[to my butterflies]
$5,850.68 raised so far!
Only $8,449.32 to go until I’m fully funded!
Ever since I went on my Chrysalis flight about 6 years ago, the image of a butterfly and its life stages have been so very crucial to change and growth in my life. A butterfly is a great and beautiful thing, but before it can become beautifully great, it must go through the caterpillar stage, and a difficult chrysalis stage. I can’t even imagine being stuck in darkness for what seems to be eternities. Actually, I think we have all gone through those periods of time in our own lives. Where we feel trapped, lost, confused, maybe even angry at God. The life of a Christian is not necessarily easier than the life of a non believer. However, we just get the comfort of knowing that there is a safety net there for us at all times. So we can’t fall too far.
Change is inevitable and its the one thing we can rely on in life. For better or worse. I personally find it humourous when someone tells you “You have changed” in a tone that they mean it as an insult. A true insult would be that a person DID NOT change! I came on this adventure of a lifetime for some severe, powerful, less of me more of God kinda change. I think that is why everyone came on this race. They wanted something more in their lives. My life is like one of a butterfly; constantly changing. The life is not an easy life or one to be idolized. it is hard and brutal sometimes. But to see the colorful, gorgeous wings on a buttterfly, and to see it soar through the wind, well that just makes it all worth it.
This last Chrysalis flight i got the priviledge of serving on the music team. Music is what really keeps me close to God. I love singing praises, and the lyrics sometimes just verbalize what is in my heart. Now, my team is all about saying those “scary prayers” like, “Lord, take me where you need me” and “Break my heart for what breaks Yours, God” but it wasn’t until recently where I discovered that I sang a scary prayer at this past Chrysalis which has affected and changed my life drastically.
Jesus, You have called us
Freely we’ve received
Now freely we will give
We must go live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken
We must go
Stepping forward keep us from just singing
Move us into action
We must go
Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out Lord
Freely I have been given the love of Christ. So freely I must give. It was right after that Chrysalis weekend when I got accepted to the World Race. And now I am here in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala feeding the hungry, comforting the broken, being bold in my footsteps and walking with Christ. Not just saying these kind things in the name of Jesus, but actually doing them. I was filled up, and now I have been sent out. To eleven different countries, to do God’s will.
My fellow butterflies, as well and everyone else :], I encourage you as well to pray those “scary prayers” that will put you outside of your comfort zone, to grow in Christ. Now that will look differently to every person. I know that it does not mean everyone must go on the World Race, but it does mean something. Maybe it means being more involved in your church, maybe it means getting involved with a homeless ministry, or starting a new bible study with your friends, or even donating to my World Race Missions fund. Only God knows what that looks like for you. Praying like that might be a little weird at first, and you might be scared as to what God may have in store for you, but I promise you, it is worth it.
P.S. I almost posted this blog yesterday, but felt like I didn’t need to yet. So I held onto it. Then earlier today, I was taking a shower, and heared DESERT SONG playing IN SPANISH and it made me just so happy inside! I knew I had to include those lyrics in this blog as well. But, I will post them in English just to be nice.
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here
