NBA at GA: “Re-Purposed”
Often life distracts us from the purpose of what God is calling us to do. I must admit, I live in denial. I live knowing that the signs are all there and I still choose to ignore them. Admitting that you live in denial is hard. And very brave.
Attending my first General Assembly, I was thrilled and honored to be among some of the greatest. But it was also a time for me to check myself. After 10 month of discerning, I was still struggling with this one decision that kept crossing my mind. I’ve been prayerful that God would reveal to me some more signs. Although he probably has already has given me plenty. But I just needed one more to be absolutely clear.
The sign was the election of our first African-American General Minister and President of a mainline denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Can you say WOW. When you live in a world where you are constantly trying to prove yourself because of the color of your skin, you begin to doubt yourself, because when will you feel like you’re good enough? Seeing how Rev. Teresa Hord Owens persisted inspired me. It woke up my hopelessness. It reactivated my faith. It sparked the beginning of a calling I’ve been trying to avoid.
General Assembly RE-PURPOSED me! General Assembly was my answer to so many NOs and insecurities in my head. General Assembly was my YES that NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE. And for that, I am forever grateful. Because of General Assembly, I fully understand who GOD has called me to be, as I embark on 23!
Imani Williams was a 2016-17 NBA XPLOR Resident in Dallas, TX.
NBA XPLOR is a 10-month service residency opportunity for young adults ages 21-30, with the purpose of empowering young adults to discern and develop a “heart for care” as they live together in simple community, engage in direct service and justice work, engage in leadership development, and discern their vocational calls to honor the various communities they are called to serve. Learn more and apply at nbacares.org/xplor.
