—> In case you do not read all the way to the bottom…my new blog is www.meganparham.blog.com <—
For three weeks I had the joy and privilege to be at home in Hartwell, Georgia and spend time with my friends and family. It was such an incredible time! I got to sleep in a comfortable bed, take a hot shower for as long as I wanted to, eat some of Mama's home cooked meals, play with my dog, watch TV, use a real toilet, drive my own car, stay out as late as I wanted to, and go places by myself just because I could.
All of these things were great and it was certainly nice to be home, but while I was there I realized something:
I have changed.
Yes, it's true. I have changed so much more than I ever realized! Maybe I didn't see it as much while I was on the World Race, but now I can tell even in the little things. During my last month, in Cambodia, I felt like I was prepared to go home. I had been gone for almost 11 months and I was ready to see my friends and family and indulge myself in some American luxuries. It didn't take me long, two days to be exact, to realize just how much I missed the WR and the community we had built on my precious H-Squad. The power of love, community, and life giving words had an effect on me more than I ever knew. Being faced with American life where you can practically have anything and everything at your finger tips was a bit overwhelming. I understand that there is poverty in America, but nothing like some of the places I saw this past year. The thing is, many people I met all over the world that were living in poverty without all the "stuff" were some of the most content and joy-filled people I have ever met in my life.
And you know why??
They get it. They understand community. While I was traveling the world, I traveled with and did ministry with 56 other missionaries. We had to learn what real and authentic community looked like in order to live together and we had some of the best teachers all around the world to be our examples. People who took us into their homes and gave us everything they had to give. Most of the places we stayed there was no power or running water. That means no air conditioning, no TV, no radio, no Internet, no shower, no porcelain toilet. All that mattered to them was loving and helping other people. That is community. Preferring other people over yourself, speaking truth in love, and giving selflessly. American culture has a lot of distractions and "stuff" that often times takes away from wanting to build true community. It takes work, effort, and often sacrifice on all of our parts. We (in America) tend to be more of a private people and typically do not want nor welcome accountability from others.
This year I learned a different way of life, and I must say, I quite liked it. We lived out Hebrews 10:24-25,
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
I was constantly surrounded by people who took this passage seriously. People who spurred me on and stirred me up to love MORE and do MORE and BE even MORE like Jesus in my attitude, my behavior, my mind, and my heart. These people understood accountability and were not afraid to speak truth to me when I fell short. They called out the good in me and gave it life. They loved me enough to want me to be better. They showed me grace and love unconditionally. They know that the Body of Christ extends far beyond four walls. Actually, most churches didn't even have four walls to box them in, so they understand the vastness of the Body and their need for that community. They truly help their neighbors with no selfish agenda and require nothing back in return. They trust the Lord to provide for their needs the same way they provide for others. Community takes everyone contributing and everyone being involved. If your brother or sister is in need, you help. Simple as that. There is accountability in this type of community that allows others into the deepest and most vulnerable places of your life. It gets uncomfortable; real fast.
In this uncomfortable place, however, is where I was changed the most. Ironic, huh? To think that God can change us MOST when we are willing to get a little uncomfortable. Let someone call you out a time or two, you will know exactly what I'm talking about. Let someone see you cry and then allow them to comfort you. Let yourself be weak and admit that you can't do it all on your own. Ask someone for help. Genuinely seek guidance in a sensitive area of your life. Tell someone about your deepest fears and let them speak truth over them. Say thank you when you receive compliments. Say thank you when you receive constructive things. Dance like you're crazy. Pray for people…out loud. Stand up in worship. Lift your hands when no one else will. Sing really loud…I mean, REALLY loud, even if you think you cant sing. Tell others what you see in them. Speak God's Truth over your family, friends, AND enemies. God is worthy of it ALL. Even the uncomfortable things.
All of these can make us uncomfortable, but in the uncomfortable places you will find God.
You will find the things He wants to change in you.
He will get rid of the places that make you uncomfortable and He will set you FREE.
Free to be YOU.
Free to be HIS CHILD.
Free to walk in His Kingdom here on earth.
I realized this year, that He is worthy of me being uncomfortable.
He is worthy of me being weak.
He is worthy of me being vulnerable.
He is worthy of me learning to depend on others.
He is worthy of me looking and sounding crazy in order to speak His truth.
He is worthy of me loving Him even if it costs me something in return.
He is truly worthy of it ALL.
Get uncomfortable.
He is WORTHY of it.
—> Since I am no longer on the World Race, from now on all new blog posts will be made to my NEW blog: www.meganparham.blog.com <—
(I am still trying to figure out the new site so please be patient with me!! This same blog will be posted there as my first actual blog so if you wouldn't mind visiting the new site and posting your comments there so I can get better acquainted with the layout I would be so appreciative!! :)) Also, I think there is a way to subscribe to the new blog as well but, again, I haven't quite got a handle on it yet. If you are subscribed to this one PLEASE subscribe to my new one and then tell me how you did it. Lol. Love you guys!! Thank you for being such FAITHFUL followers and prayer warriors!!!)
