Dear Future Cindy,
Its been awhile since we’ve talked, I doubt you even remember who I am. Right now I’m sitting up at Rock Ridge for an extended weekend. I came here for community and Jesus time, and though I only came up last night, the Lord has already provided more than I need. The staff and I have already made some unforgettable memories, and I can foresee more to come.
Its only been two days since the last blog, but the Lord really put it on my heart to write something today. I don’t want you to forget me, who I am now. I don’t want you to lose the good memories I brought, even though I know so little about the world. I also don’t want you to forget all the mistakes I’ve made due to that ignorance, how self centered and judgmental I can be. If all goes well, you will have a greater understanding of who you are in the Lord, and will use memories of me to correct previous mistakes.
Future Cindy, don’t forget that you were called by the Lord to serve across the world. Don’t hinder yourself from growing with your squad in fellowship and love, but always seek to bring them closer to the Lord. Be a light in every situation, even if it seems like everyone can outshine you. Everyone has a different color of light to bring to the Father, so make sure you bring your own. Be slow to speak unless something needs to be said, and keep shouting the Lord’s truth until people have to turn and listen. The enemy is trying to steal your voice, so don’t shut up.
Never forget where you came from, the lessons you’ve learned and all the doors the Lord shut. You have survived so much pain and anguish, and the Lord has done a good work in you. Do not bind yourself to previous hurts, but strive to live in the freedom of the future. You are redeemed and forgiven, completely beloved and adored by Papa. Lean on Him in everything.
I struggle sometimes to focus on God and I find myself easily distracted by the world. Don’t be afraid to shut out the world to find Papa again, He has more than the world could ever think to give.
We haven’t met yet future Cindy, but I want you to know that I love you. No matter how fall you could fall or how high you could soar, despite every mistake and fault and stupid joke you find just know that I really love you. Also, I really love every single one of your teammates and leaders. You may find it hard to remember at times, but they all have an important aspect of god to bring to the table. I know you won’t always get along with the people around you, but don’t forget how much God loves them, and how you love them like Jesus.
The Lord has huge plans for your squad, both now and right where you are. The Lord told me that He is gonna wreck you this next year, it a way you haven’t experienced before. This will be the most heartbreaking, stretching, and damaging thing you will experience thus far. There will be many moments of joy and laughter, but you’re going to find a lot of pain on this trip. Don’t worry though, the Lord will be there for every single moment. Again, lean on Him for everything. You cannot do this trip alone, so have a community mindset and a heart reserved only for the Lord.
Not gonna lie, I think I’m pretty cool right now, but I cannot wait to see how God makes you. The person I am right now is going to die on this trip in order to make you. I have to let me go to become you, it will hurt and require sacrifice. Don’t be like me, be like Jesus and do the Lord’s work. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your ministry, may we see the Lord’s work complete.
Love,
Me
~CLS
