Before I wrote my first blog the topic "child like faith" popped in my head. I had no idea where to go from there, or how I was supposed to write about this topic, but God laid it on my heart that this would be a topic I would cover at some point. The topic is something that I've grown up hearing about, but never really thought too much about it.
Not too long after I felt the need to write on this topic, the shooting in Connecticut happened. What a gut wrenching moment in everyone's lives….including mine. Working at a cheerleading gym, coaching all ages, made that moment all too real for me. I work with kids ranging from 4-18 yrs old, but usually I'm with the younger ones. That school, that classroom, those kids, that teacher…..that could've been my gym, my class/team, my kids…..me. Innocent, pure, loving children….gone withing a blink of an eye.
Then "child like faith" popped up again. This phrase kept haunting me over and over again for the next few months. I thought "yeah, I get it….I need to have child like faith and blah blah blah". Like I previously stated, I work at a cheerleading gym….teaching little "nuggets" (that's what I like to call the sweet babies) not only cheerleading skills, but also how to work as a team, be polite, be responsible, always give there all, have confidence, and respect for themselves and others. They're so eager to soak up all the information like a sponge, they're so eager to make me proud and not disappoint me, and so eager to grow and become better than they were before.
Yet again….there is this topic again! Had I blogged on this topic yet? Of course not, because I just didn't feel like I really grasped the concept of what God was trying to tell me (more like I didn't want to HEAR what He was trying to tell me).
Disclaimer: I tend to be stubborn when it comes to grasping concepts, and really….I mean really listening to what God has to say. I tend to think that I totally got it, and that I don't need any other "signs" or anything…..then God likes to hit me upside the head with big flashing neon lights saying "listen up fool….I'm trying to tell you something AWESOME!" I'm slowly learning.
Where was I? Oh yeah….I wasn't listening to what God was telling me, and He was in the process of knocking me upside the head. So over the last couple of months that's exactly what He has done.
How so? Well let me tell you. See, originally when I was going and speaking to different groups it was in hopes of gaining financial support. However, the speaking engagements took a slight turn when I went and spoke to my first youth group…..then a second youth group….then a third…..then a group of 3rd and 4th graders….and some 4 and 5 yr olds…..a FCA group….and most recently a group of GA's (Girls in Action). Oh, and don't let me forget the other FCA group and youth group I'm in the process of setting a date to speak with. Needless to say….I got the big, flashing neon light from Jesus.
"He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.'" Matthew 18:2-5
As I look back over the past few months I see how God has continued to show me what having "child like faith" really means. To have the pure heart of the children in Connecticut. To have the eagerness to absorb, grow, learn, and please like the children I coach. To have the open heart, open ears, open eyes, and open minds when it comes to listening like the children and youth have done when I came to speak to them. To crawl into my Father's lap, and cry out "Abba, Father" whenever I need to….no questions asked.
I love seeing how God continues to prepare me for what is to come in September! How He continually softens my heart, and opens my eyes to the things unseen. That He is using my passion for loving on sweet "nuggets", and having bonds with youth as a way to minister to them. I can't wait to spread this love and passion to other children all over the world, and that they'll be able to see God's light shine through me.
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