Walking In Memphis

We had a great time in Memphis this weekend. Our time with Josh, Kayci, and Truitt was special. The main focus of the trip (other than great food and conversation) was for a leaders retreat for the Sycamore View Church (where Josh preaches).

I walked through some of the material from Jesus Feast. Overall, it was a lively time of discussion, discernment, and dialog. I preached with Josh on Sunday "tag-team" (or, as some call it, "dueling banjos") . . . we did something I've never done before. We took two stories from Luke (Rich Young Ruler and Zaccheus) and told them side by side with a modern twist. I am always encouraged and challenged by being around Josh Ross. He has a heart for people that is unmatched.

Yesterday morning, Kara, Josh and I went to the National Civil Rights Museum downtown. I've been to Detroit's version a few times, as well as the King Center for Non-Violence in Atlanta a few times. If you have not been to the Memphis museum, you must go. It tells the stories of whites, blacks, educated, and uneducated who fought against Jim Crow racism. From soldiers, to Catholic priests . . . work-at-homes to retired school teachers . . . is there any better way to spend one's life than by giving it away?

One of my favorite MLK quotes (sparked by being in Memphis): "The arch of history is long but it is always bent toward justice."