Something to Smile About

Wednesday night at our ATB Summer Celebration I looked out at the very diverse audience of over a hundred people, the thought occurred to me that we may have made the good Lord smile. No agenda, no denomination, no one got paid- just pure, unadulterated love, grace and mercy spread around the room. And the name of Jesus was exalted.

There were several different recovery facilities represented, life coaches, addiction counselors, mentors, recovering addicts, jail ministries, and just folks who offered support. It was a group that showed out with emotion, expression and interaction that was everywhere. Some days I can look out over a meeting and pick out the darkness. Last night I saw nothing but light.

Our singers, Candace, Dawn Jenny, and Megan, absolutely nailed it. The message delivered by Trey was off the chart. Hhe was for sure no dancing monkey. I could not hold back the joy nor the feeling of a proud father that had Something To Smile About. 

To me it is very simple. When we toot our own horn, the notes that come out usually do not flow in harmony. But when we play the flute of foundation, the trumpet of redemption and beat the drum of courage to change while keeping our eyes on the conductor, the musical harmony is amazingly breathtaking. We let go, God takes over!

Could have been the free, awesome food, especially the home cooked touches of David, Willie Mae and Tabatha. Could have been the singing, or the preaching or just an opportunity to connect that brought in the crowd and gave them a jolt. But I think it was something else.

We have most of the elements in place of a revolutionary spiritual movement in this field of addiction, and though we are paving the way, the best is yet to come. God continues to bring more and more folks into this ATB ministry, people with skills, potential and purpose. It has taken some time, but we are well on our way to putting together that orchestra that will play the conductors music, and people will come and they will come often, to hear it.

That's Something To Smile About!