Since the first month of the World Race I knew my “word for the year” would be FREEDOM. But I had not seen fruit of that, that is until Costa Rica.
You see, growing up in the church I learned how to obey, be moral, do the right things, stay away or even hide the bad things, basically be “the older brother” in the prodigal son parable (Luke 15:11-32). But the older son in the story is more lost than the younger.
I have wanted to “earn my way” in to God’s heart. Which is a bondage all in its own but He does not ask that of me. He just wants me to wholeheartedly chase and fall in love with His heart.
Last month He began teaching me how to break free of the pressures of the world and westernized Christianity, and just find Him.
All my life I have loved to dance. Yes, dance. But I was told it was a sin. So… I did it in secret. Behind closed doors. I love dancing so much that when I listen to music, which I also love, my mind automatically creates choreographies. I was ashamed though of this love… I thought it was wrong.
My first Sunday in Costa Rica, the young girls were worshipping through dance.
Immediately my first thought was, “WOW, Lord! It would be so awesome to be a part of this ministry someway somehow this month.”
Little did I know what the Lord had in store.
I spoke to the pastor later on that week and mentioned I would love to help the leaders choreograph a dance worship for the girls, I promise you that is what I said.
The conversation ended with her suggesting I should DANCE BY MYSELF.
WHAT?!? How did I get there??
I let that sink in. After some time I agreed to dance my last Sunday in Costa Rica.
The Saturday before that Sunday I still hadn’t “practiced” so I went to the church and locked myself inside.
God and I had the most beautiful moment. I tear up as I think about it. I danced for him. You know, that love He gave me for dance… He gave it to me so I could worship and glorify Him.
I did just that.
It wasn’t for others. It wasn’t to impress anyone. Every movement was an offering to Him. A form of worship that used every single member of my body.
Oh, it was beautiful. Nothing about the dance was intricate or elaborate. It was simple & sincere. As I danced I felt the Lord accepting my offering. Ahhhh!! IT WAS SO COOL!
Sunday came & it happened to be Easter Sunday. My whole body tingled. I felt free. I experienced such a joy that morning; my teammates said they joy was beaming from my face.
The Lord did such a work in my heart that day towards this journey of freedom. But it’s not done… He revealed that to me right before leaving Costa Rica.
As I prayed one morning kneeled before a cross, the Lord showed me that this month in Panama He would be walking me through freedom in forgiveness.
He’s shown me there are people I need to forgive and people I need to apologize to. This is much scarier to me than dancing in front of people… I know there are hard days ahead but my eyes look on to the hills where my help comes from.
Tid-Bits that occurred in Costa Rica:
1. After a kids club a little boy ran into his house and brought me a toy car. He told me to never give it away, it was for me to keep so that I could always remember him! Awww!!
2. I am starting to learn guitar. Praises!
3. Experienced life like Jane as I swung off vines!
4. Had my first gulp of alcohol for free (tequila in a coconut) after praying for the vendor.
5. Saw red frogs, millions of butterflies, iguanas, LARGE toads, monkeys, sloths, alligators & pelicans.
6. I have started a fundraiser to meet my final deadline called ADOPT A SQUARE!! If you feel led, please donate! To donate, hit the “Support Me” tab up there at the top of the page 🙂
7. One morning I walked to the river to spend time with Jesus. I was definitely jamming with my headphones in. Next thing I know, a guy pulls up in his motorcycle worried. He had heard me from his house & wanted to see if everything was alright. Guess I must of sounded real good. LOL.
Thank you for reading my Tid-Bits 🙂 Hope you enjoyed them!
