Archive for the 'Breathe' Category

Breathe is breathing

Published
by
Todd
on Monday, May 5, 2008
in Breathe, Church and Random
. 4 Comments

Last night, Sunday, May 4 at 5:00 p.m., a movement was launched. For the third time.

But, as the old familiar saying goes, third time’s a charm.

It’s about time – we’ve been chomping at the bit to get going, and admittedly, the previous two attempts have been nothing if not discouraging. First we experienced an owner who didn’t want us there. Our second try failed because we were unable to sell enough food. But those “failures” were preparation for where we are now – both literally and figuratively.

Literally, we are at Club Sensations, a strip club on the southeast side of Wichita, Kansas. For our thought process behind the location, you can visit the post at Breathe’s blog. Figuratively, we are stepping ever nearer to understanding the potential of what Breathe can and will become. Already, in the short five hours we spent at Club Sensations cleaning, dancing, singing, praying and sharing, we have seen the power of the idea of Breathe and effect of the message we are proclaiming.

So, thanks to the owners of Club Sensations. Thanks to our dancers from Care to Dance studio. Thanks to Blake and Liz for rocking the original music. Thanks to Cliff for brining it with his Windows Movie Maker and speaking skills. Thanks to Hayley for using her serious ambience-enhancement skills. Thanks to everyone who stepped into an uncomfortable and unfamiliar place and to those who thought they were in a familiar place and chose to stay even when things got “weird.”

Through the partnership of these people, we encountered the spirit of God in a place where He likely hasn’t been welcome before with people who are unlikely to choose to experience Him.

It was a good Sunday. And we’ve only just begun. We’ll be back there in two weeks – Sunday, May 18 at 5:00 p.m. – and we’d love to see you there.

Any questions? Comments? Critiques?
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A confession…

Published
by
Todd
on Thursday, January 10, 2008
in Breathe and Confession
. 4 Comments

I have a guitar. It’s a pretty nice guitar, an Ovation, and I think it sounds pretty. Unfortunately, it only sounds pretty when I actually pick it up and play, which, unfortunately, occurs less and less frequently. So it sits in my office, looking beautiful, but not serving any purpose.

This past Sunday night, Cliff and I launched Breathe, an organization designed to unlock and unleash the latent awesomeness inside each individual. We had a solid turnout, excellent entertainment (thanks Eric and Robert!) and some tasty fries. I think that people were genuinely touched and moved by what they experienced Sunday night.

But Cliff and I weren’t.

If anything, we were both frustrated by what happened — or more accurately what didn’t happen.

Cliff has his reasons for frustration, but I have my own, mostly fueled by my own personal failure with this Breath vision. The amount of effort I’ve put into launching this thing is laughable; the fact that I call myself a visionary or leader for this thing is laughable. Based on my behavior, I have displayed no leadership, creative direction or a dedication to what Breathe is trying to accomplish.

I’m no more a leader than I am a guitarist.

I’ve been invited into an incredible vision. Unfortunately it’s only incredible if I actually pick it up and play. Something I haven’t yet done.

My prayer is that as Breathe moves forward, I don’t allow the vision to sit, looking pretty, but making not a sound.

Any failings you want to confess? Confession loves company, after all.
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First post o’ 2008

Published
by
Todd
on Wednesday, January 2, 2008
in Breathe and Job
. 2 Comments

Hello friends! I hope your holidays were wonderful and your new year is off to an incredible start.

Things have been fairly crazy around the Ramsey house. First, we had both sides of the family here for Christmas. It was great, if a little stressful with that many people. I did get Rock Band for Christmas, so that kept everyone occupied pretty well. Second, I made a pretty huge decision.
I am no longer an employee of The Strategy Group. Starting January 7, I’ll be working for the Greteman Group, a branding agency here in Wichita. This was a difficult decision to make, but I believe it was the right one for my career and my present and future family. It saddens me to leave SG — the people, environment, creative and clients were incredible. Please pray for me as I make this transition.

That’s not the only new thing happening in my life. Sunday, January 6, Breathe, the result of 18+ months of conversation, is finally being realized. Check out the website for information about time and place. If you live in Wichita, I’d love to talk with you more about Breathe, what we’re doing and how you can (and should) be a part.

So that’s what’s up with me. What’s up with you?
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