This past year, I have been exploring the South Loop, discerning ways in which God’s Spirit is moving in that community, and envisioning a new church there. What an amazing and blessed year it has been! And I know that God can and will do amazing things in this neighborhood which Chicago Magazine describes as “the hottest neighborhood in the country”. I feel a tremendous loss knowing that I will no longer be a part of what God is doing here. However, life, love, and family commitments call me away. And I must pursue another path.The new path I am pursuing involves moving away from Chicago with my Beloved. My heart is brimming with wonder and excitement as I envision our future together, heading first to Virginia (for a year), then immigrating to Canada.
At the same time, I am grieving. I had such hopes and dreams for a faith community here. And I have fallen so deeply in love with this city and the people here. Oh, it will be hard to move away from the friends and family I have made.
But I am committed to this Love. And so I have reconciled myself to the loss that comes with this decision. I guess you can say that I have not only resigned from this ministry, but I am resigned to the ending of this season of my life. Yet even in this resignation, there is a hopeful resolution.
I am so excited for what lies ahead...
10 comments:
Rachel-I am sure your decision came with much thought and prayer. Your work in Chicago has, I feel certain, blessed many people. What an exciting time for you! I wish you the best and hope that you will keep in touch with your first church family!!! "You may not be the only Rachel in this world!" (ahh-country ballads are born in the most unusual places, right?!) But, you are my good friend and have been a blessing in my life! BTW- Happy Birthday! Love, Debi
your moving to virginia???i think thats gonna make it harder to come visit you. lol. then canada. cool. well i still want to see you some how.miss you much.
Who is your beloved? Did the closet door just open?
Hey Rachel!! Debi just told me about your blog on Sunday! Good luck and God bless in all you do!
You are often in my thoughts and prayers! Happy Birthday!
Susan A.
I am sooo excited for you and the future winds that will be blowing!!
This is a thrilling time to be making shifts and I know it can be overwhelming and sad to leave friends and family alike~ :( ~ BUT you are on a path that I know you don't tread on lightly... THe Universe will conspire in your favor!!
I already miss you, cuz I already moved, ha ha, but I know that your prescence in Chicagoland will be sorely missed...Hey look out Canadians have no idea what is blowing their way!! love eternally
What the? Dude. Okay, so what's August 4? I'm so confused!!!!
God's best to you and the sweet science man. We like to travel so keep in touch. I'd love to make a trek to Alberta. Take off the great white north, take off, its a beauty way to go. TAKE OFF!!! Gotta love Joan Jett and the MacKenzie brothers.
Loveyou!!!!
Deie Jones
Deie
Rachel, I just want you to know that you are amazing. You're an amazing minister of the gospel, and I know because you minister to me all the time. :) I will miss you of course, but I know that all these things are working together for your good...and for some gorgeous blue-eyed cosmos-inclined preaching babies. (I mean, if that's what you two want, of course.) Remember that your Family of Hope here has your back and that we are not afraid to get on anything with an engine and come visit u!!! Love, I Wanna
wow...what heavy news, rach. i know this is something that you've spent much time and prayer over. exciting, terrifying, amazing, unknown...i wish you the very best.
Love it the goodest. Its worth the sacrifice and patience and even the pain that it sometime comes with. It is rewarding and nurturing. It grows you and makes you feel more beautiful and strong. It is not always egalitarian because gifts and abilities do not always call for that. Love as Christ loved the Church, boy does it call for that!!! Laying down you life, apologies, a thousand kisses are never enough...Once Lew told me, you don't scare me. ahhahahha. To know that no matter what you have someone in this world who 'will never leave you or forsake you' makes all the more clear that Jesus loves you more. I can't wait for the celebration - actually both of them. And the many to come. We aint scared to drive - just like I Wanna said. We bless you both and speak unity and faith and longevity into your lives. Welcome to this new adventure. A threefold cord is not easily broken its like being on a super hero team.
Blessings.
Deie
Rachel,
Congratulations on your choice and your upcoming move! Please get in touch and let's get together in DC or C-ville.
Janel
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