40 Search Results for "children"

• Stirring Stirring

  • From: HemmedIn
  • Description:

    There was a period of time prior to the full force of the Iranian Revolution in 1979 when things began to stir up. I would often beg my parents to let me go for a sleep over to my Grandmother’s house. Because of the unrest, a curfew was put in place all over Tehran. My parents would oblige, but then I grew so homesick that I would be driven home quickly before it was too late. And as reports of tanks and military patrolling the streets flood twitter today, these vivid memories come to mind again. My mom would sweetly tell me to smile and wave at the army men, in the same light and un-alarming tone I encourage my children to greet Firemen.
    
    That stirring began as protests, turned into riots and eventually a full force revolution that changed the face of a nation and its course in history.
    
    Today in Iran a new stirring has begun. Yet since the military, police and revolutionary guards are lurking the streets, it appears that fear may be creeping in as weariness and fatigue take their place.
    
    Disappointment, death and grief each on their own is enough to bring a person to despair. However our friends in Iran are experiencing all of this at once. Think about how breathless you are when you see footage of Neda dying on the street. The despair you would feel had you known you too were there, just a few steps away. Imagine the rage that would rise up if you couldn’t properly mourn for loved ones.
    
    Yet they still sit on roof tops each night chanting, “God is great” over and over again. God is great. God is great. God is great.
    
    It makes me wonder, what would cause me to sit on top of my house, calling out the greatness of God all night long?
    
    If you stop and ponder that for a few moments… the reality of the longing that is stirring up inside the soul of every person breathing those words just may set in.
    
    The strategies of revolutionary wars and international relations have changed since 1979. The message we send to the people of Iran when they hear us speaking up for them, when they realize our eyes are on them, and when they hear we are praying for them…this is fuel for the fire.
    
    The world is watching and when we hear words of despair, fear, increase in tension and increase in force, we should pray for the hope of the LORD to fill Iran. Pray for strength for the weary. Pray they would walk and not grow faint. Pray for courage to fight the good fight. Pray the destruction would cease, the oppressor be cast out and those who trample on undeserving people would be taken from the land.
    
    Then continue to pray and make way for the LORD.
    
    
    
    
    "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
    
    “Let the outcasts of Moab sojourn among you; be a shelter to them from the destroyer. When the oppressor is no more, and destruction has ceased, and he who tramples underfoot has vanished from the land, then a throne will be established in steadfast love, and on it will sit in faithfulness in the tent of David one who judges and seeks justice and is swift to do righteousness."

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  • 1 year ago
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• Christian and Democrat: Can Yo Christian and Democrat: Can You Be Both?

  • From: agapejustice
  • Description:

      For many Christians the 2008 Presidential Election was the first time they voted for a Democrat. Recently I heard a NYC pastor discuss the belief he held that to be Christian meant you were Republican, but while attending The Sojourners Mobilization to End Poverty  in Washington, D.C. (a non-partisan gathering of 1,000+ Christians from around the country who came together because their faith inspired them to fight against poverty) he realized that a Christian did not have to be Republican and he resigned from the party. With a focus on abortion and marriage (two very important issues) many Christians are bound to the Republican Party and do not question this allegiance. This summer Christian author, inner-city minister and activist Shane Claiborne admonished Christians to “pledge allegiance to the Lamb” instead of either political party on his Jesus for President nationwide tour. As Christians I think we should align ourselves with politicians and policies that most reflect the message of Jesus Christ who proclaimed in Luke 4:18: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me, to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind and to release the oppressed…”

    Worship at The Mobilization to End Poverty
    

      I am currently a fellow for Faithful Democrats  an online community of Christians who are members of the Democratic Party. I know some might find this sacrilegious but there have always been dedicated followers of Christ who we also Democrats. As an African-American Christian my community of faith has overwhelmingly been members of the Democratic Party because Republican policies do not speak to the needs of our community, yet African-Americans are also overwhelmingly pro-life. You may ask yourself how this paring can exist, well for me to be pro-life means I support life from the cradle to the grave. I work towards ending poverty because I know many poor women are pushed into abortions for economic reasons. I do not support the death penalty or war. I think it is interesting that Christians can advocate for children while they are in the womb but once children are born we do not advocate for them to have equal educational opportunities, or a life free from hunger, sickness and disease. Mother Theresa once said “I am so pro-life that if a woman does not want her child she can leave the child with me”; hence so many Children were given to her that she received the name “Mother Theresa”. She is an example of not just holding onto arbitrary pro-life or pro-family values but actually living them out in practical ways.

    Christians Lobbying in D.C.-Holding their elected officials accountable.

    

     I am critical of both major parties and personally want to see our country move past the two party system that dominates because more choices will ensure that we have a true democracy. At the end of the day if a candidate is dedicated to those who Jesus calls “the least of these”, than that person will get my vote whether they are a member of the: Democratic, Republican, Green or Independence Party. As Christians we cannot let our dedication to a political party, or even the American flag surpass our dedication to the Gospel of Christ. Our true citizenship is in the Kingdom which includes: Black, White, slave, free, male, female, rich, poor, American, Mexican, undocumented, citizen and anyone else who is born-again.  I think Lisa Sharon Harper author and co-founder of NY Faith & Justice put it best when she stated: "Evangelical Doesn't Equal Republican or Democrat”. 
    

    A Book to read:
    I would encourage all of you to read Matthew 25, review the platforms of the different political parties, and then prayerfully ask God who you should align yourself with, the answer may surprise you.

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  • 1 year ago
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• shopping for a cause shopping for a cause

  • From: jessarosey
  • Description:

    hey, so i've always been a big believer in organizations and mission work.
    and now that i have lots of money from my summer job i want to buy a t-shirt/goods from organizations.

     

    i love such organizations like Invisible Children, Light Gives Heat, Heart Support...other stuff

     

    does anyone have any other organizations that I could check out?

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  • 1 year ago
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• The Exodus The Exodus

  • From: Lee Ann
  • Description:

    The sun is suspended at its highest peak. It’s rays that where once welcomed in the cold of winter, are now burning the very skin I walk in.
    
    Each step pulls the muscles tight in my calves, feeling as if the tendon will snap at any moment. The dust rises up as my foot stumbles against the parched ground. My lips crack as I pant.  Sweat rolls like rain off my forehead, its saltiness stings my lips and eyes.
    
    My destination is unknown. It is uncomfortably silent, except for the sound of my own heavy breathing.
    
    I feel like I’ve been wandering, aimlessly in the desert a lot like the Israelites did. Except I do not see the pillar of fire and cloud. I do not hear the rumbling of the voice of God. Manna does not appear in the dew of the morning. My eyes are calloused to the glories of the LORD.
    
    I have like a rebellious child, stubborn and assured that they know what’s right for them.  I have taken matters in my own hands, assuring God that my little GPS in my brain is sure to get me out of this wilderness. I know exactly where my Promise Land is.
    
    But now I’m lost, fading in and out of consciousness, thirsty and stumbling around blind. The wolves of the night are poised ready to sink their fangs in me. Rather than seeking help from Yahweh, I look up to the night sky and in a hoarse, straining voice ask, “Why God?! Why are you doing this to me? Why are you not blessing me? Where are you? WHERE ARE YOU?!”
    
    I came across a quote that hit me pretty hard.
     
    “ You can’t be connected with God until you’re at peace with who you are. If you’re still upset that God gave you this body or this life or this family or these circumstances, you will never be able to connect with God in a healthy, thriving, sustainable sort of way. You’ll be at odds with your maker. And if you can’t come to terms with who you are and the life you’ve been given, you’ll never be able to accept others and how they were made and the lives they’ve been given. And until you’re at peace with God and those around you, you will continue to struggle with your role on the planet, your part to play in the ongoing creation of the universe. You will continue to struggle and resist and fail to connect.”
       
    You see … I’ve been disconnected from God for a while now.
    
    I am upset with the circumstances God has put me in. I’m a well-rounded, intelligent journalist, with no job. Let alone, job possibilities. I’m like an athlete, trained, ready to go, with no race to run. I’m not at peace with where I am. I long to be anywhere but here. I am constantly looking to the horizon for some hope that might come. Some new adventure. A new job that might give me purpose to wake up in the morning.  I am my worst nightmare, a 22 year-old college graduate, living at home, and jobless.
    
    I hate the circumstances I am in.
    
    But until I am able to be at peace with where I am at and where God is taking me … I will not feel connected to the Maker.  I am sure that God gets tired of my complaining. But I haven’t really been seeking His direction, His will and to HIS Promise Land, not my own.
    
    Instead, I am fumbling in circles in a place of thirst and hunger. Complaining and grumbling.
    
    “During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Issac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel – and God knew.” Exodus 2:23-24
    
    God hears my grumblings. He hears every word.  God knew. He understands what I am going through.
    
    So … now I am looking to Him, not in anger and cursing where I am in life but searching for peace.  Because, “God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Cor. 14: 33). 
    
    I am desperately seeking His face, arms out searching to feel Him. I am more desperate for Him and His presence, to feel connected to Him again more than anything.
    
    I am falling to my knees in utter desperation, crying out to the God of Abraham, grasping for glimpses of Him in my everyday life. Because I know that when I hold out my hand, blind, broken and lost. His strong hand will find me. He will pull me up off my bleeding knees, and pull me in close.
    
    Then I will feel the closeness of my Savior, feel His heart beat. I will hear his voice again saying to me, “I am with you, my child. I was always with you. I have never left, but it was you who strayed far. But like a shepherd who loses a sheep, I searched for you. I chose you. I love you.”
    
    Though I have not yet found His hand, I wait searching for Him. I know He is not far. Like the children of Israel, I am still wandering in this desert. This is my journey to God’s greater purpose in my life, what I was meant for. This is my journey, where God will appear in the desert with miracles. This is my exodus.

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  • 1 year ago
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• Maps Maps

  • From: Lee Ann
  • Description:

    My eyelids slowly peeled back. I turned over on my side, my covers rustling loudly. The sun didn’t pry its golden fingers under my balcony door this morning. Instead, it was dark.
    
    Must be raining.
    
    I let loose a heavy sigh, which seemed incredibly loud against the stillness in my room. I reached for my phone to check the time.  I stretched out, my finger tips barely reached the phone. But I got it.
    
    8:09 a.m.
    
    Ever since I have been back at home, I can’t seem to convince my body to sleep in. I even try tossing the covers over my head and shutting my eyes tightly. But my body is like a child on Christmas morning, bouncing on the bed declaring that I wake up.
    
    My typical morning routine consists of surveying the damage of the night before. Typically my hair wants to defy gravity and stand upward, as well as the putrid odors emitting from my mouth.  Sometimes I can’t help but laugh, smile and think that some lucky man will have to wake up to this everyday. Poor fellow.
    
    I slowly stumbled down the stairs, my feet thudding across the cold hardwood floor. My dog is sprawled out on the carpet in our doorway. She is getting older, and is losing her hearing. I could sneak up on her and she would never hear me coming. 
    
    No one is home. My sister is at school, my father is at work and my mom has become an aspiring tennis player. Alone, at home.
    
    I sit at the table, sighing as I push at my cereal.
    
    I did not expect to be back here. To be right back where I started. Living at home, eating cereal and running errands with my mom during the day. I did not expect this.
    
    I admit that I had dreamed up an amazing plan of moving away, finding a job in a thriving city and making the big time. But turns out that wasn’t God’s plan.
    
    Someone the other day asked me what my future plans where, life after RELEVANT. I stood for a moment and opened my mouth, but nothing came out. I sighed a little and said, “Well, I planed my life up ‘til now.  But I hadn’t planned anything after that.”
    
    Its like I was a cartographer. I had spent forever mapping out courses, internships, graduation and routes that my life would take. My end goal was this “dream job”. But what happens when that job, my goal, does come through? I’ve had everything mapped out in my head, but now the road just ends. Like a winding trail just fades off into the distance.
    
    I honestly think that I’ve gotten this far, with out fully trusting God. I’ve relied on my decision making, my ideas, my dreams  and me me me. All on my own. Almost as if I took the pen from the Great Cartographer’s hand and told him with a wink, “It’s okay I got this one.”
    
    But now, I’m stumped. I don’t know where to go, what to do.
    
    It’s taken this long for me to find out that I’ve been doing this on my own.
    
    So I guess now, I’m releasing the pen. I’m admitting my selfishness, my lack of faith and relenting all my dreams to Jesus. I’m allowing him to map out my road to His will and His plan. 
    
    But this time around I know my end goal, is not a job, a wedding, a husband or children but God. My end goal is to be striving for Him, in every fiber of my being.
    
    So I’m letting go. May He increase and may I decrease.

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  • 1 year ago
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• Dear Jim Dear Jim

  • From: donnasun44
  • Description:

    *This is a real note that I wrote to a real boy...

    Dear Jim,

    It’s interesting that women’s role in leadership has come up so much lately.  I think that it is only a part of how we see a woman’s role in life.  As I’ve come to understand who God is and what scripture says, I’ve come to appreciate that a woman can and sometimes should lead.  It seems as though I’ve taken the initiative with everything in our relationship.

    As foolish as I feel, there is one last thing that I want to say to you.  I’ve been debating with myself.... I’m not sure if this will bring me peace or not.  I want to follow in the spirit of Christopher McCandless in “Into the Wild” - I want to leave college without regret or anxiety.  And so the last thing I want to say is that I love you… as a friend for sure, but also as more than that.  I appreciated the last time we talked because I really felt like we settled everything, and I felt good about where we left it too…but there was still that.

    Besides letting you know how I actually feel, I also want to encourage you.  I think that you are great! You are a man of God who is trustworthy and encouraging.  I love the “hhmm” sound that you make when you are thinking about something.  Your upbeat personality is contagious and I love that!  Thank you for seeking after God with your whole heart.  Your height is also something that I really enjoy!  The way that you talk with your hands makes me smile.  Your blonde (not red, right?) hair is great.  You have a way about you that is calm and humble. You call me out when I say something off. You seek the truth no matter what.  You love to love.

    So, those were the 2 big purposes of this email.  There is one final part I want to add though.

    Jim, I still see us as an extremely compatible couple.  I know that you’ve been incredibly patient with me as I’ve tried to work through these feelings, which is very gracious of you…. But I’m also not afraid to tell you how I feel. 

    You are the companion that I have wanted for so long.  You are the man that I long to share life's adventures with.  You are the friend that I can share my innermost secrets with.  I long to help you carry life's burdens and lovingly encourage you as you seek to be all that God has for you.  I want to be who you turn to in hard times and in good times.  I think that there was a time that we did that with each other, before we talked specifically about our relationship.  I want those times back.  I feel like I’ve been wasting time not spending it with you. 

    I know that we mentioned physical attraction the last time that we talked. One thing that I did want to say about that was that I hope you can give me a chance.  I want to live a healthy and active life.  I get really excited about hiking, camping, and other adventures.  The problem is that I still fall to my sin.  With patience and love though, I am more than a conqueror.

    There is a fact that I know is true about both of us.  God will use us both to change the world.  The passion I feel for Christ will be real and unwavering.  I know that wherever He takes me, I’ll be transforming lives.  If you want someone that is all about Jesus, who is madly in love with the King, then that’s me.  Our life will never be dull.  Every day I’ll find another reason to love you, to take care of you, or to learn from you.  I want to go everywhere and do everything.  I don’t want to look back and ever have regrets.  I know that my life is going to be full of adventure and you are the one that I want to share those adventures with.

    So, if I didn’t state it clearly before, this is a letter of love, also known as a love letter.  Maybe you’ll never receive another one in your life, or if you’re with me you’ll receive many more.  At least you can say that someone did give you one. Sometime, somewhere, someone loved you enough to put it all out there, into a letter (or email)…..

    So, that’s it. I used to worry about awkwardness between us, but that never happens.  I trust your judgment and I trust what God can do.

    "We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you.  There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours.  In return-I speak as to children- open wide your hearts also."

                                       2 Corinthians 6:11-12

     

    Affectionately,

    Donna

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  • 1 year ago
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• Why Why

  • From: Mander
  • Description:

    If you know me, you know that God is really stretching me and my relationships with other women. I have relationships with women of all ages some older and retired, some in their thirties, forties, and fifties, & some as young as middle school, but I feel there is something about "us" that just isn't right. And so I ask why? Why is it that we are not happy with our season of life? Why are so many women unhappy with who they are in this moment and may I add who God created them to be. Why do we always feel like we need to be a little bit more of this and a little bit less of that? Why do we always wish we were just a little bit further in life...Why do we always tell God when I get to this point things will be great...Why do we always say, "if I could just get married or just graduate or just have children or just pass this one class?" Why do we let Hollywood control our closets, our confidence, and who we wish we were? I am including myself when I ask why...but I still ask why? In my pursuit to find answers I now ask...What? What would it take for us to be happy with who we are in Christ? What would it take for us to rise up and show this generation...past generations...and generations to come that who you are is enough...? God will complete us if we would just let him...

    And so for the married woman smile because you have a husband and someone to love and cuddle with...even if you are not happy in your marriage or are going through a rough time let God get you through it. If things are good embrace them with thanksgiving to the God above... And so for the single woman embrace your singleness. Use this time as a time to do all the things you can't do once your married with children. Use this time to grow closer to God and to pray for the spouse that he has created for you...Spend time with your family and thank God for this time alone...one day your prince will come... And so for the dating woman ...marriage could be right around the corner use this time to grow close to God as a dating couple, so that it will naturally pour into your marriage...take the time to be alone and to embrace your relationship with Him...make Him your number one, and in that he will bless your relationship... And to all remember that although this world pictates love through fairy tales and happily ever afters that make you wish you could just have this or that...the grass is not greener on the otherside...in fact, your grass is as green as it comes...wake up to the amazing life you have been blessed with because even in the lowest of lows it could be worse...EMBRACE YOUR SEASON...Help others embrace theirs...Love this moment or at least start to try... In love, Mander

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  • 1 year ago
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• Shame Shame

  • From: kristincharles
  • Description:

    Shame takes on many forms, doesn't it?
    
    That memory you just can't shake
    The silent addiction
    A vacant left ring finger
    Ugly words
    Stolen purity
    Debt piled high
    
    For me, shame was written all over my body.
    
    Ever since I can remember, I've ignored warnings about the sun. I grew up going to the beach every weekend that I could - to read, surf the waves, and soak up the warmth. I life guarded and taught swimming lessons outside for years on end. I tanned to get ready for prom, just like any other high school senior.
    
    And for me it was more than getting a tan. I hated who I was without one. I could barely stand to look in the mirror. In the winter, I was one of those tan out of a cream bottle kinda people. You know, the rusty orange type. And then there were bronzers. I used them too and they were nasty. My face was a summer tan, my neck was a winter white, with a distinct line marking off the seasons. Yuck.
    
    At 34, I'm paying for it all. Biopsies every 6 months, stage 2 melanoma, and umpteen moles lobbed off. I always go in for routine checkups and they find just one more problem spot. Next week I go in for another excision of a precancerous area on my arm. It's a "hotspot for Melanoma," as my dermatologist says. Lovely.
    
    Anyway, I used to get all worked up over all this. Worried that I'm harboring cancer somewhere in my skin, worried that I wouldn't see my children grow up, worried for my parents' sake, worried that I wouldn't get to grow old with my best friend.
    
    I can't lie and say these are never concerns anymore, but they certainly aren't keeping me awake at night. The more I know of God, the more I know that He is good, and the more I am learning to accept His goodness - in whatever form He chooses to reveal it.
    
    It's not ironic to me that I was reading Psalm 73 when my dermatologist called last week. Verse 26 reads, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
    
    "My flesh may fail, " and that it has. "But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
    
    While I was processing the latest results, a fleeting thought almost found residence in my soul. "Your skin tells a story of your shame." The words were ugly and heartless and cruel. Immediately my eyes welled with tears. Sure there's shame in that I hated myself and I was desperate for the approval of others and I didn't know my worth in God. Sure there's shame in the addiction to outward appearance and the blind acceptance of our culture's obsession.
    
    But that's not the story that's read here. No sooner did I hear words that cut and condemned, I heard another take on those scars. In a quiet voice, God said, "Your skin tells a story of your Savior."
    
    My scars may have spoken of shame, but not anymore. Now they tell a story of redemption. Of God creating a new life within me that no longer seeks its own. Of God restoring beauty to a girl who couldn't stand to see her reflection. Of God healing wounds that were far deeper than what the eye could see.
    
    Shame only serves to perpetrate and oppress and annihilate. But Jesus came that we may have life and live that life to the fullest expression.
    
    My scars now tell a story of Jesus. And His is a story worth telling again and again.

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  • 1 year ago
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• Getting the Look You Always Wa Getting the Look You Always Wanted

  • From: Lee Ann
  • Description:

    I’ve been working out a lot lately.
    
    No it’s not some kind of pick up line. But in all seriousness, I have been. At least once a day I torture myself in some new way. Whether it be in the form of yoga(which is HARD if your doing it right) or running.
    
    Onetime, while I was pushing myself too hard while running and I wondered to myself, “Why am I doing this!?” My rib felt like it had been snapped and was sticking out my side. I felt like I pulled a muscle. My hip was screaming for my to stop. I had lost feeling in my quads a few minutes ago.
    
    My immediate response was… "Duh to get healthy." But I thought about I and that's not the reason. It was for the mere results. To get the "look".
    
    A few days later I was fumbling around in my Bible and came across 1 Peter 3.
    
    1Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, 6like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
    
    I’ve grown up in the church and I have heard this plenty of times. We are not to let our “adorning” be in external things.  For some reason I hear when I hear adorn I think of Christmas trees and really huge gaudy earrings. Which I am neither a Christmas tree and I don’t consider myself to be too gaudy. But I like a good gold earring now and again.
    
    So, my sense of worth, and value should not come from material things. They are all burning and perishing. But as I thought about the thought of the temporality of everything I realized that my body is included in this. That doesn't mean I can treat it like crap, and shovel Bon-Bons in my mouth because, hey I’m gonna turn to ash in the end. But when it becomes something that I put my self worth, when it becomes an obsession … its becomes perverted and corrupt.
    
    “Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. “

    
    But notice it says, "INSTEAD”, it should be that of your inner self. The only type of beauty that wont fade is the beauty of your spirit, one of gentleness and a quiet spirit.  Which I have neither. I am quite loud sometimes and when I disagree with something, I’m going to let you know. Gentleness is also something that I don’t have, I can sometimes be a little too blunt and harsh too.
    
    But also, these women put their hope in something that was eternal. For this is the way of the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.
    
    Holy women of the past like Deborah, the really kick-A prophetess that helped lead Israel, Esther, that woman was brave, and Ruth, man talk about patience.
    
    Where is your hope?
    
    Is it in school? The future? The hope of a future husband?
    
    It should be invested in that of GOD and GOD alone. He should be the thing that I long for, dream of and yearn for.
    
    Im going to be blatantly honest.
    
    That's not were I am sometimes. My hope is in the future of an awesome job working with a magazine, changing the world one story at a time. My hope is also holding out for a great man to sweep me off my feet and carry me away from the loneliness in my head.
    
    But what if … neither of those is what God has in store for me? What then?
    
    Is all of my hope gone?
    
    That is why it should be invested in God alone, because He is the only SURE thing in this world.
    
    Then here is the whammy…
    
    “As Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening."
    
    We are to have no fear. Because our hope is in Christ, we KNOW HE prevails, we know He protects. We are SO rooted into who He is, we fear nothing.
    
    Why is this so hard for me to do? Im anxious about everything.
    
    God,
    
    How I long to be like the daughters of Sarah in their fearless ways. My help me cultivate my inner beauty. Teach me to lay my hope in you and nothing else. Let me not be anxious about anything God.
    
    Oh I long to be the woman of Wisdom of Proverbs. Full of inner beauty, wisdom, strength and yet willingly submissive to her Husband.
    
    Please change me.
    
    -Amen
    
    
    

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  • 1 year ago
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• Human Trafficking Human Trafficking

  • From: kate cremisino
  • Description:

    The truth is starting to peak out from under the covers. As patrons flocked to theatres last fall, rock stars used their celebrity status for good, and the truth is spilling into the streets. The recent documentary, Call + Response, exposes the dirty laundry of the world: Slavery still exists, and it’s ugly.

     

    In an article by Kathryn Hawkins it was reported that, “In India, children as young as five are forced to spend their days from 5 AM until midnight weaving carpets by hand, with no access to the outside world. In Sudan, more than 11,000 people have been abducted since 1983; most of them are now enslaved by Northern Arabic militia groups. More than 35,000 young girls—and sometimes boys—are forced into prostitution in Thailand, where they often become infected with the HIV virus, and die within just a few years. And even the United States isn’t innocent: a recent report estimates that around 10,000 people have been illegally smuggled into the U.S. to work as slaves.”

     

    What some undercover agents, social workers, International Justice Mission staff, and missionaries have known for ages, has now reached the tipping point and brought awareness to the common citizen. Something like 27 million slaves exist in the world today. Some of it’s forced labor, some of its forced prostitution, and much of it falls under the umbrella of  human trafficking- taking one against their will and trafficking them like common goods, all for a little something we call a quick buck.

     

    Little girls in hidden brothels become nothing more than a number as local men and foreigners take their pick. Love146.org reports that, “Often, captors will threaten, beat and starve new recruits to condition them for the fate that awaits: sex with multiple customers every day. Eventually this abuse ‘breaks’ the children. They learn to force a smile for the pedophiles, sex tourists and others that frequent their establishments.” Who could possibly be responsible for putting innocent kids in this situation? It’s a tricky issue. Poverty and a need to survive place families in a tempting situation: Shelter and food in return for selling themselves and their children in work. And the cycle continues as little girls grow up without knowing any differently, and poverty hasn’t left them. The unfathomable becomes acceptable. There is also the kidnapping avenue, where children or adults are promised jobs in neighboring countries, only to discover their papers are taken and they find themselves trapped in a commonly inescapable position.

     

    I can remember walking through Thailand with my family after a meal out in town. We were vacationing, and I was 12. A man lingering on the side of a building called out to my dad as we walked by, “I like your daughter.” I didn’t really understand what that meant. I thought maybe he a brazen local who was just complimenting me. Dad kept us walking on by. I didn’t know then the suggestive darkness that lay behind that comment.

     

    Then there is forced labor. Meet Iqbal Masih, a boy who, at the age of four, was sold into bonded labor at a carpet factory in Pakistan. Kathryn Hawkins writes, “For six years, he was forced to work 12-hour days in a dark room, tied in place to the carpet loom he worked on. He was never permitted to go outside, and was fed so little that he looked like a boy half his age.” At some point, he ran away to hear a speech by the Bonded Labor Liberation Front, when he decided to take a risk. He did not return to his job and became an activist instead. But his story didn’t have a happy ending. He was tragically killed at the age of 12. Why? It is believed the “Carpet Mafia” was behind the murder plot in order to keep knowledge of the whole industry to a mum. Read more here. http://www.razoo.com/articles/Five_Former_Slaves

     

    Become a modern-day abolitionist

    I recently attended a Human Trafficking Awareness Conference in Denver. The message: You can get involved and be a part of the solution. So the typical question is raised, “This is a huge problem! What can I possibly do to help?” The first simple answer is awareness. Spread the word. Movements start when the voice of the people is raised. Research and share what you find out with your community, your church, your workplace. So then what?

     

    A few weeks ago my house church gathered to discuss this issue. Someone asked the question, “What can we do?” Our guest speaker, Greg Althoff, who went to Cambodia to work on a documentary, answered it best, “I know it seems overwhelming, but hey, we can each use what we are good at to be a small part of the large, complex solution. I am good at art and web design, so something I want to do is make a networking site for people working on this issue,” (my paraphrase). A light bulb went on. We each can contribute something. It is easy to get overwhelmed at enormous problems, especially when they feel far from home, but in reality, each small effort we make combines to make a huge global impact.

     

    Ross Kauffman and Zana Briski did their part, winning an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, Born into Brothels. This eye-opening film follows Briski around the red light district of Calcutta, as she teaches a group of brothel-born children the art of photography. The film allows us to see the dark corners of their dank and volatile life, while showing us the glimmering spirit of childhood that peeks through.

     

    Two friends of mine are currently doing their small part for change-participating in an intensive bike ride through Cambodia to raise funds for the Futures ’09 Project for the Somaly Mam Foundation. This is a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting the sex-trafficking industry- all started by Somaly, a formerly trafficked woman herself who now helps rescue, house and educate former sex-workers. Somaly published a book and has recently gained world-wide recognition for her efforts.

     

    Can’t travel that far? A friend of mine, Jesse Marble, along with friends began BuyWell Fair Trade Coffee. Some local women here threw together a Human Trafficking Awareness Conference. My friends Matt and Molly stopped shopping at stores that support sweat-shop labor. Some of my house church family posted a helpline phone number around downtown for trafficked prostitutes to call.

     

    There are millions of stories, millions of tears, millions of people awaiting rescue. With our help happy endings are beginning to pop up all over the place. Be a part of the rescue and recovery plan. Pay attention to the clothes, sugar and coffee you buy. Know where your shoes are made. Buy fair-trade goods. Be aware of the people around you. Blog about the issue. Raise funds. Host movie nights for documentary viewings. Volunteer. Pray. Go give your life away to save the lives of others. As Shane Claiborne says, be a part of the solution you are crying out for. There is no time like now.

     

     

     

    More Resources:

    Polaris Project- http://www.polarisproject.org/

    International Justice Mission- http://ijm.org

    Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking- http://www.castla.org

    Shared Hope International- http://www.sharehope.org

    Somaly Mam Foundation- http://www.somaly.org

    US Association of International Migration- http://www.usaformigrants.org

     

    Buying Guide

    http://store.madebysurvivors.com/ Goods Made by Survivors of Human Trafficking

    http://www.globalexchange.org/index.html Global Exchange Fair Trade

    http://www.fairtradefederation.org  Fair Trade Federation

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  • 1 year ago
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• Crazy Weird Timing Crazy Weird Timing

  • From: kristincharles
  • Description:
    I've been trudging out to the mailbox for 5 months now. Every day, with kids in tow, in calf-deep snow and in freezing rain.
    
    Normally I never check the mail. Neither does my husband for that matter. And the mail carrier, I'm pretty sure, totally hates us. Cause she stuffs and crams and rearranges and stuffs some more till she gets every last phone bill and pizza coupon to fit. She really is the woman. And we're mail checking delinquents. But anyway, back to why I've been checking religiously.
    
    On September 11th, we received a heart breaker from one of our youth group's Compassion children, Ruth, informing us that her mom had passed away. Within 10 days, our incredible students pooled together 300 dollars, the maximum gift we could give Ruth's family. Ever since then, I've been waiting for a letter.
    
    And we've had letters. Lots of letters from Ruth, in fact. But not that letter. Not that one. Till yesterday.
    
    The kicker? Yesterday was my birthday. I've been waiting 5 months for one letter and I got it on my birthday. Thing is, I'm not huge on birthdays, but there isn't anything I've wanted more than this letter. And I got a picture to boot.
    
    Ruth's family was able to take a special shopping trip to Alto City with the donated money. They bought food and furniture - a bookcase, pots, a kettle, pans, spoons, knives, forks, cups, blankets, a bed-cover, rice, sugar, potatoes, flour, more sugar (I take it she likes sugar - that's our girl), oil, and sneakers for all her siblings.
    
    "When I got your gift, all I do was cry." Ruth thanks us over and over and asks God to bless us. It confounds me that she asks God to bless us more - when we've already been given riches. Even more amazing is that our girl who has almost nothing has given us so much in her life, her letters, her love for Jesus.
    
    You can't tell me that this was an accident, perchance, crazy luck - that we would receive her letter yesterday. Cause I would say this is the work of a God who takes great delight in His children. A God who quiets with His love. A God who rejoices over us with singing.
    
    By means of a letter from a child in Bolivia.
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  • 1 year ago
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• Needing a Cigarette Fix Needing a Cigarette Fix

  • From: jamiebg
  • Description:

    My friend, Joseph, said once "You never really quit smoking. It's just been a long time since the last cigarette." He indicated he could pick up the bad habit without hesitation, but he chooses not to - good call.
    
    Addictions are hairy things. When I look at my own life, there's hardly anything I couldn't live without - really nothing. Except this:
    
    It's not really the bed I need. (Although, the high thread count sheets and fluffy down duvet are nothing to scoff at.) It's sleep. I crave it in a way that rivals a heroin addict hankering for a hit. And not just a little bit of sleep. A lot of it. I slept 9.5 hours just last night and could have gone 2-3 more hours, easy breezy. The phone is off, the room is dark, and the temperature hovers at 64. All in attempts to keep me on that heavenly high just a tad longer.
    
    I can make it through long days, just by repeating the mantra "You'll get to sleep late on Saturday." I plan my schedule for meetings that start at 10am and brunches that take place at noon in order to feed my habit. On Sundays, I wake up extra early for Jesus, say "Hi" and then immediately think "I can't wait for my Sunday nap." I can prompt instant hyperventilation at the very thought of birthing children who will hatefully steal my drug of choice. I walk fast, talk fast, type fast, eat fast, and watch TV fast to support the theory: Get more done while awake, sleep even longer.
    
    Some of you might say "I'm sleeping the day away" or "You have a problem."
    
    I say "Stick it."

    Read more random chases at jamiebg.blogspot.com.
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  • 1 year ago
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• anyone else tired of the octup anyone else tired of the octuplets?

  • From: edk
  • Description:

    Just when I thought the super drama surrounding the mom-who-had-more-kids-than-everyone-knows-she-should-have was fizzling away I saw yet another disturbing piece of media on the television this morning. Her and her mother sitting on a couch arguing. Wow. Why is that remotely newsworthy or of any value for that matter?

    Before I go on, I think I should point out a few points regarding this whole scenerario that are blatantly obvious:

    • a doctor practiced outside of ethical boundaries
    • a woman made poor decisions regarding the health (defined in numerous ways) of herself and her children
    • the aforementioned woman's mother has acted as an enabler for far too long
    • the general public is taking the whole situation FAR to personally

    Beyond all this (and I know not everyone agrees with the above points) I think we need to look at our society, and I mean really look at it, and decide if we should really be as surprised and horrified about this situation as we love to be.

    This is not the first instance of a woman having children without a second glance as to how she will support them. We basically live in a welfare state and this one woman, no matter how big of a media magnet she may be, is not even close to being the root cause. I personally have a hard time believing that if the country wasn't in the financial state that it is in, this story would even have gotten as big as it has, going so far as to broadcast family banter and use the mother of multiples as a scapegoat for how careless we all have become with our assets.

    I also find how quick we are to judge this woman's choices a little hypocritical. In a country where we pushed and shoved to get a woman complete and utter control over her body in any situation and circumstance to the point that federal dollars can help pay for whatever choice she decides to make, how can we then deny another woman these same rights, just because we realize how costly those choices can be? Afterall, it is her body and we do not legislate morality.

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  • 1 year ago
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• Be like this child Be like this child

  • From: tara lamont
  • Description:

    Every now and again, I experience a phenomenon of words chasing me. In this case, its a scripture from the book of Matthew in the Bible. Here below is the text that I find myself being drawn to again and again.
    

    Matthew 18
    The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven
    1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
    
    2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
    
    5"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.

    
    
    Why on earth would Jesus ask his followers to become like little children? I remember reading in the book "Speaking of Faith" by writer, Krista Tippet and her comment on this scripture.
    
    
    She said something like, 'I laugh every time I think of Jesus telling us to be humble like little children. I'm a parent and humble isn't what come to mind first when I think of how children behave.'
    
    Children are present, they live in the moment, and aren't afraid to try new things. Children are honest, they are trusting and wide eyed at the world around them.
    
    My great nephew came over to my house this last weekend and had a great visit. He played with action figures with my son, played tag with my daughter and by the end of the afternoon was content to wander into my kitchen and say, "Can I have a ba ba?"
    
    My great nephew is three and in that stage of transition from diapers to big boy pants, but every now and then he loves to have one ba ba to relax with in the afternoon.
    
    I smiled at him and said, "I'm sorry little guy, but I don't have any ba ba's at my house anymore."
    
    He was shocked. "No ba ba's?", he replied with hie eyes wide. "No, sorry. There are no ba ba' here."
    
    The next day I found out that when Eli went to his Grandma's house, he was still wide eyed to the fact we had not bottles at our home. He told her, "Granma, there are no ba ba's at Cunkle Iron's house!" (Cunkle Iron is Eli for Uncle Ian) I find it interesting that what Eli found so amazing, I never would have even noticed. Children notice things that as adults, we often miss or would never consider.
    
    I learned something else from my great nephew that afternoon. While he was shocked that there were no bottles of milk at my house, he wasn't angry at me. He didn't take out a disappointment on me or anyone else. He learned the fact, it surprised him, and then he went back to happily playing with action figures in the living room. He moved on with his day without any effort or regret.
    
    Jesus is brilliant in his teaching us to become like a child. While children are unpredictable, excitable, and all the adjectives that can be used to describe them; they are tiny reflections of ourselves. Except their actions and living is much more in the moment. Children are very good at living a fluid and aware existence. Children are great teachers to those who have forgotten how to live in the current moment.
    
    Life may have disappointments, like Eli and no ba ba's when visiting your Uncle's house. We can choose to sulk or we can choose to roll with what life hands us and move on. My nephew is great at moving on to the next adventure with his eyes wide open and filled with wonder. That is a lesson that I can learn from him, a humble child. He is the best teacher.
    
    
    Eli the summer of 2007 - I call this photo "Welcome Wagon" For the record, he does have a diaper on. :)

    
    Questions to ponder:
    
    How can living more in the present help me in living?
    What are some aspects of living more like a child that you'd like or dislike?
    Think of yourself as a child. Are there any ways of working out problems that your childlike self could solve?
    Is it easier to live like a child or an adult?
    Jesus is quick to place himself in the same place as a child, a place of humility and powerlessness. Can I do this as easily?

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  • 1 year ago
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• We were all created equal... We were all created equal...

  • From: jenlpotter
  • Description:

    Yesterday I experienced two separate happenings that at the time stood alone in their meaning but at the end of the day I had to ask God if he was trying to make me understand something about these two experiences. The first was while I was working the beloved drive thru in Starbucks world. On a daily basis I see very strange things, very sad things and very funny things. It is part of what I enjoy about the job, watching people and the things they do. But yesterday for the first time I was deeply saddened.  

    This lady came to the window to order he coffee and while she was polite she had a very familiar scent about her. One that smelled very similar to "I am better than you" or "you are not really a person behind the window just a thing that gives me my coffee". As always though, I shrugged it off and was nice to her not thinking much of it until, she started handing me hand-fuls of trash. She apparently "doesn't like paper in her car" , and felt as though the appropriate way to handle this would be to give all of her trash to the young, "working class" girl at the window. So she hands be one handful and then follows it up with a sticky, germy, "fun-dip" stick with powder left on it from the last tongue that licked it. I wanted to say no but I couldn't think quick enough and before I knew I was holding this slobbery left over candy in my hand. She drove away and I stood astounded that someone would actually expect that I should throw this away for them. Now don't get me wrong, I do not think I am above throwing away trash for people, in fact I do it all the time but this lady pushed me over the edge. She made me feel as though I was nothing but the young working class girl behind the counter who really doesn't have any feelings anyways. I didn't think much about this situation. I just brushed it off and got on with my day after laughing it off with my beloved co-workers.

    Later that night my husband and I had some left over birthday money and decided we would go out to dinner. We didn't have much money because we are in job transitions right now and are doing everything we can to save. So, it felt like a big deal to go out and we were really excited to try a new restaurant that had been recommended to us. I felt like a giddy little girl excited to go out with the cute boy in her math class. We get to the restaurant and are really excited about the unique atmosphere and yummy looking menu. The restaurant was filled with people in business clothes, the majority slightly more dressed up than us but not enough to make us feel uncomfortable. The hostess seats us and never makes eye contact with us and is slightly stand-offish but we don't think much of it. We are greeted by our waiter and we order waters, as always since we don't drink and aren't big soft drink fans. The waiter says he will be back in a few minutes to take our order. So we wait. And wait. And wait. Still no waiter. We see him multiple times wandering by our table but he never looks at us or says anything. The restaurant was mildly busy but he seemed to be taking his time and not too busy. We are patient thinking he will come soon but then he sits at a table right behind us and begins to chat with a co-worker and he never gets back up. By this time it has been over 20 minutes that we have waited to place our order and we quickly begin to understand the we are not going to get waited on. Mulitple servers pass our table and never say anything. We quietly put our coats back on and leave the restaurant slightly confused.

    This has never happened to me before and as we ponder the situation we come to the realization that we probably didn't get waited on because he assumed he would not get a good tip off our waters and burgers. We were younger and not as nicely dressed as the others in the restaurant and we were evidently not welcome there. I fight back tears as we walk back to our car. I cannot understand why my husband and I don't have the right to go out to dinner at a restaurant of our choosing and get waited on just like those around us.  I suddenly feel not good enough and am reminded of what happened at the drive thru window earlier that day. I can't believe that twice in one day I am treated differently based on my class and age. My heart breaks. 

    I begin to think how hurtful these instances were and I am overwhelmed with compassion for the people who face this treatment as a lifestyle. I can't imagine how people live their daily lives being treated differently based on their financial status, race, ethnicity, age or gender. I begin to thank God that I am 22 to years old and this is the first time I have ever had treatment like this. 

    Today at work I made sure that I made eye contact with every customer and I smiled at every person I saw. I suddenly wanted to do everything I could to not allow anyone to think that I would treat them any differently than the person next to them. We are all God's children and he created each and everyone of us and we would should all be treated with love and respect no matter who we are or what we do. 

    I am now thankful for this experience, as frustrating and as hurtful as it was. Sometimes it takes experiencing something in order to be compassionate about those who experience it. I think God wanted to open my eyes to just one reality in the world we live in. 

    I am more thankful today that I belong to God's kingdom and that no one can make me feel worth nothing because to my Father in Heaven I am worth everything. (and so are you ;-)   )

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  • 1 year ago
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• Peeling Back the Bandaids Peeling Back the Bandaids

  • From: Lee Ann
  • Description:

    I never really got to jump on trampolines a lot.
    
    When I was little my father was very strict about things. While other children bounced happily on trampolines, I sat on the grass twiddling my thumbs. My dad is a doctor and said says that he has seen his fair share of mangled arms due to trampoline accidents. 
    
    I don’t remember ever remember falling off a bicycle, scrapping up my knees or doing many other normal kid things when I was. My dad was great about keeping me from things like that. I was so afraid of getting hurt that I don’t have many adventurous memories.
    
    Over the past year, I have begun to live the “dangerous” life of biking and long boarding. This new hobby, of course, has lead to a few bumps and bruises.
    
    After an unfortunate, and mostly brash, incident with my long board, I now have a scar that runs along my left elbow down my arm. Its weird coloring has yet to fade.
    
    I tried to hide my scar, embarrassed by my mistake and foolishness. A lot of my guy friends think that it’s, “wicked cool.” But anytime I look at the scar I’m reminded of the instance of how it happened. It’s almost a warning to watch what I’m doing, that maybe next time it might result in a broken bone, or even a cracked skull.
    
    I feel like we also have other scars deep on our hearts that people can’t see. Scars that guys wont compliment on. Deep hurting wounds that scab and sometimes get busted open and begin to hurt again.
    
    Scars from friends or parents who have made one too jests at you. Maybe a scar from a really bad romantic relationship or a bad break up. There may be even self-inflicted scars of self-hate.
    
    But we do such a great job at hiding these scars because we are embarrassed. Many people are fooled into think that we have our lives and relationships together. But deep inside we have ugly, disfigured hearts that others can’t see.
    
    The thing about wounds is that sometimes in order to heal them you have to put some sort of medicine on them. Sometimes that medicine isn’t always cherry flavored, but instead can sting and bring tears.
    
    There is one Great Physician that can cure all things. One Great Redeemer gathering all things to Him. His salve can mend every scar and cut.
    
    Sometimes we have to endure the pain of healing in order to get over these scars. Christ needs to get his hands deep inside and to gather up the infection and heal us completely and wholly. So then when we see our scars, we remember not our mistake. But we remember Jesus, who healed us.
    
    Maybe this Valentine’s Day you need to peel back the bandages of your heart and ask Jesus to heal the scars that keep getting reopened.  Rather than being bitter about your singleness, and that jerk boyfriend you had, spend time with God and ask Him to heal you.

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  • 1 year ago
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• Follow Your Discontent Follow Your Discontent

  • From: niki.mangan
  • Description:

    For the past few weeks, I have had a phrase haunting my heart and urging me forward into a place I do not know. An idea has been whispered to my soul, and it is making me uncomfortable and afraid. I am a creature of hesitancy, and I do not like to walk where I cannot see, because when I cannot see, there is a chance that I may be hurt or stretched or lost. I am fickle with commitments to leadership, and I hate to be uncomfortable. And yet, in the midst of my attempt to keep myself unchallenged and out of responsibility, I feel a growing sense of conviction that is expressing itself through unignorable discontent. And in those moments of unmotivated, discouraged idleness, I hear something that is beautiful, unpleasant, moving, wonderful, and confusing all at once.
        “Follow your discontent.”
        I often find such abstract and vague statements to be truly inspirational but not very helpful in and of themselves, because they offer no direction and tell me that there are choices to be made. Follow my discontent? Where?
        “Wherever it takes you.”
        We all face the responsibility of leading our lives. No longer children, voices we once heard saying, “Do this, go here, avoid this,” are now saying, “You choose,” and while that is liberating, it is also deeply terrifying, because when we choose, there is no one else responsible. The successes and failures that happen in our lives will be, for the most part, the results of our actions and decisions. And the decisions are unending. Where do I work? How do I get involved? Where do I go? What do I invest my time in? Who do I invest my time in? How do I manage my time? What value will I give to money? How will I express and be an example of love today and forever?
        Everyone knows Ghandi’s famous words, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” They are really motivating words, quite worthy of their fame. I hear these words and I nod and think to myself, “Wow, that is so good. If only more people would take this to heart!” However, I myself have never truly taken this to heart. If I had, my life would be drastically different from what it is now. And when I consider the concept from a more personal perspective, I seem to take it in with a lot more weight and dread. The responsibility becomes much more real.
        “Be the change you want to see in your world, your life.”
        Everyone wishes they had better, easier, more satisfying circumstances. Everyone thinks they would do more with their lives if only they had more to go off of–more money, more time, more energy, more talent. I get so frustrated with people who think this way, but I realize that live with this mindset, too. I want to be passionate, loving, respectable, and influential. I want to love God, live in discipline, pray faithfully and expectantly, and have God speak through me. But what do I do to make these dreams my reality? Nothing. I stand inside my discontent and either complain or lay crushed by fear of failure and judgment. I wait for someone else to make me happy. I wait for someone to admire and support, someone to follow. I wait for the chance to do nothing and receive much. However, I am finding that my waiting is in vain. God has something much more difficult and much more purposeful planned for my life.
        Today, I feel my weak and timid heart struggling to do what it should. My spirit yearns to break through my own laziness, doubt, and selfishness. But sin’s hold on me is so strong. I can acknowledge that, and it hurts deeply. I fall short every time I try to stand by my own strength. And I always will. However, I do believe, through all that I feel, that God has given or will give me all that I need in order to become who I should be, because God does not have a plan for me that is unreachable. I believe that someday, soon, I will find, through Him, the ways to “follow my discontent” in such a way that I might chase it passionately and fervently until I find myself acting and not just thinking, leading instead of wishing for leadership, serving instead of simply feeling sad for the needs around me, and truly living instead of watching the days pass. I believe that, although some level of discontent should always be present to push me continually forward, there will be a day in which I may be satisfied with how God has brought me through these dark waters and into light.
        This is a step forward. This is me acknowledging my discontent and taking responsibility of it. Although today I still feel directionless, I also feel there is One who will, in perfect timing, point me in the right direction.

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  • 1 year ago
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• (Well-Side) Lamentations (Well-Side) Lamentations

  • From: annamariehope
  • Description:

    I'm a missionary form london currently posted in california. I have found myself, through the years, as a child of missionaries, drifting from country to country, church to church. A member of a global community and yet a dweller of none.

    This year saw me turning 30 in the USA. About as far away from my sparse handful of girl-friends as I could ever be. Enter mid-life crisis of severe proportions and eatingdisorder-anxiety-depression relapses. I was heartbroken. I lamented.

    No husband in sight, no children, no 'real' friends, no hope?
    
    Much like Krista's blog entitled "Meet Me at the well", I too, have made the decision that my hope awaits me at the location of the well.

    That my relationship with Jesus must be/IS sufficient for me in this stage of my life. And that my struggles, though significant for me, are not nearly the size and capacity of others that i intercede for daily. I try hard to cultivate gratitude - I am grateful - but i also acknowledge my heart.

    You see, I love Jesus with all my heart. His sacrifice for me so I could enter into relationship with my Father is the greatest gift anyone could ever give me. It inspires me, drives me, makes me want nothing but to go throughout the world proclaiming His gospel for all to hear and see.

    And when i examine it, I truly 'want for nothing'. I have no possesions. Only myself.

    I see my life as a missionary - this delicate calling - as a beautiful letter being written from the Father to His daughters, through me. I am humbled, honored, that he would ever think to send me.

    And yet, I long....

    In the stillness of my bed at night, I look up and wonder which stars my future-husband sees when he lifts his own eyes? I whisper a prayer for him, shyly, embarrassed that i think so much of when we'll meet. I wonder how his life will mesh with mine, how we will ever meet when i travel so frequently and have nothing of substance to my name or person?

    Only Christ.

    As I lay there, contemplating, lamenting how things could/should/maybe never-would be, I realize that I am not alone. That someone else is beside me.

    His presence cannot always be seen, but it can always be felt. He doesn't compete with my thoughts for my attention. Instead, he waits patiently for me to turn my face and see. And when I am brave enough, stop long enough to open my eyes,

    He offers me a drink.

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  • 1 year ago
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• Meet me at the well Meet me at the well

  • From: Krista
  • Description:

    Taking a look this website for the first time since my magazine subscription was cancelled even before it began, I scan the titles of some of the featured articles on display and am taken aback at the synchronicity of the messages of these articles to my life right now.  (I love run-on sentences, too by the way).  I feel lately as if I am lamenting for being in a sorry state of solitude, where I am craving nothing but friendship in a seeming desert of close friendlessness sprinlkled with oasises of aquaintances.  And to top it off, my maternal longings are getting stronger day by day, and with the possibility of children gracing my future hopefully in the next couple years comes the question of whether or not stay at home motherhood is an appropriate route to take.  

    I'm in one of those phases of my life that I know years, and decades from now I will look back and laugh about how young and naive I was.  How I thought not having the close bonds of female friendship, and feeling like I didn't even seem to have to skills to form such close bonds was the absolute end of the world.  How the pain of loneliness seemed so palpable.  The joy of worship seemed dim compared to the reality that my husband wasn't beside me to share in the joy, but instead, working a shift that was only three days a week, but the wrong three days.  I know years and decades from now, I will look back on all of this with triumph.  I know this kind of suffering is small compared to other kinds of suffering in this world.  But I also know that it more often than not feels so much bigger than anything I could imagine going through.  Shyness is my cancer, my poverty, my...yoke.

    So, for a split second, after reading those titles, I felt like I was being mocked.  But, I realize as I read further, I have a lot to learn.  Solitude isn't a bad thing.  Solitude could probably be a wonderful time to lament freely to God in a way that is broader and more fullfilling than self-pity.  As lament gives way to worship, real, honest worship that is rooted in a history shared with God, instead of kept from God, I can begin to draw more deeply from the well of friendship, starting with the most fundamental friendship I can have in this life and the next.  Meet me at the well. 

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• PerfectLove

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