Monday, August 20, 2012

across the tracks...

We have some train tracks about a half a mile from our house.  With just a simple step over those tracks you leave one world and enter another... from Germantown to Shelby Park... from one economic group to another... from one racial class to another... from one social status to another.  It's crazy that in today's day and age we still live by such visual dividers.

Over the past year, God has really been stirring in our hearts... challenging us to truly be here.

To be in Louisville...

...across the tracks.

For us, this means putting down some roots... committing to a community... buying a house... all across the tracks.  We have recently put an offer on a house in Shelby Park...  It's barely a half mile from our current house and directly behind the old cathedral that our church has just moved into.  This house actually used to be the nunnery and butler's quarters for the cathedral... which is pretty cool if you ask me.  The house is well over 100 years old and needs plenty of renovating.  It's quite charming and has room to grow.  It was well-within our price range, making our mortgage less than what we currently pay in rent.

But we didn't choose this house based on its nunnery history, sheer size, or even affordability.  We chose this house because of its location.  We feel that God has called us to be a light to the neighborhood of Shelby Park... to be intentional in this community... to initiate change.  We're not entirely sure what that will look like, but we're prepared to be a part of it.

Please continue to pray for us as we step out in faith in this decision.  We are hoping to close on the house within the next month and start renovations immediately.  We are excited to see what God has in store for us... across the tracks.

7 comments:

Ursula said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!! Love looks like something. It looks a bit like what you're doing. And then it looks like stopping for the one in that community. It looks like frienship, unconditional friendship. It's a bit messy and it can be painful...but essentially when you put it all together it looks like Jesus. Jesus shining out of you.

This post made my day....I'll be praying for you!

Unknown said...

I am beyond thrilled for you and Lance. This is so exciting! It always is when God moves and works in really big ways.

I will absolutely be praying for you both--and the many people you will, Lord willing, have opportunity to minister to.

(Your church is in a CATHEDRAL?!? That is so cool. :) :) )

Angie said...

LOVE THIS POST
Prayers for you & Lance as you begin this journey. It's going to be amazing to see what God has in store.

Anonymous said...

What a commitment you have to the works of the Lord. So happy to see people do work that inspire me to be better. Many prayers for you and the people you touch and inspire daily. :)

mleslie43 said...

Very exciting Julia! I know good things will go on in this home and neighborhood!

Demetrius and Amy said...

you got it! so excited for you. worlds away in a short mile... i get that.

that is one killer porch! i can see lots of hangin out and carrying burdens and sharing joys right there in that exact spot.

can't wait to follow the renovations. i love you!

Wilson Zoo Fitness said...

Ya'll are awesome! I can just see you planning block parties now and changing so many lives! Can't wait to see all the changes!