Got back from the Willow Creek Leadership Conference on friday night and I have to say that my heart and my soul were overwhelmed by the speakers and what they presented. Inspiring leadership from “wherever you are”… seemed to be the theme. (at least that what hit me…)
I will say that the ladies who presented (TeachAmerica [Wendy Kopp] and Prision Entrepreneurial Program [Catherine Rohr]) were the Rock Stars of the program.
I was so impressed by Ms. Rohr’s life and work; she gave up a 6+ figure income in order to serve felons and give them a new start at life…kinda of familiar to the whole ’setting the prisoners free’ type thing. Her attitude “Bring it on God!” Sounds like bravado, but rather this was grace under pressure since God really took everything away from her (…and she gave alot away as well) in order to give her a perspective much like the people that she would serve. For now, she is blessed pouring out her blessing on those who may never know God. Made me think about how I have not only written off this portion of humanity, but others who may have scars on their past too deep to hide.
The other Rock Star of the conference was Gary Haugen from the Internation Justice Mission. If you want your heart broken for those who are screaming for justice, walk a day in Gary’s shoes. The video that was presented by Gary shook my soul – that doesn’t happen very often. Even friday night telling my wife about it made me breakdown like I haven’t in a long time. Gary goes after those who are abused and tortured in third world countries who don’t have someone to help them…Gary is their champion. While the task is overwhelming, it is God who uses us to complete the task. The stories that were told (and there were only 3) made me shake in rage and brokeness. Brokeness because of the petty and insignificant things that I want for myself – while there are people out there who don’t even see the light of day unless its time for their abuse. I can’t even begin to speak of the madness that dwells in my soul to seek justice against those who would abuse their power against the ones who their are supposed to be helping. I will finish there because I will ruin my Chritian testimony if I speak further…:)
Finally, I will have to correct Bill Hybels (Willow Creek’s Senior Pastor) about one thing he said. He apologized on Friday about not having any rock stars to interview; BIll, Bill Bill…(shaking head) you did have Rock Stars or at least you had a Rock Star at the conference: Jesus seemed to shine in each of the faces of the people that were presenting their leadership in the conference. It was each of these people who gave their lives to something beyond themselves…something that Jesus did. Each of these people are Rock Stars, but even more…they are giving their lives in order that the image of the Savior shines through in every way.
I want to be a Rock Star like Jesus!
