April, 2014. This is the date of the first journal entry that mentions starting a blog. We all have had ideas that we don’t act on – thoughts we never take the first step towards because it feels too risky, too unstable. But sometimes, we find the courage to get up and walk. With our eyes closed and our fists clenched, we risk, hoping we find solid ground underneath us as we take one step after another.

In the synoptic Gospels, we find the story where a paralytic man is lowered through the roof to be near Jesus. (Matthew 9, Mark 2 and Luke 5)  Jesus says these words to the scribes and the Pharisees, “Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?”

The concept is simple, “Get up and walk.” The reality is not always easy. There are things that hinder us – paralyze us. We don’t know if we can. We don’t know if the ground will be stable. We don’t know if someone will catch us if we fall. We begin to dismiss the call to walk and settle for the mat.

“Get up and walk” is what I hope these musings help us do. I hope this is a place where we capture thoughts about God, life, faith and navigating the journey. I hope we find ourselves strengthened and empowered. I hope we grow in our capacity to trust God and our obedience to follow him. I hope we learn through vulnerability and testimony that we are not walking alone.

I hope we hear the call from Jesus to Get Up and Walk.