We cross Bourbon Street to the beat. Jazz filters out of various establishments down the lane and around the corners.
Colorful lights and tunes draw us into the restaurant. Our party of six is ushered up narrow wooden steps to one of several dining rooms on the second floor.
Derrick the waiter greets us. And proceeds to describe the night’s special offerings in smooth, rapid New Orleans speech. We catch some of what he says, guessing at the rest. And look at the extensive menu of Cajun and Creole dishes.
After unhurried perusal, we order.
Ask for resilience
And David asks Derrick how we may pray for him.
He’s clearly taken aback. Moved. He asks if he can think about it.
We assure him. We’ve got plenty of time.
So we wait. And after several attempts to articulate what he’s thinking, Derrick finally says, “I guess, ask for resilience.”
Life purpose
We hear pieces of his story. His earlier attempt at studying criminal justice. His current pursuit of nursing. And the support of his girlfriend Ashley.
He thanks us. Says prayer is not something he expected at work. Ever. But it feels good.
Derrick’s recommendations from the menu are spot on. My blackened catfish with mustard greens and jambalaya hits the spot.
The conversation at our table that night dances through a variety of topics. Spurred on by shared histories. Shaped by similar vision and life purpose.
And Derrick moves in and out of the room. Smiling, chatting, serving. Thanking us again for prayer.
We could have hit any number of places for good food in New Orleans. But we chose this place. And met Derrick. To pray that the Lord might move and work in his life.
Resilient purpose
We head down the narrow stairs, out into the mix of jazz and cool January air. A line is forming out the door for a place at a table.
We press through crowds mingling in the street.
And I think about Derrick’s request. Resilience. Like the music that permeates the alleys and criss-crosses the old city. Always there, ever innovating and growing.
Resilience. What mommas pray for their little ones and teens. Through change and shifting and upheaval. Perseverance that moves and bends and grows with new strength. Resilient purpose woven into their hearts and minds.
Resilience in the city
During our week, we meet followers of Christ serving there. They boldly enter the confusion of this grand historic city. And stay.
Reaching out to those lost in the dark.
Resilience. In a city whose colors grey in the spiritual darkness that prevails.
Radiant resilience
One brother battles critical illness yet perseveres and remains. Earthen vessel, walking by faith in the strength and power of the One who called him.
We see the room where he gathers with his church plant to worship the One and Only Son. In a building that houses all manner of occult and idol worship and burlesque shows.
The contrast is stunning.
The Light of the world. Steadfast in the midst of false gods and strange worship.
Radiant resilience.
The dark cannot overcome it.
What about you?
Where have you witnessed resilience along the way? What has shaped your own perseverance in the journey?
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