Her name is Brittany. She’s twenty-three and a newlywed as of a month ago. Our lives first intersected exactly four years ago, when we found ourselves both in the middle of the largest slum in eastern Africa, working and living amongst the poorest of the world. We were both whimsical college students who wanted more from the Lord and it led us to Kenya. She’s a fierce one, and is currently in law school so she can bring change and a voice to His people.
Her new husband is Brad. I don’t actually know him. I’ve never met him in person, and yet in an odd sense I know a lot about him. First, the obvious is that he captured the heart of Brittany, meaning this is one amazing man. But there is so much more I know on top of that. He’s a man of incredible faith, and walks out his journey with the Lord with hands wide-open. And I mean, wide-open.
I know this because of the phone call.
It was Thursday night around 11:30pm when I walked into my room and saw a missed call from Brittany. Given the fact we hadn’t talked in over 18 months and that she was a 10-day newlywed at the time, you can imagine my surprise to see the missed call.
I listened to the message and this is what she said:
“Caroline, it’s Brittany. I miss you. I love you. And I am so excited to where you are heading right now. My husband and I were talking and we really believe in what you’re doing. And we want to financially help you out however we can because we know you are meant to be exactly there.”
My mouth hit the floor. I mean, hit the floor. I think I let out more than a couple, “Shut ups” to my friend Allison over what had just happened. I just was floored by their desire to support me through this trip.
The next day I called her to talk and you know what I found out? Brad works in finance and Brittany is in law school. And did I mention enough that they have just started their lives together? Well, for the last while they have consistently put money aside each month into a “God account.” Over the course of however long, they have accumulated a large amount in that account. The incredible thing is that it could so easily be used for luxury, and yet here they are joyfully laying it aside for God’s purpose. Over the course of our conversation, she told me that however they can help out financially to get me back out there, they would love to.
I hung up still humbly shocked by our conversation and God’s ridiculous provision. And then it hit me afresh in that moment: This is radical living.
From the outside, they might appear like a cute, newly-married couple, and yet inside is where they are anything but typical and normal. Inside is where there is a fierce desire for humble service to their King. Inside is where they are saying we want to radically live out this life in a beautiful, reckless place of abandonment.
It is because of what Brad did by action that I know who he is. One day I am sure I will meet him and it will be confirmed again of what a man of faith he is. Brittany and I will keep intersecting throughout our lives and I will continue to be amazed that a friendship that began four years ago in the dust of Africa is still surging such abundant life and passion into both of us.
And once again, the revelation of God’s innate and ever-abundant goodness stands afresh for today.
