Tom Gehring

Post 7 – June 9, 2018, The Camino de Assisi. I Don’t know if he said it, but I know he lived it.

The Camino de Assisi. 
The Way of St Francis.
Italy: From Florence to Assisi, then on to Rome. Trek For A Dream.  
Post 7: June 9, 2018, Saturday. 
Day T-2: Leave for Florence in 2 days, to start The Camino. 
I don’t know if he said it, but I know he lived it.
I Have The Dreams With Me.  In My backpack.   

“Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”  This quote is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi.  Some people question that, because they can’t find it in the history books.  There’s a lot that can’t be found in the history books, but can be verified every day. Frankly I think my pastors, Tommy and Matthew Barnett said it.  And my friends Phyllis Lombardi and MaryJo McCarley.  Clearly they live it.  And, they add words all the time, because we all know the power of the Word.

It is hard for this old trial lawyer to stay in the Word, and watch every word he says all day long.  But I do it.  And one way to do it is to focus on other people’s dreams.  And so, that’s the main reason I’m doing this Trek For A Dream.  I have the stack of dreams with me from my 257 friends.  Those dreams are already in my backpack. It’s not too late to send a dream to me.  I agree with my Pastor, Matthew, you can find God in the drivethru at Taco Bell.  Still, for me, sometimes I need to get away from all my trials, and all the stress of my cases, and put on my backpack and . . . walk.  For a purpose.  This time, it’s for your dreams.  For so many of my friends, those dreams were very clearly placed on their hearts by God.  It is clear to them.  And in that regard, the prayer team sends our thanks to our Dream Center speaker on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. (you’re always welcome), to the great actor, and lead in the movie, I Can Only Imagine, Madeline Carroll, who gave a sermon entitled “Here I am.”  I think the above-noted quote can also be attributed to her. As she said: “You have to operate in the supernatural power of the Lord.”

And so, on Monday, I leave.  Send me, Lord. The only thing I know is where to start.  The Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence, where I will go get my first stamp in my Pilgrim’s Passport, the Credenziale del Pellegrino. And then, follow the footsteps of Francis.  I only know where to start.  That’s it.  And I have a lot of great friends starting their dreams on the same day.  With one step.  Just . . . get started.  That’s all you need to know.

If you don’t know where to start.  Just say to God, “Here I am.”  And ask Him where to start.

Amen.

Madeline Carroll.  “Here I am.”

Thursday night.  “Break Every Chain.”

Image result for the basilica of santa croce

Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence.  Starting place.