Adventures of Tyler Brantley

“Washing waves reflect my soul as light shines upon me, oh how I sing a song of joy to God who blesses thee. He guides my boat across the lake to a destination unknown, he is my compass and my purpose, surely, he will lead me home.” – Tyler Brantley

My apologies for not getting a post out sooner. I got my first concussion while on a youth ministry camp about a week ago. It definitely set me back, but it gave me time to slow down and read a lot.

I cannot believe it’s already been one month. It feels like yesterday we were just arriving at Doxology, climbing out of a cramped car—strangers at the time—to spend a week at Ashley’s lake house. If only past Tyler knew what I do now, he would be amazed by how welcoming and honoring it is to know those strangers. It is quite a feeling that is hard to describe and can only be felt through experience, but I will try my best. It is like being known and seen at the same time.

I can say I’ve had friends like this back in college, but these guys and gals are on another level. We have gotten into the thick and thin of each of our life stories and have met each other with grace and compassion. We make time for each other when we could be spending it alone. Our weekly schedule can be packed full and even draining, yet the times spent together rejuvenate not only our social battery but also our soul.

I have never felt such a true Christian presence as these fellows radiate. To be honest, I was quite scared I wasn’t going to be welcomed because of my body image or even my past life; yet God once again proved me wrong. He has shown me through the acts of the other fellows that I am where I’m meant to be. Like Peter and Jesus on the water, I took the steps of faith to join the program. I was sailing on the boat of life with a compass that had no direction until God called me here to Raleigh.

I am so blessed and thankful for what God has been doing in my life just this month. I know for a fact he has such great things planned this year and, without a doubt, will transform not just me but my peers as well. We all climbed into the same boat, unaware of what we would face or where we would go. This journey is just beginning, and the trip will have many challenges to face, but if we rest our direction in Christ, he will guide us home.

I started work at my new job at Strawbridge Studios Inc. in Durham, NC. Even though the commute is about a 45-minute drive, I really enjoy my coworkers and what we do. I work in the production facility, moving between the kit section, lamination section, and paper cutting. It’s been two weeks working with them and I’ve already had some great conversations on personal belief, AI, and UFOs. My coworkers know I’m a Christian, and it’s nice not to have to hide behind a mask about what I believe like I did for most of college.

The CEO and president of the company are Christians, and the three moral values the company stands on are: 1) Do what is right, 2) Treat others the way you want to be treated, and 3) Always do your best. I would have to say, as of now, this has to be one of the best jobs I’ve ever worked. I actually wake up excited for the day ahead. Thank you, Lord, for getting me this job.

I feel blessed to have one of the pastors at church as my mentor this year. From all that I’ve heard from everyone I’ve talked to, they say I’ve hit the jackpot with Eric. This morning, I had tea with him at Jubala (a coffee and breakfast place in walking distance from the church). We hadn’t had much time this month to chat due to him being out of the state so much. It was refreshing to sit with him and talk about my life and how the program was going, as well as the one question I’ve been asking myself a lot lately: Why am I here, God?

It’s been on my mind a lot as to why God specifically brought me here, and I know I’m meant to be here based on how my director stated that while searching for another guy for the program in April, she was sitting in silence and praying when God put David’s name in her mind. David, my pastor from RVA, and I had been praying for God to direct my next steps after graduation. Typically, Ashley (the director) never considers asking David about the program, but this one time she felt a calling from the Spirit to do so.

When I heard her say that after telling my testimony to the class, I broke down in tears—for it was truly a confirmation that God was and still is directing my path.

As I continue to get into the rhythm of things, I look toward the possibilities of what God is doing in all our lives and how he specifically picked us for the program this year. I can’t wait for him to continue to flourish in us as we combat our struggles and trials together and grow closer—not only in becoming the image of Christ in our lives but also in transforming our spiritual understanding of who God really is and how he works in mysterious ways.