Dear Theophilus:: September 2003

God, You and I Dance

It seems that many times in the past few years, God has managed to throw me quite a few curve balls in life that have completely caught me off guard; things that I never expected would happen. However, when I think about it, He was giving it to me straight down the middle all the time, it's just that I was too busy dwelling on what I wanted Him to give me that I completely shut out the opportunities that he was actually giving me.

In fact, my application to Penn was a last minute what-the-heck-I-might-as-well effort. I think the entire application took me half an hour. I slapped on a couple of unrevised essays and sent it in. Miraculously I got in, and I came with lots of doubts. I came to Penn scared and spiritually unprepared, but on the very first night I saw a flier for Emmanuel, met a couple people from my class, and the rest is history. I sincerely feel the Lord purposely led me here for a reason. Despite my initial grumbling, I grew to love it here more than I ever imagined.

First of all, Emmanuel has been nothing short of a huge revival for me. The pastors have never failed to leave me moved and amazed. Especially at the congregational retreat, I personally felt Him lift a great burden off my back; a burden of anger and bitterness that I had been carrying for five years ever since I was involved in a tragic accident. Moreover, ECF has been more than just a blessing; it's been a vast community of brothers and sisters that I know I can depend on for help, accountability and support. Next, has been my fellow class of 2006. We have a bond I cannot describe; its something that isn't limited to just ECF, but spans across fellowships and campuses. I have seen our class reach out to each other, take the initiative to bond with those from other campuses and fellowships, and what amazes me most, dedicate themselves to serving Christ. I cannot describe the blessings I have received this year, and I am so thankful.

Even after being blessed so much, there was still one sticking point for me; I still couldn't completely put all of my faith in Him and let Him lead me where he wanted. In one of Pastor Dwight's sermons entitled "Crossing Over", he uses a great example to illustrate the fact that the Lord is our Guide: The word GUIDANCE begins with the letter "G", standing for "God", and then we see the letters "U" (You), "I", and then the word "DANCE". So, basically, "God, You and I dance". Now in dance, if both people try to lead, it ends up being awkward and choppy. But if one relaxes, and puts complete trust and faith in the other and lets the other fully lead, it's like the two become one, and the dance flows smoothly and beautifully. Thus, our lives are like a dance with God; we should put complete faith and trust in Him and allow him to lead us in a dance through our Christian lives since He is indeed our GUIDANCE.

This is exactly what I hope to do with my life this upcoming semester and the years to come. Of course it will be difficult and I have already failed before, but it is only all too necessary. I have been trying for too long to do things on my own; trying to lead the dance between God and me. Therefore, those curve balls I thought he was throwing at me were not curveballs, but only God trying to take back the lead in His dance with me. Dearest Emmanuel, ECF, and my fellow class of '06, He is our guidance. He is dancing with each and every one of you. Emmanuel, I pray that the guidance you receive leads the church in all ministries and needs in the future. ECF, let's take the guidance and use it in building up the sister and brotherhood, and in reaching out to others. Class of '06, let's use it continuing the awesome bond, the dedication to Him, and to beat the dreaded sophomore slump! Relax, trust Him, and keep on dancing everyone, because He sure is a great dancer!