"Hands Down the most awkward prayer I've ever experienced. "
So our Alpha group decided to meet at 10pm at the Trinity tables outside by the Trinity lawn. We met wearing all black and looking mighty conspicuous if you asked anyone. Our Alpha Leader, Kellie, is pretty bomb when adventurous deeds take root. We slinked up the stairs to the second floor above the Cafeteria to the chapel area, also known as the UTCC.
Checking for Campus Security, we one by one hopped the fence from the balcony onto the roof. Using our low-lit phones to guide us, we maneuvered through a narrow ally of water heaters and tall machinery before coming to ladder. One by one, all 12 of us climb the ladder into the beautiful opening of sky and city; a roof with a small layer of gravel spread out a good 50 yards in each direction.
Feeling ultra cool right then, we took a few pictures and put another one of our Alphies into the hot-seat. This week, Russell took his turn. We learned about his favorite color and side dish and some other quirky things. He's in my brother building, Smith Hall, an all-men dormitory.
Yikes! So much overpowering masculinity. But he's super chill, and we get along great because he's a computer science major, and I have a tendency to gravitate toward those kinds of folks. :)
We took group pictures, and were closing with pretty serious prayer requests before getting down. I felt moved to pray for everyone, so I began. *eyes closed*
Dear Heavenly Father... *flashlights and ladder rung echoes penetrate the darkness*
*everyone peeks. Squeezes each others hands. I continue with what was hands down one of the best prayers I've ever prayed, every word genuine despite our impending doom, to God. Two whole minutes- of them surrounding us with flashlights and gravel-crackling footsteps and I praying in a most evangelical manner trying to stifle my laughter along with everyone else- later... we all say, "Amen!"*
And the Head Campus Security Officer calls out,
"Amen! Okaaay. ID cards. Give me your ID cards."
Eeeek! What's going to happen to us? I felt as helpless as the Arisocats in the beginning of the movie-- when they were soaked and abandoned by the riverbank.
Luckily, I did not have my ID card with me, so needed not endure the harsh 'tude of the Head dude. I went over to one of the two or three student officers who were writing down our names and IDs on a slip of paper.
I squeaked, "Are we going to become felons?"
He replied, "Oh no! Honestly, I don't even know why we're writing you up. Technically coming up here is not allowed. But...everyone comes up here. I mean... I come up here when I'm off duty, and it's not a big deal. We're just giving you a warning. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the worst to try something like this 'cause there's so many of us on duty. Be careful next time. What were you guys doing up here?"
"We're an Alpha group, and we just wanted some peace."
"Ohh yeah. This is definitely the best place to be. Well, Felix Center is bigger and higher up, but this is more accessible . . ."
And just like that, I had a conversation about breaking the law with a security officer.
We climbed our way down the ladder rungs with a bit more difficulty because some of us were afraid of heights, and chain-ganged our way back through the machinery, over the fence, down the stairs and didn't look back until we made it to the coffeehouse to discuss our first Alpha encounter with Campus Security.
What a thrill, what a rush, I won't deny; however, the implications of our actions almost got us in lots of trouble. This time was just a warning (I think), but I don't imagine we will try anything like that again. I personally don't see the evil behind a rooftop for group meetings, to get away and find some peace amidst the busy campus. BUT! I am not the boss, and I feel that when I engage in reckless behavior that provokes the law, I lose a piece of my purity, smudged by a small bit of shame that can later be used against me.
I do not lose hope in who God is creating within me; I am not afraid of scorn nor persecution.
But we are also made to be holy and blameless, to live as Jesus lived, and to walk as He walked.
And when I do things like break the law and go on a roof (no matter how ridiculous), there should still be some accountability on my part. The experience was fun, but I'm more into transforming the law or bending the law into something more fun, enjoyable and bearable through my talents and skills that God has placed within me. If that means singing my math homework in the hallway, dancing from class to class, or riding my bike in the somewhat dangerous street as I'm used to instead of the conformed sidewalk... so be it!
I am my father's precious child.
For your benefit- yes, YOUR benefit- it is better I remain alive if ever I need to serve you.
I need to be clean and useful to whoever and whatever my purpose may entail.
I am my father's precious child.
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