Sorry for the profane blog title and by “sorry” I mean hear me out.
For those who are just tuning in I just returned home from a 10 day World Race training camp in Gainesville, GA. That was 10 days of portapotties, showering from a five gallon bucket, sleeping 15 deep under a tarp in the pouring rain, sharing sleepingbags and breathing space. 10 days where your only sense of solitude was to zip yourself with in the four nylon walls of your tent and pretend they were sound proof. (Note: Nylon is NOT sound proof. I heard every word about your bowel movement probs and the saga that was your first relationship.) It would be easy to write about how God broke down boundaries of comfort and personal space but if you know anything about me you know that I thoroughly enjoy my space being invaded. Instead I will impart to you how I learned to jump into the river and embrace the Kingdom Journey Christ has called me on.
GRIEVING:
To begin a kingdom journey you must allow your self to let go. Let go of the bad by acknowledging what has caused you hurt and pain. Know the source. Dig up the roots no matter how deep or painful. Allow yourself to feel and express every emotion attached to it then lay it at the feet of Jesus. (Note: “Tears are healing, they are salty and salt heals wounds.”) Release the good as well. I don’t mean you must forget about the good times or great blessings the Lord has given you however; if you selfishly cling to them your arms will be too full to grasp and fully enjoy the new experiences coming your way. Grieving increases emotional capacity to handle more life and gives you the freedom to risk in life again.
EXPECTATION WITH OUT AGENDA:
Expect God to show up but don’t assume or limit him to how he does that. Limiting God to a certain task only sets us up for disappointment. Not to mention if we are busy looking for him in one area we might miss him somewhere else.
MOUNTAINS CAN BECOME ANT HILLS:
Once again just in case you missed it don’t limit God!! How often do we pray for something and with fingers crossed we hope that it comes true?? I admit freely that I am guilty of this. God truly can do all things!! We as a body should pray with confidence that we have been heard and then be patient and fervent. Prayers do not equal wishes we are requesting the perfect and good will of the Almighty.
TRUTH TRUMPS FACT:
Third time just for good measure, BELIEVE what God has promised us. Read his word and know it as perfect truth. Laws of nature, science, history, and reality may be facts but the Word of God is Truth. Keep your eye out for doubt. Doubt gives birth to fear and fear birth to death.
TRUST AND OBEY:
This one is simple and needs no explanation.
SISTERHOOD:
No apologies to my new brothers, know that you are loved but this one is for my sisters. This lesson has a more personal touch. In these 10 days of learning and applying the above concepts, Jesus revealed to me that I had shut good women and sisterhood out of my life a couple of years ago after being hurt by life. The process of welcoming women in as sister and not just as friends ended before I truly mastered it. I found it was easier and more natural to befriend brothers because biologically that’s all I have. I had no idea what I was missing. I realized that there is a sister sized hole in my heart that no brother (no matter how awesome and loving) can fill. I realized that there are levels of vulnerability that I was avoiding by not having any sisters. Luckily Jesus already knew all of this and graciously blessed me with 45 new sisters 5 of which I will be doing life with day in and day out!! I could do a whole blog on this topic and maybe I will a few months in but for now this is the gist.
I could not be more empowered and encouraged about this next year!! Funny connection if you read my first blog “Why the Hesitation” I referenced “ putting my toes in the river..” little did I know 4 month later I would learn to submerge myself!!!
Remember to embrace this life with Christ!! Don’t waste your time toe dipping just jump in the water is fine!!!
