Why Audacious?

I have had quite a few people ask me why I use the term “audacious” pastor. I was pondering this the past few days as I limped and gimped my way through  ordination service Friday night and my MDIV graduation on Saturday afternoon.

I was not going to let a torn calf muscle keep me from kneeling down before the bishop for my commission or walking across the stage to receive my hood.  I had worked too hard; battled too long with prejudice, antagonism, mockers, exhaustion, Greek, the early Church Fathers, Wesleyan theology, and my own demons…who sometimes overtly, but mostly quietly, whispered doubt to me.

The word “audacious” was spoken at a bible study we were having over a year ago.  We were reading and discussing Jacob.  Jacob was a wrestler.  Jacob was wrestling with God, his family, his neighbors,  it seemed as if Jacob wrestled with almost everyone he came in contact with.  But this one particular wrestling match ended with Jacob  limping.  However,  Jacob would not let go until he received God’s blessing.  Now that is ‘audacious’, someone spoke up.

Audacious indeed.  Not letting go, not giving up until the blessing is received.  I’m not giving up.  Though I am walking with a limp still today, I have been touched, I have been blessed.  I intend to continue to press on until my last breath snatching people from the fire and bringing them towards the Kingdom of Heaven.

Audacious indeed!