This is a blog I wanted to write a while ago, but I didn’t have the confidence. I wanted to write it and act like I had it all together and it was going to be this really great encouraging blog, but it wouldn’t have been a true reflection of my heart and mind.
And so, here I am, finally writing some honest hard gritty stuff that I would love to talk to you more about in person over a cup of coffee (and what I mean by coffee is a dark chocolate mocha with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkled on top, thank you) so I could hear your perspective too. Because I think this is something that we can all relate to.
I am not successful in this world. I am not seen as successful by society’s standards.
I am 24 years old.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Social Work.
I quit three jobs in 5 months last year.
I am currently unemployed.
I don’t have a car.
My parents will be my roommates when I return home.
I’m not married nor am I dating.
One of our coaches, Mrs. Karen, who we all call Momma K, said one of the most profound things about my relationship with God a few months ago that I know will impact me for the rest of my life. She said, “If you had a resume about what it means to be a follower of Christ, it would say your name, and underneath it would say LOVED, and your job is it TO LOVE.” That’s it. We are so often judged and critiqued in this world by our resumes, but the only resume that matters, that truly truly matters, is the one Christ has for us.
My resume can be summed up in one word: love.
My team is currently in La Libertad, El Salvador and we are working with a ministry called La Red this week. During our first meeting with our host, Andrea, she shared her testimony with us and talked about people not seeing her work in ministry as successful.
Andrea served in ministry during high school, and then obtained her communications degree in the states. After returning to El Salvador, she had dreams to go into journalism and the media. But God had other plans for her and she joyfully said yes to the doors He opened in the same she served with previously. However, people continued to ask her, “Okay, so what’s next? What are you going to do with your degree? Why are you serving in ministry again? When are you going to get a real job?”
Ya’ll, serving the Lord and doing His kingdom work is the greatest job you could ever have.
And you can serve God and expand His kingdom in any industry. There is no limitation to ministry. Whether you’re a UPS worker, teacher, corporate lawyer, gas station owner, surgeon, or stay at home parent, you can serve in God’s kingdom. He has designed each of us with various giftings, abilities and areas of influence to do His work. So, ask Him what He has for you.
The things of this world will fade away. Everything only exists for a time. Businesses start and end, seasons come and go, even people are born and then pass. But the things of the Lord will last forever. His love is eternal, it has no ending and no beginning.
And that same love shapes, grows, challenges and makes me. The love of Christ defines me. Period.
I am not successful in this world, but I am successful in my Father’s eyes.
