Good morning…
The annual tradition of our Women’s Lenten Communion Service began in 2007. Working as Discipleship Coordinator in the Children’s Ministry at the time, I was invited to be the inaugural speaker of this new Lenten event. None of us knew that by January 2008 God would equip me to become the second full-time Women’s Ministry Director at Northside Church.
I do not remember the title of my talk or the details of the content, but I do remember one story I shared that cool spring night. I recounted the memory again in our 2011 devotional book. Here is how my story goes.
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Excerpt from Touching Truth: Grasping The Grace of God by Sue Allen
94 … TOES UP
Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17).
The summer after I graduated from college, I worked at a Christian camp as a counselor who led adventure trips. Every other week, we would take a different group of kids white water rafting down Pennsylvania’s Youghiogheny River and each new group would receive the same instruction: “If you fall out of the the raft, face down river and keep your toes up.”
Why “toes up?”
“Toes up” we could ride the current, pushing off any obstacles standing in our way. Trying to plant our feet “toes down” in the rushing white water could easily cause a foot to be lodged in the rocks and the force of the water would naturally pull us under.
On the river, I received valuable advice:
“Toes up.”
“Ride the Current.”
“Enjoy the ride.”
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment (1 Timothy 6:17).
Pray: LORD-who-grants-us-freedom, let me heed Your wise advice.
Ponder: When have I tried to plant my feet “toes down?” What was the consequence? (141)
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Since the summer of 1985, I have tried to follow our LORD’s life-saving instruction: “Toes up. Ride the Current. Enjoy the ride.” Over the years I have watched my feeble fears fall away as I lean back, look up, and let God carry me to the people, the places, and the purposes most in need of my True Self each day.
From your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred Writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus [through the leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness] (2 Timothy 3:15, AMPC).
…Sue…
P.S. Please consider joining us for this year’s grace-filled gathering.
Women’s Lenten Communion Service
Tuesday, March 12, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, Chapel at Northside Church
2799 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
Speaker: Lou Winship
“My Love Story…What’s Yours?”
Lent is a time when God’s uncanny love story crescendos beyond the cross to pursues us personally. Northside member Lou Winship shares with us God’s unique invitation into deeper intimacy birthed through what she lovingly calls her “Coming Apart/Spiritual Awakening.” We will leave this sacred evening amazed by the unconditional love of God unfolding in our everyday lives.
All women are warmly welcomed. No registration necessary.
