It is well

There's an old hymn called "It is well with my soul." I remember singing it a while ago in church somewhere, and as I was praying yesterday night, it popped into my head.

It is well with my soul.

Hmmm. Say it out loud to yourself. You'll understand how much impact those words have.

I Merriam-Webstered (This is a new term I made up. It's like "googled," only for word dorks) the word "well" and when it's an adverb, look at these possible meanings for the word:

1. without doubt or question.
2. to a large extent or degree.
3. in a familiar manner.

Wow. I could say that I feel settled, happy, calm, or blessed, and none of these could accurately describe what's going on in the aftermath of Saturday's Upendo event. But, it is well with my soul, now that conveys something powerfully quieting.

Upendo was fun, educating and uplifting, but that's not even what caught me - I've never felt so loved in my entire life. A roomful of people showed up because they believed in me. They believe in a passion that is creeping into every aspect of my life. I'm becoming wholly identified with this desire to help, and people's attendance, charity and assistance affirmed that my purpose is good.

It is well with my soul.

A herculean effort was split naturally amongst my friends with minimal stress and strain. Everyone stepped up and had fun in the process. New friendships were made. People metaphorically reached across an ocean to embrace a Kenyan living in America. Color differences were appreciated. Causes were mixed.

It is well with my soul.

I've talked in previous posts about a need to be fixed, to feel complete. Well, one of the final definitions listed for well was this -

1. to an extent approaching completeness.

It is well with my soul :)