#prayforTurkey
#prayforSyria
#prayforGreece
#prayforFrance
These are just a few hashtags I have noticed through the past months and year as tragedy and acts of violence are highlighted in the news and broadcast to the world.
Since January, I have not kept up with the major news of what is going on in the world, the United States, or even the country in which we are living or about to travel to next.
In high school, I remember becoming interested in the world news. I would be milking cows with my Grandma, Dad or sister. My dad had brought a television into the milk barn and rigged the antenna to receive a couple television stations for the hours spent milking cows. Before the television, they had just a radio; we were moving up in the world. Haha
Anyway- I remember after 9/11 becoming interested to find the good news about the Middle East; I wanted to hear more than just the negative messages that were broadcast through the news.
Thus began my interest to hear and read news of what is going on in the world.
Fast forward to college- more interest was sparked by beginning to learn the Arabic language and some culture. // sidenote // I remember, just now, having a Muslim classmate in my photography class- she was so sweet. 🙂
I got to read and learn more about cultures outside my own even more when I was able to take People of the World courses at Oregon State University. [shoutout!] These were, by far, my favorite college classes. I had the opportunity to learn some history, culture and ways of living.
I’m sad to say, after I finished my classes, I was less motivated to continue learning. I did not keep up with news and articles from happenings around the world.
Every now and then I would have the urge to expand my thoughts to outside my small world.
Sometimes my motivation for reading news is sparked by violence and tragedy.
News can be so discouraging a lot of the time.
News can be dominated by negativity. [I feel this is more common than positive news.]
News can be dominated by a select few countries.
But what about the rest of the world? Maybe part of my journey this year is to bring news from those countries that have a smaller/quieter voice in the world. [or so it may seem]
Maybe part of the second half of this journey, Papa wants me write and remember stories I’ve heard; to share these stories of hope.
What about the stories of Kingdom? What about the stories of Papa’s radical love changing lives?
Just last night I heard an incredible testimony; a testimony of Papa’s unrelenting love for his sons and daughters. This news drowned the tragic news I even read the night before and this morning.
Maybe I’m to share these stories in a way that encourage you.
Maybe I’m to hear these stories, seek them out and get permission to share them to share that God reigns. His kingdom reigns.
Yes, we need to pray for those in the midst of tragedy and heartache and darkness. That Papa would shine his light so brightly, that his sons and daughters in that country would be bold like lions to share the abundant hope and irrational love of Papa. We need to pray because we have no comprehension of the power and effectiveness of prayer. We can’t see it’s power, but we may get the opportunity to see the results of it afterward.
So we do need to pray.
We need to encourage.
We need to find the stories of salvation.
We need to share our testimonies of redemption and healing.
We need to make our news of the kingdom louder.
We need to make our news of hope louder.
We need to make our news of joy louder.
We don’t need to shout at people, to argue or convince. That’s not what I mean by louder.
What I mean is let the news of salvation dominate your soul.
Let the news of abundant hope and joy dominate your thoughts.
Be encouraged that Papa is working!
He is bringing sons and daughters into his family!
He is restoring broken hearts!
He is healing the broken-hearted!
Through sharing part of my life story a couple days ago with an incredible sister here, I was sharing from my heart and realized later while I was journalling what I said. I had said, “I think a lot of my journey is learning who I really am, who Papa says I am and believing it to be true.” Whoa. Hello. Sometimes I surprise myself by the words that come out of my mouth. Who am I? Where did this revelation and wisdom come from?
// Challenge //
To you and myself- find what your story is about.
What are the themes and truths that Papa has revealed to you?
What is your life story about?
Now go share with someone. No need to have it perfect. Share from your heart.
Share your life story!
Ask other’s about their life story.
Ask about their dreams.
Share your dreams.
Then see what Papa does to blow your mind.
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// We are here only a few more days. :'(
Our brothers & sisters here are strong. They are faithful. They are bold. They have huge hearts.
Pray for refreshment.
Pray for rest.
Pray for Holy Spirit to give fresh vision and fresh energy.
Pray for salvation.
Pray for dreams to come into reality.
Pray for the young people.
I have been extremely blessed and loved here.
I’m in the midst of a community of radical lovers, radically loving Papa and radically pursuing his heart for their families and communities.
