meet in person for the very first time.  It was surreal.  I feel like I know Melanie really well, yet it was a whole new experience seeing her eyes, smile, and gestures.  It was a complete delight.

I feel so blessed to have the honor to meet with Melanie and the other amazingpeople I get to meet with.

Thank You:

Thanks so much for your on-going love and support.

It’s fun to watch the unique ways God guides people to this ministry.  Numerous new people have been coming my way recently.  I’d love your prayers for discernment about who to take on.

I hope you feel encouraged by some of the things that God seems to be doing through your prayers and generosity.

Please send me your stories of affirmations and blessings.  I’d love to hear them.  If you feel bold enough, perhaps you might post them to this update, as I’m sure others would love to hear them as well.

In His Love,
Randy