In 1991, I met Paul Conn at the Florida State Camp Meeting. I was looking at my options for college. On my horizons were the University of Miami (via Naval ROTC scholarship), Miami-Dade Community College, and Lee University. I wanted to go to Lee and I wanted to go to UM. But, because I was a few days late on my ROTC scholarship application, I was not going to receive my scholarship until my sophomore year. Miami-Dade was my outlet in the event I couldn't afford to go to Lee. Meeting Dr. Conn cemented my desire to go to Lee.
God really favored me after my third try taking the ACT and I received a presidential scholarship based on that score. Somehow, I managed to improve my score by a full 4 points. I ran to Lee excited about life. My parents also made major sacrifices to get me there and I worked through college from my sophomore year on. I finished my senior year and graduated by paying my final semester with a Discover Card.
I will never forget my first few days there. During that time, I met friends that are today more like family than friends(Matt Robinett, Jamison Creel, and Eric Kemerling). Matt recently moved here to Miami where he is an ER doc, Jamison is an 8 year missionary to the Palestinians, and Eric is an Army officer.
When I walked into the scholars banquet, Dr. Conn came and greeted me by name. I was blown away. That was the first real moment of impact by this brilliant leader who was instrumental in shaping more lives than any other person in the history of our fellowship of churches. He is intelligent, charismatic, compassionate, relational, and strategic in his ministry and leadership. In my opinion, he is also one of the greatest communicators I've ever heard.
My head was screwed on pretty straight in spite of the fact that I spent my sophomore year working off demerits I earned during my freshman year so that I could keep intramural sports eligibility. I will say I had nothing to do with toilet papering the entire campus the night before Homecoming. The rumors that I blew the lid off of the dumpster outside of Ellis Hall with a match-head bomb was absolutely wrong. I know who did it and am more than willing to spill my guts on that tall skinny dude from Atlanta.
Steve Sherman, the Dean of Students seemed to keep a seat open for me in his office. My best bud, Matt threw me under the bus in that office at least once to save his own hide! Slacker.
On the functional side, I reflect on the gorgeous fall weather, the smell of fireplaces burning, the changing leaves, the crisp Tennessee air, the late nights, the early mornings, the cliffs at the Hiwassee River, Blue Hole on the Ocoee River, the afternoon classes with other hoodlums who now pastor and have turned into fine gentlemen. I reflect on the professors and faculty members like Matthew Melton and Phil Barber who believed in me and spoke positive words into my life. I reflect on impersonating Gerald Knowles and Tony from Philly over the speaker system in the Old Ellis Hall. I will never forget the challenging chapel services and the God moments where I came face-to-face with personal sin and chose God over my sin and then stumbled onto a lifestyle of radical follower-ship of a risen Christ.
From my years at Lee, I got a first class collegiate education, a
gorgeous wife who loves me passionately, great friends, my first full-time ministry opportunity
at a great church, a deepened passion for Christ, and abundant opportunities.
Being in a reflective mood, I am asking what if... What if I had not gone to Lee during my malleable years? What if I had gotten a 4 year NROTC scholarship instead of the 3 year? I would not have met and married Kelly. I would not have made the friendships I have. I would not be in Miami today. You never can tell but, I likely would not be in full time ministry. What strategic decisions am I facing today that can potentially change the course of my life? Am I prayerfully submitted to God so that I am recognizing and engaging those opportunities with courage and decisiveness?
I ask God that we would all immerse ourselves in the awareness that God directs the steps of His people. I pray we do not inject ourselves into His agenda, manipulating or second guessing His course for our lives. I also pray that we are brave and confident of that calling and walk in it not bowing to the pressures of double minded and unstable people or people who mean well but do not see to the end through the same binoculars you see through or who are simply people who are not brave enough to handle their own battles but glibly boo from the stadium as we battle in the arena of passionately lived destiny.
Life is worth living aggressively and with passion. Living it, remaining shape-able, flexible, and fixed on a future of promise is imperative. God is the author and finisher of our faith and life. Let us walk humbly and thankfully for His grace in our past and confidently for His future grace and direction.
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