Hi friends! Although I have been a part of the BFJN community, serving as the Associate Director for just about a year now, this is my first time writing in our blog space, aside from some reflections that I shared last week. What a blessing and honor it is to be here!

Repair work…divine disruptions…building community…tradition…innovation!

These are some of the “buzz words” or topics that are forever imprinted on my heart and mind as a result of Duke Divinity’s Foundation of Christian Leadership Program.

In mid-November I was blessed beyond measure to take part in this opportunity, traveling to San Antonio, Texas, and being apart of an amazingly diverse group of Christian leaders. As an introverted person (or so I thought before completing one of the many assessments we utilized throughout the time we were together) walking in I had no idea what to expect and was somewhat nervous of what was to come.

As I got settled into the space, I was welcomed by so much love, warmth and joy. I felt at home amongst a group of individuals who were nothing but strangers to me at the time. Over the course of the next few days, these individuals had become like family. We built community amongst us, and we thrived.

One of the things that resonated with me, that I want to share with you all today, is the concept of repair and redemption. If we have an old worn-out piece of clothing, our first thought may not be to repair it, but rather to just toss it. But what if instead, we took the time to sit down and make something new of it, like God did with us?

We all at some point, were broken and in need of repair, and yet God didn’t toss us to the side, forget about us, and move on. He took His time, continued to love us, and made something new.

So instead of thinking of the warn places, in your relationships, workplaces, or internally within you, meditate on how instead of just tossing it, forgetting about it, and moving on, how you can hold it up to the light. How you can see the holes, the kinks, and the needs for repair, apply some creativity, imagination, and innovation to transform the foundation for something new. Be inspired to go back to the drawing board, rip it up, and piece it all together, with newfound perspective.

What may be seen as a disruption, may be God’s divine plan!

Stay tuned, as the second part of the program is coming up in just a few short weeks, and I am sure there will be more that I will share. Until next time, be blessed and be encouraged.

Put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. Psalm 130:7