Sometimes God offers us a reset. You know what I mean? An event, typically, that impacts our outlook on life. Yesterday, I attended the funeral of a precious little 10-year-old girl, Olivia Ray.

It was held at the church that I am a member of and the church that WorkMatters was launched from…Central Methodist Church in Fayetteville, AR. To my knowledge, there has never been that many people in that building. People lined the walls. One friend told me he watched on video monitors in the lobby. There were probably 1,000 people there.

Here’s why that’s important. For over two hours, 1,000 people witnessed what true faith in Christ looks like. They witnessed the Holy Spirit work in indescribable ways. We all watched in amazement as John and Jane Ray stood on the stage, along with their three other daughters, and told stories about Olivia. Laughing through their unimaginable pain.

Then, they all walked away, leaving John, who has given his life to serve Christ in obscure locations around the world, as well as right here in northwest Arkansas. John shared his heart about the difference between gravity and grace. Gravity, with its natural pull to bring things inward. And Grace, with its divine ability to release. Those were not his exact words. But, his message of grace, in the middle of the most horrific experience in their lives, was beyond words.

In fact, my friend Brad Friess, who leads an awesome nonprofit called AAO – Arkansas Athletes Outreach (http://www.aaoteam.org/), said this to me this morning:

“Words are not adequate for that service. What an example of lives that are surrendered to the loving authority and mission of the Father and under the complete influence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit! Now that is a cause worth striving after and living for!”

What does all of this have to do with bridging the gap between faith and work? Everything! We can’t compartmentalize our lives and our faith. If we truly aspire to grow in our relationship with Christ, we MUST have intentionality to live it in all aspects of our lives…including our work.

John and Jane Ray inspire me. Their faith and trust in God inspire me. Their belief in grace challenges me.

Their desire is not to immortalize their daughter Olivia. But for her life (and death) to challenge us, maybe, to reset our focus and our priorities.

If you would like to learn more about Olivia, her family and how you may be able to help them get through this experience, go to http://www.gracechurchnwa.org/.