When I wrote my latest blog entry, there was something that I forgot to mention. I’d like to attribute it to being tired and writing the post at midnight, but the truth is that I am simply a bad person and it slipped my mind. This is such a colossal slip-up that I’m probably going to hell for it.

Okay… maybe not that extreme, but this is a biggie of a blunder.

As I mentioned previously, February is absolutely terrible for me. Everything was crashing down and I was homeless, hopeless, and helpless for the first time in my life. In the midst of this, God had sent several people into my life to encourage me and lift me up. Without that direct balance to the negative forces at work in my life, I truly believe that I would not have survived emotionally and I would have broken.

Now, my last blog post mentioned a couple of those people: Amy and Duane. Amy’s song, Lifeline, reminded me several times that—despite all of the crap going on in my life—things could, indeed, be worse. Her poetic lyrics inspired my soul into action and gave me new purpose. I also took the cue one day to write all of my blessings down, in an effort to remain focused. Duane came in, once again, with shooting and editing my new EPK. I had been needing some type of reel to show people and he came in and gave me a phenomenal selling piece. And then he introduced me to a few people and showed them the video. The reaction I got was overwhelmingly positive and I recall sitting at a table with Duane and commenting how I felt as if I had my head held under water for the previous month and I was just then able to surface and breathe calmly.

Those were the two I mentioned, but certainly not the only encouragements. I literally would not have gotten through the month without Chris Merlo. This brother in Christ pulled my butt out of the fire (financially) twice. He kept not only my cell phone from being disconnected, but also paid to keep the contents of my storage unit sold off. His selfless—and unrequested—actions eased much of my stress during the month and proved that prayer is answered.

There were others that held me up and helped me: James, with his close friendship and needed meals; Allyson, and her providing a place for me to stay when I had nowhere to sleep; Lark, for his encouragement and advice; Trisha, with her incessant prayers and belief in me; and so many more that I can’t even mention.

And yet, one more I must. Something I didn’t know about until today. I had been asking my friend, Jared, to pray for me during the Cornerstone young adult small group. I figured a prayer or two was offered up, but I learned differently today when I called my friend, Tim, to wish him a happy Easter.

“How are you doing?” he asked.

“Better,” was my enthusiastic response, which was true. I had gotten through the hell of February and thigs are beginning to turn around.

“I’m glad to hear it,” Tim continued. “We were praying for you like crazy. We wrote out a prayer request for the group and have been lifting you up constantly.”

At the moment I heard it, I couldn’t help but smile. Thinking back to the conversation now, I can’t help but choke up as my eyes water slightly. To be the recipient of such intense prayer from so many people… I’m honored. I can’t fully describe my emotions, but I know that I feel loved by dear brothers and sisters who care enough to “pray luke crazy” while I’m going through hell.

To everyone who prayed for me, to everyone who encouraged me, to everyone whom God use to pull me out of my mess: thank you. From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful.

Blogged from my iPhone 3G.