Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from a Difficult Day...

• First the Good. We attended Kissimmee Christian Church this morning. 
• Jim had a wonderful message focusing on taking responsibility for your life, from Genesis 3 and Psalm 51. 
• Who knew pop tarts can ruin one's day!
• We received many kind words of encouragement this morning. Weeping with those who weep.
• Now the Bad. By now many of you have heard Johnson University Florida will be closing its doors in May of 2024. So sad to see my alma mater close.
• Back to the Good. While many are saddened at JUFL's closing. We can rejoice in the number of alumni who have preached sermons, led student ministries, overseen worship services, operated non-profit organizations, Led VBS programs, visited the mission fields around the world, and helped churches grow stronger. Yes JUFL made and will CONTINUE to make a difference long after the campus is closed. We made a mark the world will never erase.
• Back to the Bad. Just like the loss of a loved one, we will grieve the loss of our alma mater. I personally know the 5 stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. The stages are not steps, but different stages. Some of you may be at stage 2 right now, others are at stage 4, but whatever stage you are in remember your grief is as unique as you are. One day we will all arrive at stage 5.
• Back to the Good. We are planning one last gathering in April of 2024, I hope you will be a part of this Special Day as we remember the Special College that has a Special Place in our hearts.
• Finally please remember in prayer the Faculty, Staff, and Students as we navigate the upcoming academic year. I am not going to kid you, it will be difficult. There will be job searches, new homes, tough goodbyes, and also unexpected trials. Yet I know God is faithful.
• Something to Chew on; May the Zeal never cease!