Wyld Tings


In the diverse world of spiritual pursuits, some stories stand out due to their unique circumstances and unexpected twists. One such story revolves around Blake, a man with a dream and a check, and the choices he made in his quest to start his church. This narrative takes us through a journey of redemption, ambition, and the complexities of faith. Join us as we delve into Blake's intriguing journey and explore the questions it raises about faith, honesty, and the true purpose of a church. At the age of 15, Blake had a vision that would shape the course of his life. He dreamt of becoming a pastor and leading his congregation. It was a dream that burned brightly within him for years, waiting for the right moment to manifest itself. Little did he know that the opportunity to realize this dream would come in the most unexpected way.


When tragedy struck and Blake's mother received an $80,000 settlement after an accident, he saw it as his chance to turn his dream into reality. In a moment of weakness and desperation, he made a terrible choice by stealing the settlement check, hoping to use the money to build his church. However, his conscience weighed heavily on him, and a week later, he made the courageous decision to return the stolen check and ask for forgiveness. His mother, displaying the true essence of forgiveness, not only forgave him but also supported his vision for the church by providing the funds he needed.


An Ambitious Start

With the financial backing from his mother, Blake purchased a building in a rough neighborhood, envisioning it as the perfect place to grow his church, particularly among inner-city young adults. However, this building came with a peculiar history – it had previously been used as a Hindu worship center and had been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rumors of eerie experiences and voices haunted those who passed by. Yet, Blake remained undeterred, determined to turn this challenging situation into an opportunity for spiritual growth.

It was in this context that Blake crossed paths with Shawn, an ordained minister seeking an opportunity to make his mark in the world of faith. Shawn, fresh out of college, saw Blake's church as his chance to enter the ministry. He believed that helping Blake would legitimize his own career as a pastor. Shawn's intentions, however, were not entirely altruistic.


A Betrayal Unveiled

As the church's journey began, an unforeseen tragedy struck – a young child died near the church building. This tragedy presented a unique opportunity for Shawn when he was asked to give a sermon at the funeral, as the original pastor had fallen ill. A lady from the funeral home offered Shawn a lucrative job at her church, promising three him times the income he was currently making with Blake. Tempted by the prospect of financial stability, Shawn abandoned Blake without hesitation. Upon discovering Shawn's betrayal, Blake went to the funeral home in a fit of rage. Security guards prevented him from confronting Shawn, leading to a chaotic scene. Blake's actions begged the question: Was he justified in his anger, or should he have taken a different approach?

Questions to Ponder:

  1. Is it fair to judge the legitimacy of Blake's church based solely on the unconventional circumstances of its inception?
  2. What role does forgiveness play in the story, both in Blake's relationship with his mother and in the choices made by the characters?
  3. Does Shawn's decision to leave Blake's church for a more lucrative opportunity reflect a larger issue in modern faith communities?
  4. How much should financial gain factor into one's decision to pursue a career in ministry, and what impact does it have on the authenticity of their spiritual journey?
  5. Can redemption truly be achieved when one's actions are driven by good intentions but flawed execution?



Conclusion:

Blake's journey is a testament to the complexities and challenges one can face when pursuing a spiritual calling. While his initial actions were questionable, his determination and passion for his church cannot be denied. The story raises important questions about the authenticity of one's faith, the role of financial gain in ministry, and the power of forgiveness. As we ponder these questions, we are reminded that faith and spirituality are deeply personal journeys, and sometimes, it takes experiencing them firsthand to truly understand their depth and meaning.