An open letter to Christ Church of Orlando
Dear CCO,
The night before I walked through your doors I wrote this blog post. I was sobbing as my fingers hit the keys and I felt like my heart was breaking. The next morning I looked at the list of non-denominational churches I had made and you were next. I didn't even feel like going though. I wanted to stay home and cry some more. My eyes felt puffy and I didn't want to but I drove up. My first thought when seeing the building was "Am I at the right place? This looks like a mosque..." But in bold letters was CHRIST CHURCH OF ORLANDO. So I pulled in and sat in my car nervous about coming to church alone. I opened my Bible and read these words
In my heart I wanted to scream, "How did you know?!? How did you know that's what I wanted?!" I was sold, before anyone took the stage and I really love this church.
You allowed me to be a part of a family when I didn't have one close by. So many of you stepped out of your way to get to know me and love on me. You encouraged me and helped me discover gifts I didn't know I had.
I have loved every minute and if I could I would just transplant you to where I'm moving. I would take you all because YOU are why CCO is so special! Keep on loving people!
The night before I walked through your doors I wrote this blog post. I was sobbing as my fingers hit the keys and I felt like my heart was breaking. The next morning I looked at the list of non-denominational churches I had made and you were next. I didn't even feel like going though. I wanted to stay home and cry some more. My eyes felt puffy and I didn't want to but I drove up. My first thought when seeing the building was "Am I at the right place? This looks like a mosque..." But in bold letters was CHRIST CHURCH OF ORLANDO. So I pulled in and sat in my car nervous about coming to church alone. I opened my Bible and read these words
"If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it." Deuteronomy 30:16
and I felt the Lord say "Charissa, this is your church." I got out and walked up unsure where to go. When a smiling friendly face came up and said, "Hi! Are you new? Let me show you around!" they helped me find a seat introduced me to a dozen new faces and welcomed me. Before leaving my smiley friend said, "I hope you find a family here."
You never know the brokenhearted person who is coming through the door might need the smile that you give or the encouragement you bring. I'm going to miss you SO much! That was me Feb. 9th 2014 - You made a difference (I believe a life or death difference) in my life.
So thank you Christ Church of Orlando!
You'll always be my church,
I love you!
Charissa
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