Love Does.

Two simple words that disconnected from each other are just words, but put together, can change the world.  That's what I learned a few weeks ago...love can do anything. 

Quite a few months ago (ok maybe it's been well over a year now) I started seeing tweets about a book that was coming out written by a man named Bob Goff.  At this point I'd heard of Bob while reading one of Donald Miller's books, but I didn't really know much about him.  As word continued to spread about his book, the more interested I became.  So I ordered it.  And I read it.  And I loved it.  It was definitely not your typical book...more of a collection of fascinating stories from a life full of adventure.  It seemed like something out of a movie.  But Bob is real and so are his stories. 

Fast forward to a couple of months ago when I saw Bob tweet out a link to a conference called Love Does Austin.  Of course I couldn't resist finding out more about it.  I went to the website, watched the video from Love Does Tacoma, read about the speakers and musicians that would be there, checked out the dates and the price, and began to wonder if I should go.  At first I kind of brushed it off.  I couldn't really miss two whole days of work could I?  Would I really go by myself?  Is this really intended for someone like me?  But the more I looked at the website, the more excited I got just at the thought of going.  For starters some people I really admire were going to be there...and some really stinkin' cool musicians as well.  So I emailed my boss, got approval to take the days off, and signed up. 

As the dates for the conference approached, I became anxious about the unknowns of what to expect and how it was going to impact me.  I really had no idea.  Nonetheless on October 31st I got up early, showered, got ready, drove down the beast that is I-35 south and arrived about an hour before it all started.  I was there. 

I was greeted by friendly faces, colorful balloons, warm coffee, and amazing donuts.  I walked around the village for a while to take it all in.  Perused various booths full of t-shirts, jewelry, and other various items.  I still had no idea what I was in for.  But what I got was more than I ever could have expected. 

First up was Bob himself.  For so long all I knew of him was this picture in my head and here he was in the flesh.  From the moment he bounded on stage I knew I was in for a fun couple of days.  His laughter alone was proof of that.  He is more of a character than even Walt Disney could've drawn.  His love and passion and joy just radiated from the stage.  What a cool guy.  More to come on him later.

Bob's son come on stage after him to introduce the first speaker.  Someone who has had a profound impact on his life, my life, and I would imagine countless others.  Donald Miller.  From Blue Like Jazz (the book and the movie) to Through Painted Deserts and most recently A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, I feel like I've been on a personal journey with Don for a long time now.  To be honest he was one of the main reasons I wanted to be at the conference.  And he didn't disappoint.  He talked about mapping out the story of our lives.  Discovering who we are, what we really want, and how we get there. What resonated with me the most was his proclamation that we are not our failures.  And we are also not our successes.  We are made to be known by other people.  Simple, yet beautiful.  Great start to the day.

Next up was one of the many speakers on the schedule I didn't know much about.  Rebekah Lyons.  She walked out on stage and the first thing I thought was this lady has it all together...hair perfectly coiffed, statement necklace positioned just right.  What I was not expecting was her story.  One of overcoming crippling social anxiety.  One of facing your fears.  One of relinquishing control.  The most beautiful thing she said (and I'm paraphrasing here) was sometimes you have to stay in free fall, for only there will you find rescue.  Not something a lot of us are comfortable with that's for sure.  But definitely something worth remembering. 

I was introduced to Jamie Tworkowski, the founder of To Write Love On Her Arms, through a friend back in the summer of 2006.  She was wearing a TWLOHA shirt at camp and I'd never heard of it before.  The coolest thing was the story behind the name was printed on the inside of the t-shirt.  What an awesome way to spread your message.  They are an organization "dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery."  This is a part of their vision..."You were created to love and be loved. You were meant to live life in relationship with other people, to know and be known. You need to know your story is important, and you're part of a bigger story. You need to know your life matters."  Powerful stuff.  Jamie didn't prepare a speech for the conference, he just got up on the stage and spoke from his heart.  About the organization, about his life and his struggles, and how important it is for people to know that they cannot be replaced.  There is something so endearing about someone who is willing to share their pain with you.  It makes them real.  Broken just like the rest of us.  I strongly encourage you to check them out sometime (www.twloha.com).

There's not much I love more than acoustic music in an intimate setting (several people can attest to that) and the concert that night was no exception.  One of the things I learned about myself at the conference is that food might be the way to a man's heart but music is certainly the way to mine. 

First up was Matt Wertz...a musician I have adored (and yes had a bit of a crush on) for years.  Ever since he played outside of a coffee house in College Station.  From then on I was hooked.  He is goofy and charming and incredibly talented rolled into a sweet curly haired ball.  Just greatness.

After Matt was Sleeping at Last.  Ryan O'Neal is the sole member but that night he was joined onstage by a string trio.  He had played throughout the day between speakers, but that night was something else.  His music is heart-wrenchingly beautiful.  His voice so incredibly unique.  It was like being transported to a different time.  I had no idea that I've been hearing his music for years but not really listening.  Well I am listening now. 

Then the special guest came on stage.  And I will admit I had no idea who he was.  He started singing and I was convinced I didn't know this person.  I heard the ladies behind me talking about him so turned to ask them who it was.  And then he sang a song I knew and I made the connection.  I had never seen a picture of Brandon Heath before, but I certainly knew some of his music, and I would recognize him now.  I definitely hadn't heard his song "Love Does" (which was inspired by Bob) before that night.  But I find myself listening to it on repeat these days.  It was when Brandon was on stage singing that I realized how much music speaks to me.  Of course it doesn't hurt that he's good looking either.

Last but certainly not least that night was David Crowder Band.  And man are they something.  From the beards to the clothes straight out of Back to the Future, they were a sight to behold.  But boy were they spectacular.  I forgot how much I love their music.  What a perfect way to end a fantastic day.

Day 2 started out with a DJ spinning onstage, quite a difference from the previous day's music.  But I was intrigued.  It turns out that DJ Opdiggy is Amena Brown's husband and the rhythm for her spoken word.  Girl.  I was blown away.  Her passion and talent and story were right there in your face and I was speechless.  Not a bad way to start the day at all.

Next up was John Cotton Richmond.  Talk about a guy living out an incredible story.  John is a Federal Prosecutor for the Department of Justice in the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.  Before that he worked on human trafficking crimes as the Director of the International Justice Mission’s slavery work in India.  Wow.  Who can say that they free people from slavery?  Certainly not me.  John can.  The jewels on his crown in heaven will be plentiful for the work he does. 

After John was Mike Foster.  Someone I had been introduced to the previous day during Jamie's breakout session.  Mike is the co-founder of an organization called People of the Second Chance.  Again someone I knew nothing about before the conference.  But someone I came to greatly respect in the time I got to hear him speak.  "People of the Second Chance works to help all of us find the unique gift in our story of struggle. By connecting our hearts to the God of second chances, our stories can find a beautiful purpose. We believe life’s mess-ups and let downs can be used for the good of others..."  I feel like the work that Mike and Don and Jamie do is all somewhat integrated.  Their messages are so similar yet each so special.  Mike reminded me that it is God who takes our brokenness and wants to make it beautiful again.  That we are God's beloved, heaven's poetry. 

Veronica Tutaj works with an organization called Young Lives in East Austin.  Young Lives is part of Young Life that's designed for teenage mothers.  If you don't already know that Young Life is a huge part of my story, you should know that I wouldn't be who or where I am today without YL and the people involved.  I can't imagine how hard it is to minister to teenagers these days, let alone teenage mothers.  But I can imagine how easy it is to love them.  To show them that they matter and their lives aren't ruined and people care about them.  Veronica shared with us some of her struggles over the past year, and I know it hasn't been easy, but I'm so glad she stuck with it, those kids need her.  They need to be loved. 

From Veronica to Jeremy Cowart, an inspiring photographer that's just a bit shy.  His story of never feeling good enough or smart enough is something most of us have dealt with at some point in our lives.  He is a visionary and an artist with an incredible gift. And using his talents to serve people who can't afford to have pictures taken seems like something so small, but means so much.  I can't wait to see what is in store for him, and his app. 

The last and certainly funniest speaker of the conference was Jon Acuff.  Sorry this is longer than 200 words Jon...I just couldn't help it.   Jon is in a season of change, a season of uncertainty and doubt.  And he shared his fears and his hopes and his humor on how he's handling the change.  Change is scary.  Sometimes it happens all of a sudden and even if we think we're ready we may not be prepared for the full impact.  A couple of things he mentioned I found especially interesting...your relationships change when you change...and people won't understand why you want to change.  You don't control the story people tell, you choose the way you live.  Stuff that just makes you go huh.  Never thought about it like that. 

I could keep going on and on about the things I learned over those two days.  Or the people I met like John and Jill from South Louisiana who are quite possibly the sweetest, kindest people I've randomly met.  Thank you for befriending me. 

To Bob Goff...thank you for all that you do and all that you are.  For writing a book and putting on a conference about what love can do.  For laughing and throwing candy and dressing up like Woody.  For being friends with some incredible people and bringing the family together.  For knocking down doors and rescuing kids.  But most of all, for loving.

"Nobody knows why your heart is broken, nobody cries while your prayers are going up, but Love does...nobody walks on the road you're paving, nobody sees all the souls you're saving, oh, but Love does..."  Brandon Heath