April was a month that consisted of trying new things. My best friend, Jack, and I joke all the time about being spontaneous. It was a word that we use that shows courage, fearlessness, and adventure into the unknown. The more I learn about myself, the more I realize I’m not really that spontaneous and feel much more comfortable in a routine that I know is safe and secure. Most of this stems from my drive for organization in all aspects of my life, but another big part of the reason I don’t love spontaneity is because I’m afraid of failure and the potential of my image being seen as weak. That being said, through my conversation with Bruce from the Career, Calling, and Vocation retreat (renamed COVID retreat), he encouraged me to try new things this year and get out my comfort zone a little bit to expand my flexibility in situations. April is a testament to trying new things, finding joy in the midst of uncomfort, and compromising my routine. So here are all the “new things” I tried this month and how I experienced the Lord in the middle of them.
First on the list is a concert in Asheville that Dylan, Brendan, Austin, and I went to. Dylan so graciously invited us to see one of his favorite bands, Kublai Khan TX, live in concert with a couple other bands. I’d encourage you to look them up on Spotify, but if you don’t, all you need to know is that they are a heavy metal band. Being in that venue was way out of my comfort zone, but being there with some of my new best friends was peaceful. This kind of concert is something I’d never think I’d do in a million years, but to see the way that Dylan, Brendan, and Austin lived in the moment and soaked up every second pushed me to do the same. I experienced the Lord through dancing, mosh pits, laughter, and conversations that weekend. I’m not sure if I’ll ever go back to a concert like that one, but I know I’ll be met with more smiles and uncomfort which I know the Lord is so evidently in.
While on the topic of concerts, I was able to see 2 of my favorite artists in the month of April. Almost immediately after the Kublai Khan TX show, I saw Chris Renzema and Bon Iver. These artists aren’t necessarily out of my comfort zone but since I had never seen them, I had to include them. The Lord was so evidently in both as I was able to see a lot of my friends from college at the Chris Renzema concert and witnessed the Lord being worshiped through the communion of His believers and shouts of praise. At the Bon Iver concert, I was able to drive down to Wilmington with 2 of my best friends from college and catch up on life through good conversation. I also got to spend time with one of my old Young Life guys who is now one of my best friends who was also at the concert. These 2 concerts were one of the highlights of April and I definitely want to see both of them in concert again.
We went to DC for the National TFI Conference! I had been to DC before, but never with these people. I got to go to a couple museums that I had never been to before, the National Museum of the Bible and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. These 2 museums were incredible and taught me so much about the history behind the faith that I believe and the culture of people around me that don’t look like me. It was inspiring to soak in all the goodness of the Bible museum, learning about where the scriptures come from and how they progressed through the years. We did interactive exhibits of the Old Testament which visually walked through the events from Creation to the coming of Jesus. We also did another interactive exhibit where the entire section of the museum was modeled to be a town similar to what Jesus would have lived in. To be immersed in the culture of the time was striking to the heart and soul. At the National Museum of African American History and Culture, I was in awe at all the hardship my friends of color and their ancestors have went through to get to today. It went beyond slavery, but talked about the horrible conditions of the ships that came over from Africa, the evil of the KKK, segregation, and persecution still faced today. It’s my dream to take my kids to both of these museums one day. After the conference ended on Saturday, all the Fellows from across the US went to a bar where we had a couple drinks, met new people, and conversed with our current friends. Huge social gatherings aren’t usually my thing and neither are spontaneous metro rides at midnight to downtown DC, but the Lord was in that night through the high spirited atmosphere, good music, and time of silliness with the Raleigh Fellows. I’m definitely thankful to be a Raleigh Fellow after the retreat! We have the best group with the best director!
Lastly, I ran a half marathon! I remember back in January, David Boulton and I were playing a game of ping pong that I won (obviously). After the game, he wanted a rematch but I was exhausted from one singular game of ping pong. It was at this point that I knew I wanted to get back in shape. This was also soon after my conversation with Bruce about trying new things, so I decided to sign up for a half marathon! It was really fun to train with Brendan, Kris, Kayley, and Dylan and even more fun to spend time with almost all the Fellows at the beach cheering us on. I experienced the Lord through this race because He has shown me the importance of my body and how it can be holy and pleasing to Him. I also experienced the Lord through being proud of myself for how I performed and not feeling disappointed for thinking I could do better. I know God loves me and is pleased with me no matter what time I ran on April 30th, so to finish the race and feel that is worthy of praise.
Well, that’s a wrap for the Fellows Blog! I’m so thankful for this year and all the challenges and blessings it’s brought. I hope to bring this feeling of trying something new into my life post-fellows. I’m excited for the joy that awaits the unknown parts of this next chapter.
Much Love, Jacor