Together {Bible study launch party}

I’ve been trying to find the words to describe last Thursday night, my Bible study launch party, appropriately. As I reflect, only one word surfaces: together.

In the sweetest, most humbling way, as I stood before the group that night, with my study in hand, all I could think of was together. It’s been a word God has been sowing in me for some time now. Finally, last week I felt released to relish in the joy of it.

“so we, who are many, are [nevertheless just] one body in Christ, individually [we are] parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other]. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly …” Romans 12:5-6

We are all members of one body, the church. And as parts of the whole, we are each individually called to use our gifts to the benefit of the body. It’s the way the body was designed.

As a believer, I know this verse is true. But for the Lord to allow me to experience it the way I have over the last two years, there are no words.

This Bible study began all because one woman stopped me in the hall of my son’s pre-school and asked me to teach a Bible study.
Two years ago, at least 12 of you gathered with me every other Tuesday in La Madeline and hashed this study out with me. God used you to stretch my thinking, challenge and encourage me.
One year ago, God used some Austin friends to push me further. They wanted videos. So they set up a camera, and I spoke to a little, red blinking light for the very first time. (And it didn’t kill me.) The videos for this Bible study are because of (and for) them.
Last year as I wrote, I had friends I could turn to and ask for prayer. I had people who read as I wrote, asking questions and cheering me on in the process. I had people who were willing to sit across a table and speak courage to my soul. These people were the wind that kept me writing.
This past Spring God knit me together with some new friends that asked for a sneak peak of this study. They not only invested in this study, but in my life. They were a gift I didn’t know I needed.

Through this process, I saw the body work as it should. With each member using their gifts. Mutually dependent on the other. It was beautiful.

So to all of you who walked this road with me – who laughed and cried with me – who dug in and challenged and prayed and asked questions – who reminded me of truth – who gave me space to struggle – who pointed me upward – who allowed me to do life with you … I couldn’t thank you more.

“We become together what we could not be alone.”

Romans 12:5b (VOICE)

This Bible study is better – I am better – because of YOU.

(Here are a few pictures from the party, made possible and beautiful because of my people.)