Palacaguina, Nicaragua
I translated my first sermon this month. Starting out I was nervous, but not overly concerned. That is…I wasn’t nervous until my squad mate said the first word: Grace.
OH NO! I don’t even know the word for “grace” in Spanish!! Needless to say, it was a very interesting night with a lot of laughs coming from me and concerned looks from the congregation. Grace was exactly what I needed that night.
And grace is what I continue to need as I face stretching time after stretching time this year. I love this journey. I love that God has brought me here and what I am learning.
I am learning just how key vulnerability is. Vulnerability invites vulnerability.
I am learning to fight for love. To fight for realizing the love that Jesus has for me; to fight for accepting love from others; to fight for loving others beyond an emotion in the moment.
I am learning that joy is a banner I carry over my life and that my laughter truly does have the power to break the grip of the enemy in people’s lives.
I am learning that although the body of Christ is diverse, God considers it a “rich diversity” and desires unity.
I am learning how to encounter and delight in the treasure that every single person has to offer.
I am learning to let go, to give up control, to trust Jesus. I am learning to let go again and again; to choose trust over and over.
I am learning to embrace humility as I find myself learning more from the people I am pouring into than I ever thought possible.
I love that God has brought me here and what I am learning. I can only say that I love it because He has given me the grace I need to be in the moment and to know the beauty that is coming from walking through these struggles in grace.
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people.” Amen
