Big Apple Memories by Lisa Burkhardt Worley

New York City.

I am here this week and it represents so many memories in my life, both good and bad. The Big Apple has been one of my go-to places for fun. I love the energy here, the great food, shows and restaurants. 

I also remember, in my early twenties, interviewing with the President of CBS Sports for a job. It was so exciting! However, all that seemed available there was a “behind the scenes” position, and I had a dream of being on-air. I opted to start out in the trenches in a smaller market and work my way up to the top television market in the country. By the grace of God, my plan was accomplished. 

One of my favorite all-time girls trips was to New York City. On that outing, I remember attending a Neil Simon play on Broadway, “The Dinner Party” featuring Henry Winkler and the late John Ritter. We had landed box seats for half-price and it seemed like Ritter was playing directly to us as he glanced up a few times during the performance. We watched in amazement as he and Winkler acted so beautifully together. Over the years, I have been blessed to see many Broadway shows and have enjoyed every one of them.

But it was here in New York City, that God, out of His love for me, allowed my sportscasting career to take a nose dive so I would return to an intimate relationship with Him. The job loss of my two sportscasting positions, one national and one regional, in the same week was both devastating and directing. This crash turned the attention off myself, and turned my eyes back to God. It is a period of time that I will never forget, and I am eternally grateful for this crossroad. I would have missed out on so much quality time with my heavenly Father if I had not run back into His arms.

So as I admire the view of Manhattan from my friend, Deb’s apartment, I am reflecting on this longtime love relationship with God and the place I re-discovered Him, New York City. I am thinking about how the LORD has now brought me back here to be a messenger and to reach His people through a Pearls of Promise Level-Up Conference. I don’t know when this event will be. I don’t know where. I only know that I’m supposed to do it, and He is leading the way to individuals who will make up a conference team and has shown me a church that I will meet with on Wednesday. It is truly a “walk on the water” experience with my heavenly Father.

I have always felt a little Moses-like. An excuse maker and back-peddler, not feeling confident enough to take on such a big job, but after many confirmations ultimately accepting the challenge to deliver the message that sets the captives free. When Moses climbed up Mt. Sinai to meet with God a second time, this was who the LORD told Moses He was, and He wants people to receive this today:

“’Yahweh The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren: the entire family is affected­—even children in the third and fourth generations” (Exodus 34:6-7).

Where has God shown His unfailing love to you in your life? Where has He been merciful? How has He brought you through the rough patches? Reflect on those times today, return to Him if you need to, and praise Him along with me this morning as He is always up to something big, if we are willing to go there with Him.