What I learned from Orange conference
It’s that time of year again—time to gear up for the Orange Conference in Atlanta, GA April 27-29 (enter to win your ticket AND airfare here!)
With all the buzz going on, it has caused me to reflect back on my opportunity to attend in 2014 (and Orange Tour in 2015- check out the top quotes here) and ask myself what did I learn from the Orange Conference?
Would I recommend you go? If you can, yes. Will you learn something? I sure did.
What I learned from the Orange conference
Prior to Orange Conference I was familiar with Perry Noble, but had never heard him speak before. In his main session he said something I will never forget: “it’s ok to not be ok, but it’s not ok to stay that way”. He spoke of his personal experience with depression which is not something many in the church often speak of. (for more of his story, check out his book Overwhelmed) If we are honest, it is likely all of us at one time in our life we will face our own season of depression. That is not the problem. (Elijah and Moses both dealt with their own depression!) The problem is when we choose to try to work it out on our own.
He went on to say that the control we think we have in our lives is one of the greatest illusions in the universe. Many things are completely out of our control. The feeling of depression often feels like a cycle that you cannot break on your own, and that is usually true. Perry went on to speak of the medication and counseling he needed in order to break his cycle.
This hit home for me, because at the time, I was right in the middle of my own depression cycle. It was refreshing to hear someone within the ministry who had a similar struggle. Many in ministry are more concerned with maintaining the illusion they have their live together than they are getting help they need. In ministry we don’t have to be perfect. In life, we don’t have to have it all together. Here I was sitting in the middle of thousands of people, but he was speaking right to me—better said, God spoke to me through him– there is nothing wrong with me and I was not alone.
“I want Jesus to change my circumstances, but Jesus wants to change my life” I have to come to the point to accept help in order for changes to be made. If you find yourself dealing with depression, please know there is nothing wrong with you, and you are not alone. God used Perry Noble at the Orange Conference to speak directly to me. If you are able to go, I have no doubt God can use someone to speak directly to you as well.
There were many other things I learned while at the Orange Conference—-For example:
- Jon Acuff is a funny guy.
- Sometimes in life we need to reset (more from Jon Acuff).
- When people visit your church, they may not remember what you say, but they will remember how you make them feel (Andy Stanley).
- If Jesus can’t handle our problems and issues, then we need a new Jesus (Cara Powell)
So, would I recommend you attend the Orange Conference? Without hesitation I say yes. And don’t forget—check out your chance to win a free registration AND airfare here.
Have you been to Orange Conference? What is something you learned? Leave a comment and let me know.
Are you
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