Well, there is officially one day left in this entire decade. That’s crazy and scary and exciting all at the same time.
This past year has been pretty crazy and busy, especially these last couple of months after being accepted into the Race. It’s kinda funny how the Race has already started changing my life. I guess because I’m about to go across the world people think I’m super wise and can answer every big life question under the sun. I’ve gotten a lot of people who have messaged me online, or talked to me in person about wanting to be a “missionary” but just “haven’t gotten the opportunity” to be one. And I just think to myself “what?”. Because the truth is, anyone is a missionary. You do not have to be in the villages of foreign countries, wearing a maxi skirt and boho bandeau headband to be deemed a “missionary”. One thing I’ve been learning a lot is that ministry is life. It’s not confined to one hour on a Monday night, or in church, or when I’m hanging with freshman girls from my high school, but it is a 24/7 lifestyle that we are called to live. We aren’t called to shout Scripture, twisting it to judge people’s lives that we know absolutely nothing about, in crowded places, or to keep the Gospel to ourselves, but rather we are to live the way as Jesus did, loving people right where they are. It’s that simple. Just love people, all people, regardless of who they are, how they live, or if you like them. Just love your freaking neighbor people!!! We make it so much more complicated than it needs to be. Buy someone coffee who’s had a rough week, bake cookies for the lonely grandma down the street, ask someone how they’re day is really going. That’s love. Don’t let your assumptions, judgments, and fear get in the way, just do it. My New Year’s resolution? To live this out every. single. day. Not just for the next year, but for the rest of my days. Would you join me? Let’s be the kind of people that actively seek out ways to love the people around us. It may look different for each of us. It could be eating lunch with that girl who is sitting by herself, or offering to drive someone’s kids to soccer practice because they are incredibly stressed out. Whatever it is, let’s make sure every person we interact with knows they have a seat at the table, and are worthy of time and love. Let’s put our love into action this year and every year, forever and always.
Quick fundraising update: I am just under $11,000 and it blows my mind how generous y’all have been! My goal is to be fully funded by my birthday, April, 19th. Would you prayerfully consider giving to my fundraising goal in order for me to love people who have been overlooked, exploited, and have never heard the name of Jesus? Your gift not only impacts me, but the people I meet, and generations after. Thank you so much!
Wishing you all and very happy New Year,
Mary
