A Bronx Moment

I just returned from speaking to 300 High Schoolers in New Jersey. I wondered if they would receive and identify with me, a boot and jean-wearing Texan three times their age. Would they resonate with my message, a calling out for greatness for their generation? It was as though they had been waiting in this oppressed culture for someone to believe in them. Their faces moved my heart as they physically and emotionally leaned in and embraced their call. We laughed and cried together through the stories I was compelled to share. 

It was a special day to remember the brave speakers who spoke to my high school many years ago. I can still hear many of their voices in my head to this day. I’m most grateful to the mother, April, who dreamed this up, took a bold step, and single-handedly organized and funded the event. She is a hero, as is her husband David. I mostly speak to large, well-funded corporations. She had a dream, and it was an honor to serve her vision. I’m thankful for the world she opened to me as it pushed me way outside my comfort zone and showed me that there is indeed a hunger in the young people of this generation to answer the call of God and Country. They hosted me in their home, which included late-night deep and meaningful conversations with the entire family. A plethora of authentic Italian Bakery treats fueled our conversation. It was a time-out-of-time experience.

Oh yeah, the picture this week. After I spoke to the school, my host David and son Gavin drove me to the Bronx to have an authentic Italian sub at the famous G&R Italian Deli. You gotta be kidding me!! I saw and tasted “greatness” expressed! It was the best sub ever, and the experience was like no other. One-of-a-kind deli—never changed in almost 100 years.  

I’m home tonight in Texas, thankful to God for every moment of the past two days—epic adventure with my Father and new eternal friends. I’m truly blessed.