All God’s plans have the mark of the cross on them, and all His plans have death to self in them.
-E M Bounds

I am currently using YouVersion’s Devotions for Lent from Holy Bible: Mosaic for my daily devotions and this quote really hit me hard.

It can be so easy for me to forget that although God’s plans for us are full of joy and blessing, they are also a part of the transformation process He wants to continue in our lives. And because of our sinful nature, that process can be stretching and even painful at times.

No one wants to die to themselves.

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Every other Friday, I have breakfast with my friend Diego. He is a freshman at American University and is involved in the small group that I co-lead at Chi Alpha Campus Ministries.

Let me just tell you. His story is incredible. His positive demeanor is contagious. And he has a big dream.

The following is an interview that we did this morning. 

Blane: So, you are working on an exciting project, tell us about it.

Diego: 2gether International is an upcoming non-profit that seeks to break down the barriers between people with disabilities and those without. We hope to do this on a global level. We desire to change the common perspective that a disability is a limitation. Instead, we hope to see disabilities embraced as part of human diversity.

Blane: Sounds like a big goal.

Diego: Yeah, it’s exciting.

Blane: What made you passionate to take on a project like this?

Diego: As a person with a disability, people have always seen and treated me differently. As I got older, I began to see it is a challenge and a way to grow. I am now thankful for my disability, it is part of who I am. But as child, I didn’t have this mindset. And it was very hurtful when people looked at me and treated me poorly, not because of the disability itself per se, but because of the social implications of it.

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The other day I blogged about applying to become a community leader at Tentblogger.com. And to be honest, I was confident about my chances. Actually, I thought it was going to be a sure thing.

I thought this way partially because I have blogged for John Saddington before (he is the owner/manager/blogger of Tentblogger.com). Through his video coaching chats, his writing and the brief times we have communicated, he has taught me so much about blogging – both in terms of best practices and principles.

It was nearing the deadline for his decision and so I tweeted at him wondering if he had chosen yet. I was so embarassed when the next day, I realized that he indeed had chosen, I just didn’t make the cut.

I’ve learned a few things from this…

Nothing is a sure thing

Looking back, I probably would’ve made a better application video had I thought more realistically about my chances. My confidence, usually a help, proved to be a hindrance.

As I was processing this, I realized that one difference between pride and confidence is that when we are prideful, we don’t work as hard. I think I was guilty of this. Okay, I was but it is hard to admit.

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I’ve been thinking about writing and blogging a lot lately. I have been inspired and challenged to really hone my craft.

And I know that I have a lot of work to do. I have been sporadic, inconsistent and slightly unfocused. But I want to give it a go. Why? Because I love writing. I love the concept of blogging. And I have something to share and more importantly, something to learn.

For me personally, it helps to put structures in place so that I write and blog even on the days where I don’t feel like it. I know, you probably can’t picture me having a day where I don’t want to talk but let me assure you, these days do exist.

I found out several days ago that I was one of ten official bloggers selected for The 7th Year and I am so humbled by this opportunity! My friend Kera, whom I work with at Chi Alpha at American University, is also an official blogger! What is The 7th Year? I am so glad you asked! It is an initiative created by Alicia Chole (speaker and author of several books including Anonymous: Jesus’ Hidden Years and Yours). It is an intensive, small group curriculum that focuses on discipleship, the spiritual disciplines and a holistic approach to faith.

This video does a great job of explaining the concept:

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