New York State of Mind

"So it’s paramount that you keep the commandments of God, your God, walk down the roads he shows you and reverently respect him." (Deuteronomy 8:6 MSG)

Ever since I was little, I’ve had this idea that one day I could see the New Year’s Eve ball in New York City. And this past month, it came true! Okay, so it was September and kind of hot outside and there was no confetti, but nevertheless, I found myself standing in Times Square and lifting my gaze to the home of the colorful orb. It was a great moment. But it wasn’t just great because I was finally there, seeing in person what I had only ever seen on television. It was good because of the people standing next to me and the moments we had shared together as a part of the call to bravely go somewhere else and give of ourselves. I was in New York as a part of a mission team.

I’ve gotten the same question a lot. And that is, what was your favorite part?

And for someone like me that’s nearly impossible to answer. I enjoyed helping encourage those who were so eager to learn English. I loved the camaraderie of our group. I was overjoyed riding the ferry to Governors Island and seeing Lady Liberty. I loved the Brooklyn Bridge and the buildings and the lights. And I was beyond excited to be standing outside the New York Public Library and saying hello to Patience and Fortitude, the famous lions that guard it. I was touched as I looked upon the Freedom Tower and at the 9/11 Memorial almost exactly 20 years after the attacks. I was in awe of the architecture of Grand Central Station. I looked forward to our group’s daily devotions and felt adventurous riding the subway, because honestly you never knew what was going to happen. I enjoyed being with Florence and soaking in the courage and bravery that she exhibits in her life every day. And I loved just being able to look up at the stars from a different perspective and add another chapter to my story, another place to my travel log.

While this excursion to one of the biggest and busiest cities in the world was full of oh so many laughs and good times, it also left a valuable imprint on my heart. I could talk all day about my favorite things, but I think perhaps a better question is what did I learn in New York?

When I think back to the week we spent there, I can’t help but think of all the walking and navigating (thank you Nancy, Florence, Lesa and friends) we did to different places. Besides the rides to and from the airport, we either walked or took the subway everywhere. And in that, you learn a few things. You learn to live by the signs that guide you. You keep an eye on the lights that tell you whether you can cross the intersection. You learn the difference between an express train and a local train. You become a professional at swiping your metro card and moving through the turnstile. You memorize your subway stops and count the tiny, glowing dots to know how long of a ride you are in for until it’s time to leave. And most importantly, you just keep moving, one step at a time, until you reach your desired destination. But the thing about New York walking is that you don’t just walk at a leisurely pace, you move with purpose. And that’s a lesson that I can’t seem to shake because what I experienced is that walking the streets of Brooklyn and the Bronx not only shows you a new way of navigating; it teaches you how to walk with a new confidence. A confidence full of focus and intentionality.

There’s something to be said for taking time to stop and notice the things around you, but my week in New York made me realize that sometimes I stop for too long. I recently heard author Bob Goff say something along the lines of “sometimes we get stuck and make permanent homes in places that were just supposed to be a temporary campsite.” If I’m honest, there are places I’ve camped for far too long, and it’s in some of those places that I've simply stopped moving. Maybe that’s you too. Disappointments stopped you in your tracks. Scars made you cautious. Hurts left you broken. And fear made you stationary. Instead of walking with confidence, you find yourself nursing a limp. A limp that slows you down and keeps you from thinking that you’ll be able to reach the place you set off for in the beginning.

That kind of limp makes me think of Jacob in the Bible, which is exactly the scripture that Florence’s pastor preached from while we were there. Jacob’s name means deceiver and he lived a life that was worthy of it. But God stepped in, and Jacob wrestled with an angel. One definition of the word wrestle is “to take part in a fight” and that’s what I’ve always imagined the scene to be like, but another definition states it means to “struggle with a difficulty or a problem” (Oxford Dictionary). Jacob wasn’t just a guy trying to pick a fight. He was a guy who was wrestling with the things inside himself that he no longer wanted anymore. He was a guy who dug deep and decided he was not letting go, not stopping, until God did a work. Jacob was fighting against the tendency to become complacent and stationary in an okay place because he knew there was a greater place. And while it’s true that Jacob walked out of that fight with a limp, he also moved forward with a brand-new identity and a name as mighty as a nation. But he only got there because he put himself in the position to be blessed. 

All the walking we did in New York eventually led us to some amazing places. It connected us with people. It took us to incredible sights. It allowed us to see and do things we wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise. But we only got there because we positioned ourselves in the right places. If we had stopped halfway, we would have never made it all the way to the amazing things New York had for us. And I believe the Holy Spirit is encouraging us the same way in our lives. He whispers that our limp doesn't disqualify us; rather it gives us a story to tell. Like Jacob, we can choose to wrestle through to the other side.  

That swagger mentality I learned walking the streets of New York also translates to other areas of life. With God as our guide, we can move to and through the places He calls us to with a new attitude. But we will never make traction if we remain timid, hesitant, and unwilling to wrestle through. Is there some place on your journey that you’ve stopped? Is there an area that God is calling you to display confidence? Could there be something new God wants to show you in this season of your life? Take those steps of courage friends. Be intentional. Be confident. And anytime you start to feel unsure or unsettled or like you might be stuck, remind yourself to approach those things with a New York State of mind.

-Only Hope

To my prayer partners-thank you so very much for taking time to cover me and the team in prayer. I could feel your prayers and I’m so very blessed to call each of you treasured friends!

To The Group-

Florence, you inspire me! You are brave and kind and out there winning souls and changing lives in the name of Jesus! Thanks for showing us how to have courage and love and for welcoming us with open arms.

Nancy, you led us like a champion! Thank you for taking on the “569” team as Lesa said and for letting us do so many awesome things! I’m so glad God brought us all together. You constantly make me laugh and want to be like you when I “grow up.”

Lesa, what a sweet and kind soul! I loved soaking up your gentle words of wisdom and bonding over all things literary. You encouraged me so much and I’m so glad we met through this trip. Also, you provided the coffee which makes me Jolly Holly. The way you love others and touch their lives inspires me.

Lou Ann, you have the best laugh! I loved how we could just look at each other and burst out in giggles. And we like the same pizza which pretty much seals the deal. We also checked people into class like the dream team! I learned a lot from you and enjoyed getting to know you!

Susan, you are my roll tide partner-in-crime and such a delight. I loved our chats and spending time with you and introducing you to hibachi. You have an amazing spirit and attitude! We will have to go to a conference soon!

Ashley, I’m so proud of the way you kept at it! You are super sweet and have an amazing personality! Keep trusting God for His perfect timing and plan for your life because He’s got one. I enjoyed getting to know you!

Bethany, I know I kind of got you into this and the subway/airplane wasn’t ideal, but I couldn’t imagine a better roomie and fellow adventurer. You rocked the teaching thing and continue to show me how to have a servants heart. Thanks for saying yes, laughing with me and for always being there for me! You make my life all the sweeter.