epically epoch
Nothing sounds more contradictory than a black-tie missions gala.
But Epoch 2011 pulled it off masterfully.
I was honored to attend their inaugural event in Atlanta, and while I don’t know what I was picturing, what they delivered far blew away any expectations I may have had.
The night was spectacular in every way. I’m not just talking about the historic Fox Theater, the classy meal, the engaging presenters, or the elegance of the entire evening. Although every element from start to finish was artful and captivating.
The most amazing part for me was the undercurrent of genuine humility.
I don’t say something like that lightly. So hear me out.
The event was hosted by Adventures in Missions, an incredible organization that itself lives on financial support. And yet they made the evening about everyone but themselves.
They found sponsors, invited donors, and distributed grants to support-based organizations, even when they very much need (and would make good use of) those same resources. Seth Barnes, the founder and director of Adventures, said grace before the meal, but other than that, he chose to not be front and center. At all.
This wasn’t about him. This wasn’t about Adventures.
This was about serving and honoring their co-laborers around the world.
The ballroom was filled with over 400 people on all sides of missions work: from those who live full-time on the field to Kingdom-minded individuals who make a significant impact through their financial support.
The majority of us felt very out of place in our evening gowns and tuxedos, and yet… felt oddly at home with each other. Because underneath the heels and bowties, our hearts beat the same.
I spent an evening surrounded by those who have given of themselves more than anyone could possibly fathom. And yet it wasn’t flaunted. The Gala wasn’t showy or ostentatious. It was beautiful, yes. Classy, absolutely. But genuine, because of the genuine hearts present.
That “great cloud of witnesses” the author of Hebrews talked about? I was surrounded by the pre-Heaven version.
The faith, sacrifice, perseverance, and blood-sweat-and-tears labor that filled that room was nothing short of astounding. Nations have been changed — and will continue to be changed — by that roomful of humble misfits in evening attire.
It was a night like none other.
And I already can’t wait for next year.
That is… if I get invited back after my shenanigans in the photo booth. My true self came out in typical fashion, despite my red dress and uncomfortably high heels. My friend Tracee and I are still laughing at these ridiculous pictures!
Click over to LIKE the Grit on Facebook & view the crazy photo booth pics >
Where have you seen genuine humility recently?
Tracee’s expression is awesome. Like she’s some indifferent critic who stands on the sidelines while other people dance… I know there’s gotta be some more of her real self somewhere. :)
Oh there are! Click on the pic to see the whole sequence of pictures from the photo booth. Hilarious!!
@traceepersiko says:
For some reason they let me have the clicker!! That was a sneak click for that goodness! such a great time!
Looks like a fabulous event. And you looked great in your red dress. It will be neat to see how the generosity of the evening will effect people around the world this year.
@gritandglory says:
absolutely! i can’t wait to see either!
@loverebeccaanne says:
and again, you’re gorgeous. (that’s what i thought when i saw the pics on fb the first time.)
@gritandglory says:
thanks, amiga
@ChristianNoob says:
“genuine humility”?
when my ten-year-old hugs me and asks me to go to sleep…
and when he wants to steal my pancakes :)
@ChristianNoob says:
by the way, you seem to have had too much coffee right before those pictures…
@gritandglory says:
i assure you there was no caffeine (or alcohol) involved in the taking of those photographs…
@ChristianNoob says:
never said anything about alcohol :)
@tamhodge says:
genuine humility?
taking halloween treats to the strip clubs in san francisco on friday. some of the looks and receptions from the ladies and guys…yah…i saw it then.
@gritandglory says:
mmmm… beautiful!
@traceepersiko says:
I loved that we shut the place down!! We are a good time for the record! Loved galaing with you! Thank you for letting me be your +1!
@gritandglory says:
we certainly made a good time out of something that was completely out of our element — i love that!
Love! Love! Love these pictures of you and Tracee … such fun and you two are GORGEOUS! Inside and out. Such radiant Daughters of the King and warriors for His Kingdom!
Genuine humility … I see it in my daughters when they really register what the Holy Spirit is teaching them. He is so miraculously more effective than I could ever be. :)
@gritandglory says:
wow… what you said about your girls? so amazingly beautiful!
@amyinbj says:
Interestingly last week I attended a 30th anniversary hoopla in Beijing for the organization I work for. The plans were over the top and I was a bit uncomfortable about the amount of money spent. But, like this, it turned out to be a big thank you for our partners. By it being so fancy, it gave all of them a lot of face and made a deep impression.
@gritandglory says:
that is amazing, amy!
love seeing you and Tracee together… although I miss her here in VA :) so glad you had a great time!
@gritandglory says:
thanks, bootz!
@boliviamama says:
I loved this. Think it speaks beautifully to the odd polarity of it all: “Humble misfits in evening attire…out of place, and yet…oddly at home with each other. Because underneath…, our hearts beat the same.”
@gritandglory says:
i’m so glad to know that resonated with you… i didn’t want to speak for everyone present, but guessed that many felt very much the same that evening.
what an amazing night that was. congrats again, andrea!
@MichaelDPerkins says:
The pictures are awesome.
I love that the founder didn’t take the proverbial stage. That truly shows great humility.
I experienced great humility last weekend. I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Nina Gunter speak (first female General Superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene). When I met her I was in a skanky shirt and jeans. She looked at me and said that it’s people like me who are the future of the church. To hear someone like her say that and go out of her way to come up to me and say that was awesome.
@gritandglory says:
i agree — i was amazed at how low-profile a role Adventures (and the Founder) played in the whole event. i have even more respect for them now…
i LOVE hearing about your conversation last weekend. definite humility right there — and she spoke life right into your heart. i love that.
Of course it wasn’t about them. It was about ME ;)
Just kidding. But you’re right. One of the best things about Seth is that he hates the limelight. It’s a cool thing.
@gritandglory says:
it’s a VERY cool thing. i really appreciate that about him.
so glad i got to hang with you and Talia a bit that night!
:)
Girl, I just saw some photos of you on Facebook at Epoch. You (and that red dress) are GORGEOUS!!!
@gritandglory says:
sheesh! i’ve never gotten that dolled up for anything besides my wedding!
ya’ll took some great pictures
loved the smiles :-)
@gritandglory says:
we certainly had fun with it! ;) (thanks, girl!)
Sounds like a wonderful night and looks like you had a blast. you are so beautiful Alece!
@gritandglory says:
love you, faith!!
So I just have to say, I HEAR about this red dress, but all I see is grey one. 8-/
I have no clue why the photo booth was black and white for only our shots! (seriously. all the others were color.)
Aw, no WAY!! Really?? Okay. Contenting myself with imagining. :D
@gritandglory says:
i did get tagged in a few pics on FB where you can see the bright red (borrowed) dress…
Aw, no WAY!! Really?? Okay. Contenting myself with imagining. :D
PS: they all look great. You two are quite the pair. :)
:D
K, so it SAID that comment wasn’t posting. And then it went and did it twice. :p Ah well.