Neglecting Indiana

I rarely hold any admiration for the state of Indiana. It is such a boring state. It doesn't stand out on a map and has only one elevation—flat. I suppose if I moved to Indiana from another state, I might appreciate it more. Unfortunately, I have lived in Indiana since a toddler. Most of my high school friends moved to the far reaches of the USA to escape Indiana influence. I often envy their adventures.

Nevertheless, I experienced conviction this last week. An enormously successful conference, called Revive Indiana, came to Fort Wayne. Churches from all over the Fort Wayne area came together to pray and evangelize.  It ran for an entire week, so I had three days where I could have attended. I did not attend the conference at all. 

I became convicted when I saw a worship conference happening in Chicago for $139. I wanted to attend that more than our local conference even though the Fort Wayne conference was free! As I regretted my lack of involvement, God asked me why I disrespect my current location.

The answer was not pretty. Basically, it comes down to renown. The worship leaders who I respect are big names in the music industry. They belong to organizations that hold weekly conferences, twenty-four-hour prayer, and offer training programs Basically, the famous people catch my eye. I hope I am not star struck. I want to follow genuine worship, not fame. All my favorite speakers and singers are not from Indiana.
Honestly, I have attended local conferences that impacted me greatly, but even those conferences were led by people outside the state. I enjoyed a local prayer movement, but it fizzled out three years ago.

I remember a time when I wanted to be a forerunner. I wanted to create a grassroots movement based in prayer and worship. I wanted it to happen in my community. That passion is being tested while living in Indiana. Indiana has a poor reputation. Everyone has large opinions without compassion. It is extremely difficult to come together. I am thankful that Revive Indiana found a way to "revive"the congregation of believers. I have prayed for this for a long time, so it is strange that I didn't feel any desire to participate.
My home has a few people who I truly admire. Yet on a larger scale, I simply mistrust the people of Indiana. I know God wants to move even here, but I fear I may miss that move. I am too busy looking for failure and disappointment. It seems to be Indiana's legacy. I pray my heart changes so I can see how God sees Indiana. He has done great things for us. He will be faithful to His promise of life. Revive Indiana!