Origins

The Wannabe.  That’s what I am.  My life has been constantly defined by what I want to be.  It’s a journey; a pursuit of sorts.

When I was little, I wanted to be a lot of things.  Like any young boy, I had dreams that were unrealistic, although at the time I believed I could be or do anything.  I used to dress up as a ninja warrior and sneak around my house.  I would sometimes venture outside and pretend there were enemies hiding in the trees in the ditch beside my house.  I would break out the plastic swords and fight the battle until the battle was won…by me, of course.

Later on, I decided to pick up a golf club and train myself how to hit a golf ball.  I did pretty well at it.  I was the kid who was out in the middle of a grassy field hitting the ball at telephone poles, all the while pretending to be the commentator to my own game.  I always won.

Golf proved to be a passion of mine for a long time, and I still enjoy playing periodically.  God gave me a talent to play, taught me a lot about integrity and honor through the game, and even provided two years of my undergrad by scholarships.  I had dreams of becoming a professional, working my way through the mini-tour ranks until I reached the big show…the PGA Tour. 

Yet, something happened to me when I was 16.  The God I serve called me out and set me aside.  I had an Isaiah experience where I heard Him say, “Who will go for us?”  So, in obedience as a follower of Christ, I said, “I don’t want to go.”  Wait…in obedience?!  To tell you the truth, I don’t know why it was so hard to let go of my dreams and follow Christ’s design and pattern for my life.  I’d guess it was because I was giving up my dream in order to follow His vision.

So, now, my wannabes have changed.  I no longer want to be a ninja, or a professional golfer.  While both would be exciting, I’ve found something that is much more challenging and exciting than both: fulfilling God’s mission through the gifts that God has given me.  I want to be like Jesus.  I want to be holy like He is.  It’s a journey...a difficult one.  Jerry Bridges, author of The Pursuit of Holiness said, “This pursuit requires sustained, vigorous effort.  It allows for no indolence, no lethargy, no halfhearted commitment, and no laissez-faire attitude toward even the smallest sins.  In short, it demands the highest priority in a Christian’s life because to be holy is to be like Christ – God’s goal for every Christian.”

So, welcome to my journey.  I’m 26 years old, married to a wonderful woman who loves Jesus and loves me (and won’t let me slip in leadership).  I don’t play golf much anymore, but I do ride a bicycle with a small group of guys in my town.  I’ll probably post pictures from rides we go on periodically.  It’s all a part of the journey that the Lord has me on.  My goal for you is twofold: that you would be inspired by my journey, and that you would be challenged to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received from God. 

Blessings,

- Riley