Journey to Jamestown
Updated: Aug 1
The process began about six to seven months ago when I met a new friend, Nathan Bailey. Nathan is one of the most unassuming high-capacity leaders one could ever meet. As we began to chat, God would use his influence in a process that I call “Rebuilding Me”. (I'll share more on that soon! As we continued to dream together, we decided that Robin & I would make the journey to Jamestown.
Bad Timing & Blizzards
We got things set up, our purpose planned, and were ready to hit the road. In the past, there would be nothing that could stop me from an original commitment, to the point that my aggression would put others at risk.
The 8-day adventure had been planned, but the closer we got, the worse the weather report seemed. To Jamestown, a blizzard is a way of life, like tornadoes are here. But, blizzards are not a way of life for me! So, by God’s hand, we moved the date.
The In Between
Many times in life, throughout history, we get frustrated with the “In Between”. The truth we miss, or at least I often do, is that something invisible is always at work in the “In Between”. The challenge today is that if we were not falsely busy, we think we are missing out, versus understanding that a foundation is being laid for something greater. If we had gone on the original date, it would have been a starting point, but by divine design, it became a continuum of what was at work.
The Joy of Jamestown
Most people have not heard of Jamestown, NY. We, due to the generosity of great friends, have had trips to NYC. Staying in the nicest places, eating the best meals, having the best seats on Broadway, and shopping at our favorite stores. That was a blast! But it wasn't life-altering like the journey to Jamestown.
Simply put, Jamestown, NY used to be the “Gateway to the West”, but when planes, trains, and automobiles (R.I.P. John Candy) came along, it became a “flyover” area. Leaving one of the quaintest areas in our country, mostly unheard of by most people.
What makes it Great?
The value of family lineage is beyond amazing!
The shared commitment of the community. They are all in it with each other. They all cry & laugh together,
The quality of people. We met so many amazing people. And it didn't matter their title, they were there to give it their best.
The unity of the spiritual community.
It’s Lucille Ball’s birthplace.
Their new Comedy Museum is state-of-the-art, crazy cool!
The commitment to a phenomenal future.
The low-cost of living.
The brick streets with historical homes.
The topography of rolling hills.
The unique eateries are built around an incredible lake.
Did I mention the lake? I love a lake!
In 8 days, Jamestown, New York, changed my life. It brought back the person inside of me that I had quietly started letting die away. Through our time there, not only did I realize I needed to let that person rise up, but to do so with greater vision, passion, aggression, and confidence than ever before. My wife deserves it, our kids deserve it, our grandkids deserve it, communities deserve it, and most of all, God deserves it! And, because of many new friends, countless current friends, and years of legacy friends, I am starting to realize that I deserve it. Thank you for your grace; I am ready to come out and play again.
As one of my heroes in life says, “In my humble and accurate opinion…” Something unique is happening in Jamestown, New York. In the coming months, years, and decades, it will go from the “flyover” area to a sphere of influence that creates transformative change for all who make a “Journey to Jamestown.”
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