Being open and vulnerable is one of the biggest thoughts of the World Race. When I abandon everything, I become broken because I know longer have my crutches. After all, why would I need God when I have Netflix to escape reality? Why would I need God when I can just find a friend to bring my spirits up? Why would I need God when I can skate through life with all of my ‘to do’s and schedules and exhaustion?
There are all kinds of lies I have been believing for my entire life that I am slowly becoming brave enough to shed. For instance, I do not need to win everything anymore to prove I am the best. The assurance of heaven means I can afford to lose on earth. Also, I am not defined by what other people say to me or think of me, whether it is friends, a random stranger, or even my parents (btw, I love both of them and they have always sought to steer me to God and help me define who I am in Christ).
I no longer have to believe any of the thoughts of this world, the lies I have believed for so many years of my life. I am even learning to change some of my terminology to stay focused on what I know is true. When I think of being a ‘missionary’, it actually hinders my walk with the Lord because of there are so many earthly stereotypes, traditions, and expectations that go with that label. Instead, I am choosing to call it ‘a disciple living in a different country.’ Because, if we are honest with ourselves, ‘mission fields’ should not be places where ‘missionaries’ can go to bring people to Christ. In reality, these areas are really fields of disciples of Jesus waiting for true disciples to guide them to Jesus, so they too can experience the love and joy we have found.
I’m not perfect, I do not pretend to be anymore, and I am not a finished product by any means. I know my mind slides into the mindset and lies I have always believed, but God’s mercies are new every morning. He hits the reset button on my life every day.
