Baby Q,
Here’s the thing. I will only call you that once. This week, you are little World-Race babies just hanging out at training camp trying to figure out what in the world you just signed up for. SOON (and probably already), you will step into your true identity.
You should know that The Q is very close to my heart. I was on 1st Generation Q. The Q became a family, my family. A family of a bunch of ragamuffin vagabonds with such an enormously prodigal God.
Here's a picture of us at training camp circa 2010.
While we were on the race, we found out that AIM was going to start the alphabet over. Honestly, I did NOT like that. All I could think of was “how could there ever be another Q?” I was not happy.
Now, I feel very differently. I LOVE that another group of crazies gets to be known as The Q. And we get to blog-stalk you.
Know that we are fighting for you. We will cheer you on. We want you to go farther, deeper, and wider than we ever could.
You are the Lord’s favorite squad. Just know that.
Speaking of squad, it’s okay to not use that word. The cool kids of Gen 1 Q dropped it like it was hot. Feel free to just be “The Q.”
When I say "I love The Q," those are not empty words. I have it forever with me. Quite literally. The Q meant [means] so much to me, I (and a couple of other Q friends) even got a Q tattoo while on the race (you don't have to do that…but it's not a bad idea).
(It's on my ankle)
Know that you are a group of so many different sons & daughters. Be different people. Unite under the same authority you've been given. Walk.it.out.
Your team is going to be great. Or it won’t. CHOOSE TO LOVE THEM.
Take advantage of travel days. Get to know your entire squad. Sit with someone new each month. Hear their stories. Fight for them while you’re apart. There’s a chance that some of them will become your teammates. Or best friends. Or future ministry partners. Or roommates.
Love on your family.
Have fun. Explore. Be open. Be flexible. Dance. Scream. Cry. Be vulnerable. Laugh. Love.
Men – protect your women. There’s a good chance some of them do not understand how women should be treated. Show them.
Women – protect your men. Call them into greatness. Honor them by letting them be men. They are your brothers. Empower them.
Papa has SO much in store for you. This time next year, you won’t be recognizable. That’s okay. [Look how nicely we cleaned up].
I love you already. I don’t know you, but I sure do love you. You are Kingdom Bringers.
You are The Q2.
