Hello everyone, we’re “back!” We’re currently in Hong-Kong where it’s safe to disclose that I’ve been in China for the past month. I still wont be able to post what city(s), what I was doing, or who
I was with.
The past 4 weeks have been made up of so many different elements. At the beginning of the month A and B squad finished their “race” and are now back home! It was bitter sweet to see them go and I miss them greatly! My best friend Jenny was among them along with many friends who I’m proud to call brothers and sisters. I’m so grateful to God for each of them! But it feels like a part of me is missing since their departure. Being in a country like China is hard to explain. I’ve read so much about the persecution of Christians and the control that the government has on the people- but seeing it first hand is difficult-and what I’ve seen hasn’t been that much. Being a team leader is a consistent challenge and reminder of what my first ministry is, my team. A burden I take such joy in carrying! They are helping me to grow in ways I never imagined. I just hope it’s the same for them. =)
I have 4 months to the day remaining on the race. I miss my family but I’m not home sick. Truth be told I feel like I’m at home. Time is running short and it’s at this juncture I’m choosing to dig in, to stay the course. 4 months seems short to me, I refuse to settle or back off as it relates to this year. It’s at this point I believe the lord is doing some of His greatest work in me. It’s painful at times, a refinement, but as things seemingly come to an “end” I realize it’s just beginning.
I had a discussion with one of my co-leaders. We talked about being “balanced” vs. being “tipped”. Balanced meaning safe, comfortable, doing good things, but just not on fire- living complacently. Tipped meaning on fire, radical, and passionate with mighty zeal. People who are “tipped” are those who are discontent with the mundane, who walk in the power, wisdom, and authority of God. Tipped is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was; where Brother Yun, Mother Teresa, Paul and the disciples were, and many others around the world who remain nameless. Their life was and is anything but balanced, but something inside us agrees with how they live(d). Catch my heart in this, I don’t want a holiday named after me or to be recognized, I simply desire to be tipped not balanced.
It is with this heart I leave China. It’s hard to write every story of what happens during the race; my challenges, successes, what I’m doing. When I look at the blogs I’ve written it seems like I’ve only shared 1/20th of everything. But these thoughts are the beat of my heart.
I’m not claiming to be tipped. I’m not tipped, yet. I’m not completely dead yet of my entitlements, insecurities, and just my own crap. I don’t have all the right answers, however I’ll attempt to ask the right questions.
Where are those, who are tipped? Where are the ones who have reckless abandonment for their “worldly lives” that brings unforeseen justice because they care more about their neighbor than themselves? Where are those who create the tipping points in our history, in our country/generation, in our world? Tipping points have happened all throughout history, and they’re not based on the masses or the majority. The greatest tipping point of all was Jesus! I believe you will find these people in the most distressing of circumstances-because they’re tipped! The poor understand poverty, the rich don’t. For God’s word says “He chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and the weak things to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of the world and the despised things- and the things that are not- to nullify the things that are.” 1 Corith 1:27. The “tipped” are among the silent majority. The more I travel the more I see, live, and learn from them. The ones who follow the commands of Jesus and walk in his power and authority, and most of them live in the most distressing of circumstances. It seems as if they understand why Jesus said Love your neighbor as yourself.
Why during this season of my life do I feel like I’m meeting them for the first time- isn’t this who Jesus calls us to be?
Am I crazy? Am I the only one who feels this way? Christianity, what ever that term means, isn’t about the dont’s it’s about the do’s. God flooded me with so many revelations this past month. There are mighty men and women rising up who will not adhere to the mundane stereotypical American life or Christian life- with the Christian tee-shirt and bumper sticker who listen to all the right music. Catch my heart in this, there is nothing wrong in any of that, there just more then that! There are people rising up who are being driven by a holy passion and zeal, and I am among them. People of reckless abandonment discontent with the status quo- world changers- people getting “tipped!” 2 Corinthians 6:4-10
Maybe I should make a t-shirt that says “Get Tipped”- Just playing don’t get any Ideas!
