Take a look at these pictures, do you see similarities?
(Photo cred: Holden Hargrave)
Yes, lions are pretty and so are all of those people but that’s not quite the answer I was looking for.
I want to tell you a story about power and influence. It’s hard to see it at first glance through just a picture, but after watching it unravel in person, it is hard to NOT see it in that picture when I look at it.
South Africa was amazing. One of my favorite months on the race thus far and it’s because of those pictures above.
I had the opportunity to go on a safari recently during our debrief (It was amazing!). We saw this lion and a couple of other ones. I have to say this was my first lion encounter. LOOK AT HIM! Isn’t he just so majestic and beautiful to look at?
There is just something special about being in the presence of lions. You can’t stop looking at them because of their beauty; however, you are fearful (not in a bad way) at the same time, as you see their mouths open wide and HUGE teeth glisten in the sun back at you. You wait in anxious anticipation for a powerful roar to come out simultaneously. They are mighty big animals but walk with such grace and tenderness. You understand the magnitude of their power by watching them interact with their environment…
A heard of wildebeest were minding their own business when all of a sudden they came to a screeching halt and standing attention, yes military style, after realizing they were in the presence of a lion. There was no question that they had a healthy fear and respect for the lion. Luckily the lion wasn’t looking for a feast that day. He walked by the heard gracefully and continued on his own journey. The wildebeests were grateful to keep their lives. They demonstrated submission and humility by bowing their heads and closely following behind the lion. They seemed to have a healthy fear but mutual respect for their powerful leader, the lion.
Yes I would love to go into the beautiful analogy of God here but that was not my intended purpose of this blog. My purpose was to share the similarities of that lion with every single person in that picture. From Richard and Kemi (our host from South Africa), to every member of the House of Wells staff, to every single one of my teammates and even the children of House of Wells that are not pictured here.
Let me start with Richard and Kemi. They were two of the most powerful and influential people I have ever met working for the Kingdom of God. They walked out a living daily testimony for the Lord. It was beautiful. They walked by faith, not by sight. They prayed without ceasing, sometimes, actually more times than not, ending up in a holy roar. They were fearless leaders that walked by example. The fruit that they bear was apparent in every aspect of their lives. They spoke truth in love. Their life, actions, words, and faith made me stop abruptly and look up in attention, just like those wildebeest. I had a healthy fear and respect for them. I wanted more of what they had. I am so grateful they played a part of this journey for me.
The staff at House of Wells that had come alongside Richard and Kemi lived very similar lives. They were fearless, bold and passionate individuals. They loved ferociously. They had laid down their lives to serve our Lord with all of their heart, mind and soul. They radiated beauty inside and out. They taught with such authority. They stopped you in your tracks and made you look up in attention. They made you excited for what the Lord was about to do through them. The Lords power and authority was so present in each of their lives.
The House of Well kids…WOW. Never have I ever seen hundreds of kids so obedient and passionate for the Lord. The presence of the Lord was so evident in the kids life. They were hungry for more and they knew where to find it.
(Photo cred: Victoria Dokter)
And last but certainly not least…I can’t leave this blog without talking about those six other women that have stood by my side for the past six months. We started as Team “Meek and Mighty”, which I actually think is incredibly accurate, and transformed into Team “Eden.”
I had a word from God that I prayed over our team prior to leaving for the race which was we were going to “humble servants and mighty warriors for the kingdom of God.” It took a while for us to come together and live up to that but we eventually did with such power, love and joy. They are the most unique and beautifully designed women I have had the chance to spend time with. Yes, we all have our pitfalls and blindspots but these women are powerhouses. They are atmosphere changers. They have grown and continue to grow into mighty warriors for the Kingdom of God. It wasn’t always easy and we didn’t always get along but I can honestly say I love these women with all my heart. I am very proud of the growth they have had and I can’t wait to see the growth to come. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I can’t wait to watch people stop in attention to see and hear what these women have to say.
There is one common thread that ties all of this together and that is the Lord. Just as the lion changed the atmosphere in the bush of Africa, the Lord gives us the power and authority to be atmosphere changers in this world for His Kingdom. He is our Lion of Judah.
Thank you Lord for the atmosphere changers you have placed into my life and for the lessons you have taught me through each and everyone of them.
