As I sit here about to write, Cageless Birds plays over my headphones and I can’t help but share their beautiful words that speak so close to my heart.
“Standing on the shore of decision, looking into the face of adventure. Desire to abandon all I know. What pushes me is rooted somewhere between misunderstanding and knowing. Knowing that what I want to understand is not within my reach, so I ponder my escape. Not knowing what lies ahead. Adventure in theory is, is full of excitement and bleeds with passion for life. Adventure in reality is full of breathless moments, silent nights, and wounds that leave scars of memory on a heart.
Can I go the distance? Can I give all my mind to get what the messenger is saying? Can I surrender my knowing? Will I survive the humility of ignorance to obtain a treasure that earthly gold cannot buy? Will I ask the question of honesty, even if the answer leads me to the land of repentance?
All of these thoughts flood my mind. As I stand on the shore of choosing and in the distance of my wandering I see with clear eyes a flock of wild beautiful birds. Swooping clearly in my direction, as if they see me and are coming for me. And how strange it is that their eyes are full of clarity. And the melody of their flapping wings sings out, ‘We are coming for you’.
A song is waking up. Wake up, songbird. We want to hear your melodies. Songbird, wake up. Start singing. You’re not in your cage anymore, bound by your shame anymore, the walls that held you in prison, the gate is flung wide open. Start singing cageless bird.”
It’s been a whole four months since a blog of mine has been more than an attempt. Four months ago I was looking into the face of adventure not knowing what lay ahead.
It has been an amazing journey full of both ups and downs, laughter and tears, as well as many goodbyes and hellos. A journey that has brought mending to a heart that didn’t know it needed alteration and a walk of realizing the fullness of God’s calling.
Before I knew it our month in India came to an end and while my squad and I packed our bags to head to Nepal the people of that nation were having the earth shake beneath them.
Nine days after the devastating earthquake my squad and I arrived in Katmandu having no idea what to expect but humbled to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a nation suffering.
We have spent the week walking through the streets of Katmandu-taking in the destruction, handing out food and water, and talking, listening, and praying with the people here.
Yesterday at a local church I had the privilege to meet Sugeem. As I sat with him he spoke these words I will never forget.
“When the earthquake came I was scared, I was really scared. My house has cracks but I’m okay and my family is okay. I know my life is a gift given to me by the Lord so I will praise Him.”
Oh sweet boy, you are so so right. What a great reminder you are for me of God’s great love and promises.
And then this 13 year old boy along with the congregation who just weeks ago had the earth shake beneath them and their world around them fall into pieces with outstretched hands sang
“For we trust in our God
And through His unfailing love
WE WILL NOT BE SHAKEN
WE WILL NOT BE SHAKEN
WE WILL NOT BE SHAKEN
Though the battle rages
We will stand in the fight
Though the armies rise up against us on all sides
WE WILL NOT BE SHAKEN
WE WILL NOT BE SHAKEN
WE WILL NOT BE SHAKEN
For in the hour of our darkest day
We will not tremble, we won’t be afraid
Hope is rising like the light of dawn
Our God is for us He has overcome
All those against Him will fall
For our God is stronger
He can do all things
No higher name we can call
For Jesus is greater
We can do all things”
Tomorrow we head to Sindupalchok {one of the most affected villages}. Keep us in your prayers as we spend the week building churches and homes. More importantly, that we may bring the hope that is found in the Lord to the people living amidst this destruction and share with them the truth of Isaiah 54:10
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
Thank you Jesus for your love and the peace that is found in you. That in the face of chaos and tragedy we have a Father we can cling and cry out to.
