It has been a full week here is Guatemala! My time with the squad was
amazing! The Holy Spirit fell and ignited the squad in a way I have
never seen. They hold healing and power within their hands and they are
ready to release it here in Central America! The Lord filled my week
with so many fun surprises and spoke to my heart through many of my
amazing racers! They are truly a blessing in my life!
These past 3 days I've been resting with our current squad leaders -Sara
Norton & Christin Chiles.. It's been a time of Gods abundance and
just a sweet time with sisters. Glad I could "force" them to rest seeing
they admitted if I hadn't stolen them away they wouldn't have rested
like this...thank you Jesus! He has blessed us and cared for us in such
extravagance always making sure his daughters are taken care of. It's
been great!
(on our way home from San Pedro, a village at the Lake)
And now today, I head out for my 3 day "unknown" adventure. The Lord has
aligned my steps with a friend of a friend here in Guatemala. I will be
traveling to meet her and come alongside her these next few days. I
will be going to her kindergarten classroom and playing with kiddos at a
children's home for abused and abandoned children.
Please pray for my travel as I navigate Guatemala trusting and knowing
God has every detail taken care of. And also for my heart as I love on
beautiful children. Of all places i laughed when the Lord showed me He
had an orphanage planned for my extra days. My heart rejoices and at the
same time feels the twinge of pain as it aches and cries out for the
abused and abandoned. Please pray for my heart while I'm with the
children and that God would continue to speak to me about orphans,
abandonment, and abuse. That He would begin to tie a few things together
for me seeing this is my 16th visit to an orphanage in 1.5 years. And
yes, obviously with that for wisdom and discernment as I seek the Lord
on what my next season should look like. Feeling a "shift" but not quite
sure what that means...
Thankful for a continued expansion of my heart for people and His children all around the world.
Thanks for following my journey and for continuing to be a part of
living boldly for the Lord. Until I'm back in America.....sending live
from the warm sun of Guatemala!
Well friends, my passport is out, my suitcase is packed, and I'm heading to the airport!
I'm flying to Antigua, Guatemala to see Z Squad for the next week for their month 8 debrief!
(most of Z Squad-not all- in South Africa)
What is debrief?
This is a time the whole squad gets together to rest, celebrate, and be
poured into. The 4 days are filled with team debriefs, worship,
fellowship, and rest.
After serving for 8 months around the world, this is a time where
strength is running low and this is a time where they have to stop and
rest in the Lord. Dig into their relationship with the Lord and really
push through the last 3 months of the race. Month 9-11 is a challenging
stretch as many are tired, worn, and looking forward to American luxury.
But God has made this trip 11 months, so He still has teaching,
rebuilding, changing, awakening and GREATNESS for this squad and each
individual on it!
So....I fly down with 2 AIM staffers to LOVE on Z Squad, pour into them,
and speak into them what God is speaking over them. Joshua (my fellow
squad leader) is not able to come to our 8 month debrief he will be in
South Africa with the organization he works with (Orchard: Africa). Please pray for his travels as well.
Please pray for my travels down there and for my time with them. Pray
for wisdom and discernment as I listen to what the Lord is speaking and
stirring within them. For strength, endurance, and health as these 4
days are PACKED! Four days to see 42 people! I'm listening for the Lord
and allowing Him to align my steps and dates/convos with people. And
also that I would be open to receive Z Squad's love and offering.
Knowing Z Squad and the Lord He has new things to speak into my spirit
and life, so I pray I am open and available to hear those as well.
It's honestly SO refreshing to be traveling again, its been a hard time
of transition at home and a challenging season in the desert with the
Lord. I have been quiet on here and that is due to the season and time
I'm in. Even though its been hard, I've been reflecting today and have
been SO incredibly thankful to have this time in life to be set aside
with the Lord and simply rest. Rest in His arms, rest in his strength,
and allow him to deposit more truths, love, and passion for him. All of
this I know is in preparation for what is to come next. And rather than
anticipate what that is, I'm learning to enjoy today.
So....today I head for the airport. Today I prepare to fly out. Today I
rest in the Lord and thank him for an amazing week ahead!!!!
For the detailed peeps and prayer warriors:
Travel Schedule: May 2-6 - with the Squad in Antigua, Guatemala - 8 Month Debrief!! May 6-9 - with Z Squad squad
leaders (Christin & Sara) loving on them, pouring into them,
spending sweet time with them as they rest from a crazy travel schedule
in Europe and from debrief. (Pic below of the 3 of us from training camp July 2011)
May 9-12 - in Guatemala with no plans as of yet, asking the Lord to show me....ATLin it! Prayers for safety and provision :). May 12-16 - in Gainesville, GA with the AIM family :)
Thank you for your prayers!!! If/when you get a word for the squad
and/or me please shoot it my way! I know He is speaking and to many of
you, faithful prayer warriors. Thank you for your continued covering,
encouragement, and support!
As I've been back I've been walking through healing and
processing the injustices I saw and experienced around the world. Yesterday, I found
myself processing Phuket, Thailand and our work with human trafficking on Bangala
Road.
Bangala Road is a road that has over 150 bars on it. Each
bar has between 6-11 women working. If you run the numbers, that is at minimum 900
women working within the bars on this street. That may seem staggering but that is just 1 street within this city and that does not include the many
other positions on the street - pimps, prostitutes, peep show salers, etc. It's an overwhelming industry and a hard reality to wrap my mind around.
The street if filled with chaos, confusion, lust,
addiction, and pain.
Men and women work all night into the morning, sleep a few hours, and then do it all over again, 7 days a week.
But yesterday as I processed, my eyes were opened, healing came. I no longer looked only through my human physical lens but I invited Christ into the moment and memory with me and began to see through his eyes. I began to see the Kingdom reality that was there. And it was so fitting for today, Good Friday, a day the Lord gave himself for us. And a day I celebrated on the streets of Phuket just 1 year ago. Let me invite you into the moment....
I found myself standing on Bangla Road angry, broken, and hopeless. I was overcome by the enormity and chaos that surrounded me. All I wanted to do was scream WAKE UP! I wanted to scream and let people know that this wasn't normal, it wasn't okay.
And then Jesus entered in.
Jesus revealed his presence on this street. He showed me how nothing is hidden from him, how he walks the streets every night and knows each person by name. Some nights he covers the women in his wings making them invisible, protecting them from harm, saving them for him and him alone. He showed me the legion of angels that are there battling for those on the street and he showed me the light and brilliance that illuminated the street.
"Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you." (Psalm 139:12)
Darkness does not cover the street, instead it is lite up by the glory of the angels, the worship of his children he has sent there, and the prayers of those all around the world. The people there are not lost or abandoned, Christ's presence is so very real there.
And then my attention came to a cross.
Jesus hung before me on that cross in the middle of the street.
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34) ALL that takes place here is forgiven. I gave my life for those surrounding you, Megan. They are forgiven.
It was like a brick that fell to the bottom of my well, or my spirit.
Forgiveness. Grace. Judgement.
Christ freely gives without judgement.
Something my heart struggled with. My heart couldn't help but judge those who propel and fund this industry. I was angry at them! But Jesus tenderly looked into my eyes and spoke to my heart in words I can't describe. He spoke to me about each individual on that street. How each one was worthy. Worthy of his love and his forgiveness. Even if they run a bar, kidnap, or entrap. Each is forgiven and known.
His heart cries out for JUSTICE, but it also LOVES tenderly and fiercely.
As I looked at him on the cross, a new depth to Christ's sacrifice overcame me. Speechless and humbled, I walk into this Good Friday.
Reminded of a blameless and sinless man who gave his life so that I can have life to the FULL. A man was beat, blundered, mocked, and scorned for me...for ALL of us - from America to China, to Tanzania to Thailand. Jesus gave his life FREELY, without reservation.
........
It just carries a new weight this year.
I am forever grateful for his sacrifice.
And to celebrate and give him praise, I find myself dancing to the song below - So good to me! It's the anthem of my heart and rhythm at my feet.
He pulled me up out of the miry clay, set my feet upon the Rock, gave me beauty for ashes and joy for my mourning.
He put a new song in my mouth and a crown upon my head.
He gave me life forevermore.
As for Bangala Road,
You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD's hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah (my delight is in her), and your land Beulah (married); for the LORD will take delight in you... You will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted.
It's been a journey of faith. A journey I never thought I
would live.
A journey in which I have been laughed at, looked at in the
oddest ways, told I was lazy, and told is impossible.
But you see, before I returned home in January the Lord
spoke to my heart and said he would provide me with a car, free of charge.
God spoke. And I believe Him to be good on his word and his
promises.
In this culture....I am seen as crazy.
As I said, people have laughed
in my face and remarked through their smirk, “good luck with that.” My response is usually a big
smile and “thank you!” As I do believe he will provide. Because he cared for my
heart in advance speaking tenderly telling me there would be trials,
laughter, and times of questioning. And there have been times of
questioning….shoot read my last blog, Promises?
But this last week my old worn, tired, and tattered car was
brought home from it's “temporary” housing that its been at for the last 2
years. It limped home and my parents questioned if it would work or not. I knew
it wasn't worth it. It wasn't what God had in mind and that we needed to get rid of it so we could
make room for the blessing. You see its hard to let go of something - even if
its half-broken or hardly working - because its our safety net. It's what we
can “count on.” If we let go, then there is space, space to fall, to crash, to
look like a fool! Ha!
But, we have to let go friends. There has to be room for God
to bless, for God to move. And as I asked my parents to sell the car, they told me they were going to get it fixed so it at least could run and I could have a car to take me to and from work. To honor them, I agreed to
drive it to the shop today to have it looked at. But I laid in bed last night
asking the Lord to move and to show his faithfulness, to show his favor.
Well.....today.....
….20 minutes before we were to take the car to the
shop a man rang our door bell.
....A man that happened to be driving through the
neighborhood and saw my car in the driveway.
....He asked if it was for sale (note: no for sale sign on the car) and to
speak to my dad, because I guess I look 12 years old. He wasn't home -
and no I didn't practice safety, I told him he wasn't home and let him in the
house (send safety speeches to my email and address them 'stupid idea.' I'll reply when I get time).
...20 minutes later, my dad arrived, called the interested buyer and had him in
the driveway in 5 minutes.
....I jumped in the shower praying for God's favor and
thanking him in advance for selling the car, for the abundance, the ease, and no hassle.
I found myself eager and excited for my family to see God move!
...When I stepped out of the shower I heard a knock on the door….
“Megan do you have a minute to sign over the title?”
Ha! My Dad in heaven is SO good to me! He brought a buyer to
my front door step today. A buyer who was a mechanic who knew what exactly he
was getting - a car that needs lots of work - so there was no hassle, no bargaining, just a price paid in cash on the spot. Who just carries that kind of
money with them in case they find a car for sale in a strangers driveway? Seriously!?!
And so tonight, the driveway is now empty.
Space has been made for God's abundant blessing.
How or where is a free reliable car for commuting going to come from? Ha! Maybe
straight to my doorstep like today!
How or where I do not know.
But after today, I can't deny
his word and his promises.
"God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should
change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and
not fulfill?" Numbers 23:19
I trust that He will fulfill with the perfect car. A car that will allow me to commute back and forth to school come this fall. A car that is safe, reliable, and that has been hand picked by Him.
Best part: Both my parents looked at me in disbelief today,
both commenting, “well I guess this praying thing you are doing is
working….what's next?”
Me: “We thank the Lord and we wait. We trust.”
(Note to all peeps 'letting go': Trust does not mean now trying to find money and a cheap car. Trust means wait until he speaks.)
I never expected to live a life waiting on the Lord for a
free car, let me tell you!
I used to read blogs about people standing in great
faith for support raising, cars, houses, adoption, school loans, etc. and I desired
to be like them. I always wondered if my desire was just so I could feel like a "super
Christian," but tonight he spoke again and showed me it was because I was made as a woman of great
faith. I was made to trust the Lord for big things. Not just my food and
clothing, not just bills and my daily life. But God has asked me to step into a life that requires Him to be my
provision. He has designed me to stand in faith for BIG things! This car is my training ground. Just like my support for Z
Squad was training. I saw an empty account for 3 months, then in 6 days
God deposited over $4,000 in my account - read about it here.
Thank you Lord for caring and honoring my heart is crazy ways today! Thank you for your provision, for your promise! Free Car? Really? YES! There are no question marks, I know you WILL provide. Thank you. Thank you for blessing simply because I am your Daughter.
And so now I ask YOU....
Is your heart leaping from your chest as you read this?
No, you
are not crazy. God may just be asking you to step into greater faith, greater
abandonment.
What is it time to let go of?
What is it that he has promised you that you have given up on? Don't give up....
Well, I'm not on the 1 week track, but we will shoot for 2
week track….
What I have realized while writing is that its more
difficult that I expected to tell the stories of those I've met along the way.
Their stories are precious to me and I want to get it “right.” I want to write
in a way that you will love them as much as I do. But that is not within my
control. So, I continue with my charge to simply write…..
And so we continue with Winer (pronounced
Win-Air).
Winer, is a 17-year old who lives by himself, provides
for himself, and relies completely on God. We met Winer on our first day of
ministry in Mijo, Dominican Republic in July 2010. When you first meet Winer, his smile
captures your attention. It is bright, white, shiny, and always a full sized grin from
ear to ear. Joy leaps out of him as he plays and jumps in front of our cameras
making sure to be caught on film.
Winer was born in Haiti as
the middle child in a brood of eight. At the age of three his mother told his
father that she was going to the grocery store but she never returned. At that
point, his family moved to the Dominican Republic and his father remarried a
woman who disliked Winer. She would beat him and turn other family members
against him. This made sneaking out to friends' houses a nightly occurrence.
After months of enduring this violence and pain, Winer made a decision: it was
time to end.
Although he loved his father
and siblings, he felt he had no choice but to run away.
The next few days were spent roaming the streets of
San Juan, scraping by for food and shelter. Yet, as Winer told his story he
told us how he knew at this time of roaming that God was with him. He always trusted God and that He could come through for him. He was soon
taken in by a woman who found him and wanted to help " which meant putting him
in an orphanage. On the day he was go to, he received the unexpected…his father
showed up on the doorstep.
While his story could've easily concluded there,
Winer's temporary caretaker would not let that happen. Convinced that his
father was the one who had beaten him, she was reluctant to give up Winer. He
was given a choice: go to the orphanage or go home with his father. In an
emotionally charged move that would forever separate him from his family, he
chose the orphanage.
Winer didn't share much about his experience at the
orphanage except after three years there he felt that God wanted him to leave.
Once again, he found himself on the streets, alone, homeless, seeking the Lord.
He has since forged onward solo - spending the past
six years as a teenage bachelor. He build his one room house in Mijo, just outside of San Juan and is very active in the church there. He has been taken under the wing of the pastors
we worked with training and empowering him within the church. His days are
occupied by church services, helping the local farmers harvest crops, looking
after the children of Mijo, serving his community doing various projects, and just working
harder than any man I have met.
Winer has a heart of service and sacrifice. He will
always put your needs before his own and give you all that he has if you are in need. Despite his pain, abuse, and abandonment,
he loves with his whole self and is incredibly generous. When we sat and talked one day, he shared his favorite
Scriptures with me in his Spanish Bible while I read them to him in my English Bible.
He shared his desire to be trained as a pastor and to become a missionary
to spread the good news of an all-loving God, “A God who provides and loves me.”
Winer is one of the most incredible boys I have ever met! He is strong, determined, loyal, loving, generous, and highly favored. Please pray for him as he continues to live alone without family, for his protection, provision, and that his dream of being a missionary would come to life.
I found my thoughts entertaining the question, is what
God promised even possible?
Are you really going to provide a car for me when I have
no money? Are you really going to provide all I need for school
this fall? How? When will I find community here in Flushing?
I found myself questioning God's faithfulness and character.
The culture I'm in (the Michigan, Gennessee County, US, etc
culture) says that I have to fight for what I have. That I have to work for it
and that I will never have enough. That I will live in lack and insufiiciency
and live as an orphan.
But I know different. I'm placed here to plant something different. To be a
part of the change.
This culture says God is not big enough, isn't trustworthy, and isn't present in the mess we are currently in. And today as I woke, I agreed with that.
I found myself believing that all my “problems” somehow I
had to fix. I found myself picking up my burdens and trying to carry them.
They were heavy, they seemed impossible to move. But I tried. I tried to move them by worrying
in a tiring and emotional effort. I couldn't seem to see beyond them when I looked at them.
But I know better.
Don't look to the right or to the left, keep your eyes on me. You will not be shaken.
I turned on my worship music.
I got out my book of promises. I opened His Word and I turned my gaze to my Creator as I brought my burdens to his cross, to his
feet.
We are made to worship.
No matter what we may feel is
reality, looking at God and praising His name and goodness brings true Kingdom
reality back into perspective.
Breathing out, exhaling, and resting in his
presence. We are in control of our reality. By what we speak, in our
minds and out loud.
I chose to speak God's Word out and let it swirl within my
Spirit as I rested with Him. I didn't fight with sweat I simply chose to believe God's word over the thoughts swirling in my mind.
I simply chose to live in peace rather than in chaos and
confusion. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give
to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be
afraid. (John 14:27)
I chose to live in abundance and provision rather than in lack and
insufficiency. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
I chose to say, I trust you, and to live in faith believing God
is who He says He is. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
Sometimes I trust you, I trust you, I trust you....is what we have to speak over and over lining up our heart with our Spirit.
God is who he says He is. God is faithful. He is a God of abundance and provision. Nothing is too big for our Creator.
We are to hold on to the promises he has spoken to us. In the days where they just don't seem possible, wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14. He is never late in fulfilling his promises.
For those who may find themselves in this same position today, tomorrow, or in 6 months, I pray that the God of hope may fill you with all joy and
peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of
the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
Enjoy this song and a few lyrics from a song, Come to Me by Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson as you seek Him FIRST. :)
Come to me, I'm all you need, I'm everything, I'm all you
need, I'm your everything.
I am your anchor, in the wind and the waves. And I am your steadfast, so don't
be afraid. Though your heart and flesh may fail you, I'm your faithful strength
and I am with you
wherever you go.
Come to me, I'm all you need, I'm everything, I'm all you need, I'm your
everything.
Don't look to the right or to the left, keep your eyes on me
You will not be shaken, you will not be moved. I am the hand to hold, I am the
truth, I am the way. Just come to me, cause I'm all that you need.
Did I mention she was a ball of FIRE for the Lord?
Well she is. She is a woman who burns to know the Lord more every day and to
share it with all those around her.
I met Loma in November of 2010 in Blantyre, Malawi when she and her family opened up their heart and home for my World Race team for an entire month. She gave us beds, three amazing meals a day,
showers, the Disney Channel, tea time at 3pm with gluten-free Chimamina (Malawi banana bread), love, love, and more love. She served and loved us expecting and desiring nothing in return. She modeled self-lessness and sacrifice for us that month.
She had Bible studies with us and desired to dive into
the Word, to feast on its nourishment, and build us up as women of faith.
During one of our Bible studies she shared with us this verse,
“And if you look for it as silver and search for it as
for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the
knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:4-5
It was a verse that had been stirring in her Spirit, one
that seemed to ignite passion within her.
It was a part of her identity.
That is what seeps out of over one of her pores.
Loma is a woman that does seek after the Lord and His wisdom
like hidden treasure. Something she deposited into me during my time
with her. Every fiber of her being desires to seek after the Lord and discover
more and more of Him. If you are near Loma you want to know what she was
thinking, what she was praying, and you truly just want to eat any crumb that
falls from the feast she is seated at.
She is a woman of great humility, loving tenderly and abundantly. She helps anyone in need and is thankful for
every thing she has. Every gift, every blessing, every joy, praise is ALWAYS on
her lips.
Her heart is postured toward the Lord and her entire life is
a reflection of Him.
At Crusades she would speak with fury! She calls heaven down
to earth and asks no questions. She stands in bold faith knowing that God is
not human, that he should lie (Numbers 23:19). She believes in all of His
promises and ponders every word He speaks to her.
She serves her husband selflessly and honors him
beautifully. She gives her love freely to her children - biological or not (we
were her daughters for the month too) - and desires to make her ceiling their
floor.
She is an incredible wife, loving mother, and cherished
daughter and servant of the King.
Some of my favorite moments with her were on her
porch and out at Crusades searching the Word of God with her, asking her
questions, and just laughing sharing in God's joy. She has an amazing giggle
that stirs joy within your belly and nothing can hold it in.
She brings release
and breakthrough to people's lives.
She is a true gift and treasure.
One that I
will carry with me always.
She is a beautiful friend who is absolutely
captivating and inspiring.
I slipped back in January 16th and have been
resting and living with my family in my hometown, Flushing, MI since then. It's
taken me a while to post, but I strategically came back quietly so I could have
some sweet time with my family. While I was away my mom was diagnosed with
breast cancer. She had surgery and has been going through chemo for the past
few months. Coming home I knew that my family was where I was supposed to be.
It was a time that the Lord set aside for me to just be present with them, be
available for them, and love them.
(Picture from a baseball game this summer of my dad, me, & my mom. My brother Charlie = not pictured)
I have to say it's been a blessing. It's been a gift to have
solid time with my mom, dad, and brother. I haven't lived at home in over 10
years and for most of my life they received my seconds. I was always involved
with dance, soccer, work, non-profits, friends, church, etc. They supported me
in everything but in it all they usually got time when I 'had time.' And so this past month at home has been quite sacred. It's been a time where I have set aside
things for them. Where I make myself available for them. I feel like our house
is this hidden place where we exist away from the world. And it's been sweet.
It's not often you get the opportunity to live with your family again as an
adult and give back a portion of what your parents have given you.
And so in this past month I've been graced with the
opportunity to serve them in various ways. Planning dinners, grocery shopping,
cleaning, emergency eye doctor runs, chemo appointments, doctors visits, etc.
I've just been available. And they have been available for me as well as I
“re-enter” America and get used to things. They have continued to be extremely
grace-filled and loving thru it all.
This week we celebrate my mom's last week of chemo! Woohooo!
We look forward to this upcoming year of a few more treatments for something
related to the cancer (a shot, not chemo, I don't remember what tho….) and know
that God will continue to provide healing. I look forward to some more time
with my family as I continue to listen for my next steps. And I say thank you
to all of you for your continued love and support through the last 2 years!
I wanted to let you know though that THIS BLOG WILL NOT END. One
thing that has been placed on my heart is the power of a story. We all remember stories from our childhood. The Berenstein
Bears, Clifford the Big Red Dog...... I could tell you about all of those.
They used to run through my head all the time!
But today I find myself with new stories running through my head. I find my
thoughts filled with the stories of the people I met over the last two years of my
life. And I keep hearing God say,
"I have entrusted you with stories. You have a responsibility to make sure they are heard. It's time to share them."
Proverbs 31:8 continues to be on repeat in my mind - "Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves."
I read a new quote this week - "Know that no one
is silent though many are not heard. Work to change this."
And so this week I begin PROJECT 3-1-8.
A challenge to write 1 story a week.
To tell the story of a person, a child, a
family, a city, or a nation I've met. To speak for those who are not heard. And to honor
them.
Each story that I tell will be special.
Unique. Valuable. Precious. Known. And Written by our Father. Length is unknown. Endings are yet to be done.
It's just the beginning. A time to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves....
This Christmas season I find myself in Mozambique for the second year in a row. It's funny to be here again only because it feels surreal. I never expected to be back so soon, but I personally consider it God's gift to me to be back in a place that feels like home and a place that brought so much joy to my life 1 year ago. And a place that yet again brought Kingdom perspective into my life at just the right time.
This week as I traveled up the coast of Mozambique on my way to visit two teams in Biera, I found myself worried about what "cool" thing I would be doing this year on Christmas. I found myself thinking about creating an event or experience, something to be memorable.
As I gazed out the window and saw the lush green landscape cascade by, I saw the faces of my brothers and sisters here in Mozambique. I saw dust covered women walking home from a hard day's work wondering if food would meet them at home. I saw desperate men fighting outside a bar, struggling with the alcohol addiction that plagues so many. I saw tired, aged grandmothers carrying new life on their backs because their daughters had been taken during birth or because of AIDS. I saw children scattered throughout the streets searching for an adventure. My eyes locked with theirs. Our gaze seemed to last for minutes rather than just the few miliseconds. My heart leaped out of my chest. God is writing a story in their lives. He is a part of them.
Their gaze burned into my kaleidoscope, my perspective was being re-written.
I saw people with BIG suitcases streamed all along the streets traveling home for family gatherings as well. I wondered what filled their big bags. How long did it take them to work to fill those bags? My mind flashed back to America and comparing our suitcases. Christmas sales and commercials flooded my mind. I thought of Christmas trees and presents. I thought of snow....I thought of my family. Of my mom resting in bed this year recovering from her latest chemo treatment. For my dad and brother who are making steak and potatoes - a man's dream for Christmas. For two men walking alongside my beautiful mother during her time of breast cancer and chemo.
A smile filled my face.
My heart shifted.
My perspective altered.
Thankfulness began overflowing, outpouring.
I found myself thankful for God's healing hand in my mom's life this year. Thankful that I have a family. Thankful for the gift of adventure I have been given. Thankful that my definition of family has expanded. That family is in America, in the Philippines, China, South Africa, Malawi, Moldova, Thailand, Malaysia, and all throughout the nations. Thankful that we all have family. Whether we find ourselves with World Racers, orphans, strangers, doctors or nurses in a hospital, fellow homeless people on the street, the check-out clerk in JC Pennys or at the grocery store, we are ALL family. None of us are alone, we are all created in the image of the God. We are all connected.
This year I don't search for an experience. I seek after more of the Lord and more of my family. I am thankful for the two teams I am with and the many new family members I find myself around. I don't have to carry a big bag with me. I simply carry LOVE and THANKFULNESS.
The gift of love I carry within me.
The gift of thankfulness overflows out of me.
Enjoy the people brought into your path today. Don't miss the gifts God has for you because you are creating your own.
Squad Leading has been a time of cementing. A time where God has been able to cement what I learned on my first race. As you recall my identity is what God has been speaking to me about for the past year or so. And squad leading has given me the opportunity
to fight for my identity.
I have been pushed far beyond
what I thought was possible but through it all I learned to lean on the Lord
and allow Him to be my strength, my grace, my peace, my words, my love. I
learned how to control my thoughts. I learned how to stand strong in the midst
of a storm. And I have learned truly who God says I am.
I am a woman who brings peace.
A woman who brings light to places of darkness.
I am a woman who dances undignified before the Lord.
A woman of JOY and worship!
I am a woman who operates in boldness.
A woman of authority.
I am a woman who breathes healing.
A woman of love and care.
I am a woman who carries influence.
A woman with a voice.
I am a woman with wisdom.
A woman who sets the tones of atmospheres.
I am a woman who lives in freedom; one who doesn't run in fear.
A woman of change.
I am a woman who loves hard.
A woman of grace.
I am a daughter of the Lord.
I am adopted, accepted, known, seen, and cared for.
