The Past Is Over.

What do you remember about the year 2000?

Leading up to the new year, there was a big scare being pushed on the news that a bug in computer software would cause everything to turn off. Y2K, as it was called, had the potential to make planes fall from the sky and entire power grids to go offline - all our worst fears realized.

My dad bought into it - at least I think he wanted us to believe it so he could tease us as the countdown to 2000 began. Sitting in our living room, Brandon, Jordan, Amanda and I waited with bated breath as the clock ticked down. 10. 9. 8... To this day, that was still the longest 10 seconds of my life.

Then it happened. The clock struck 12...

And nothing turned off. We opened the door and looked around the neighborhood - other people had lights on too - no fires had started, cars had crashed or planes had fallen. Was this entire scare for nothing? Why had we been so worried this entire time?

Now think about the time from that moment, when we entered the year 2000, til right now. 20 years later.

A lot has changed, hasn't it? As I reflected on my own life for the last Pearl of this decade, I thought about all the things that have happened - many of which are the defining moments of my life: Marriage, kids, and ZOX. The more I thought about it though, the more I realized that before I experienced all of those defining moments, I went through many of the worst in my life. I lost my grandpa, my uncle and just about every last dollar I had to my name. I was $500 away from being homeless.

This Pearl was the best way I could think of to share what that journey looks like. It's crossing the rope bridge.

The first step is the hardest - It's swaying back and forth, creaking as the fibers tighten under every step. We're holding on for dear life, praying that crossing was the right decision. As we near the center, the danger seems magnified as we realize how vulnerable we really are. We look back at where we started and wonder if maybe it'd be better to just turn around.

And then it hits you.

Someone was here, well before you.

They risked everything to build the bridge so that they could cross. They left it there so that you could too.

Your fear seems to disappear with the understanding that someone else was brave enough to cross. You gain confidence as you realize that they too left their past behind them.

I believe we all yearn for a bridge-builder in our lives - a guide to inspire and uplift us as we struggle with the issues in our past. Someone who can share in the highs and lows of what we're going through, responding with love and empathy as they help us through.

That, to me, is most evident in our community.

Thousands of incredibly kind, loving people are here; each of us with our own bridges we've crossed, our own experiences to share. My hope for you with this month's Pearl, the final one of the decade, is that it'll remind you of someone in your life who's helped you get where you need to be. That it'll inspire you to cross the bridge and forget what's behind you, looking forward with clear eyes and full hearts.

Love you all so, so much. Thanks for being here.

-Jason