I Was There...

Photo Credit: @aprilameyers
{that's me with the purple hood, the hubster with the backpack, my mom and dad in front of us, and we're pushing our kiddos in their double stroller.}

My family and I drove into Detroit Saturday morning. We were going with one purpose in our hearts. We were going to pray for the city and ask that God would help restore it and its people.

Over 500 churches {multiple denominations} and 20,000 some people met in front of Comerica Park. After some worship, we walked from Comerica Park to the intersection where The Spirit Of Detroit stands and back again. What's significant about this landmark is the scripture carved into the wall behind it that says "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." {2 Cor. 3:17} Many of us never knew that scripture was there but today we claimed it as the vision for Detroit.

"If what was once the most prosperous manufacturing city in the nation has been brought to its knees, what does that say about our recent past? And if it can't find a way to get up, what does that say about our future?"
Read more: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1925796,00.html#ixzz1JjpRej8v

I found this article and couldn't help but share this quote. I have a simple answer to these questions. In the past, Detroit has relied on man-made...everything...to create "prosperity" and even "popularity". If we {the city of Detroit} do find a way to get up, it's only going to be with God's help. And to accept His help, we'll need to change a bit about our own lives to make room for that. I think we've learned that we can't do this on our own and our man-made "kingdom" needs God's leadership.

While I was walking down Woodward Ave. and praying, I saw so many people doing and serving and I wanted the boldness to do the same. I saw a homeless man asking for money and a woman leave the group to embrace him and talk to him. I witnessed a group serve a pancake breakfast to other homeless people right on the corner of Woodward. Everywhere I looked, I saw people praying, reaching out, and believing for a difference to be made.

It was an amazing experience...and I was there. But my heart is broken and I know that simply "taking a walk" through the city and praying isn't going to be enough to do anything. I'm looking forward to finding a volunteer opportunity to take a part in during the 40 days of serving that EACH is organizing.

Anyway, that's just a blurb on my thoughts after the day. I've already broken down in tears while I reflected on the experience and I'm really motivated to be a part of making a difference.