Keep moving forward

My favorite scene in one of my favorite movies, Rocky Balboa, is when Sylvester Stalone encourages his grown up son to encounter life, get back up, and keep moving forward. You can watch that scene on Youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp7psE585Ek

Or if you are too lazy for that, this what he says:
"The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now if you know what you're worth then go out and get what you're worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain't you! You're better than that! I'm always gonna love you no matter what. No matter what happens. You're my son and you're my blood. You're the best thing in my life. But until you start believing in yourself, ya ain't gonna have a life."

This week, Torch keeps moving forward...and so do I. There is no question that the past few months, even years, have been very hurtful and spiritually tramatic for me. Men I trusted because I was taught to trust and respect those in leadership turned and hit me really hard. I interviewed at a few other churches after I was layed off, and I was so wounded that great opportunities didn't interest me in the least. And I didn't want to get back up. But God had other plans. He rallied people around me who looked to me and said, "We want you to help us through this." Well truth is, I'm the one who needed help. But God began to work in our situation, and together, we rose up. It was hard, and painful. We still have a long way to go. And I know that not everyone has worked through the grief process. But we are moving forward, individually, together, and in the name of Christ. And we're creating a place where others have the freedom to do likewise.

Things were wonderful at Torch on Sunday. there were 56 people crowded in my house. People were sitting on the floor and everywhere. Thank goodness we move in to the reception hall next week! I cannot begin to express how excited I am about how I feel God is moving in creating Torch to be a place after His own heart. God is already bringing about such healing not just in my life but others as well. The worship was powerful Sunday. That many people crammed in a space that was too small made it a very moving experience. There was another lady who left in tears at how connected she felt with God and how refreshed she felt after our Sunday service. She is coming from a whole different church situation that has apparently wounded her and her family pretty deeply too. And God saw fit to bring her to Torch to catch her breath, spiritually. I still love the people in my previous church, but as far as I'm concerned at this point, God has moved on, and so will I.

I know this should be more focused on the exciting fact that we are moving into the Reception Hall adjacent to PeeWee's Restuarant this Sunday. And my excitement for that cannot be underestimated. But I just felt the need, at least tonight, to share my heart...and the healing thereof.

The schedule for this Sunday is:
Free Breakfast Buffet from 9:30-10:30
Worship Service from 11-12.

Hope to see you there. Pray for Torch, pray for me.
BJ Sanders

Isaiah 60:1-2
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord shines over you.
For look, darkness covers the earth,
and total darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will shine over you,
and His glory will appear over you.