| Last week, I shared part of my experience at a B.R.I.D.G.E. Graduation Ceremony. BRIDGE is an acronym for a non-profit organization in Columbus, Georgia (Building Responsible Individuals through Discipline, Guidance, and Education). One of the speakers shared his experience of graduating with his GED thanks to BRIDGE in 2021. He shared that until he was introduced to BRIDGE, the last class he attended was in 5th Grade. Frankly, he had given up on his life. Thankfully, he entered their GED program and graduated. As the 2021 BRIDGE’S outstanding student, he was awarded a small scholarship for college, and with the help of an educational counselor, he decided to take the next step to enter a local junior college with his awarded scholarship and Georgia’s HOPE scholarship. Fast forward to the recent 2023 BRIDGE Graduation Ceremony where he was asked to speak, and he was introduced as the 2021 Outstanding Student. When he got to the podium, he told the audience, “My introduction needs to be updated for I’m not just an outstanding student, I’m a college graduate.” As he shared his story, he reminded everyone there to take the next step. He is now taking the next step to enter Columbus State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science. As he shared his story, I fixated on the phrase just take the next step. Living a life of faith is simply taking the next step. As we take one step, another step appears, and then we take that step, and so on. Anxiety is born out of worry and control of tomorrow. Jesus said, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). Therefore, take the next step. Take it to be more of a disciple. Take it to begin a better prayer life. Take it to be more faithful in worship. There will always be the “what ifs” of tomorrow. Don’t bring them forward, allow them to stay in tomorrow—focus on what is before you now. Focus on today and take the next step.  This Week’s Readings: *Monday – Acts 17 *Tuesday – Acts 18 *Wednesday – Acts 19 *Thursday – Acts 20 *Friday – Acts 21 Prayer Requests: – Children, Leaders, and Counselors at Summer Camp. -Families traveling throughout the summer. _Our unwillingly absent members. -Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. -Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. -Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times. -Guidance for those seeking to find their way. -Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC. |
| “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 |