Upon admission to Stetson University, students are given a dare: Dare to be Significant. Looking back on my college career, I clearly took that dare to heart and lived up to it. A dare can sometimes be a challenge, and I like to be challenged. Whenever I’m challenged, I find out more about myself and what I’m capable of doing. If a challenge is too hard, I confess my weakness and turn to God for strength.
One of the dares I decided to pursue while I had the chance was the dare to study abroad. Across the campus on poster boards were often flyers that said “Dare to Study Abroad”. I was an International Studies major and it only made sense to me that I take a semester to study internationally. I put in my application, was accepted, and a few months later, my eighteen-year-old self was on her way to Dijon, France. It wasn’t my first time traveling alone, but it was my first time traveling across the seas by myself; nerve-wracking, yet exciting. Somewhere between my arrival in Paris and journey to Dijon, God sent me an angel, but that’s another story.
The next four months were indescribable, from the people I met, places I went, and the food that I ate; it was an unforgettable adventure. I returned to the US wishing I could do it again. Summer 2016 I took another jump at the dare and studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa. My time there is another adventure-filled story to tell. Besides the fun and excitement, each trip had its challenges and lessons learned; each had a message for me.
When I travel to new places, I like to send a message. I like to share something about myself without saying a word. For example, a few times I’ve worn a beanie my grandmother made me that’s representative of my country, so when people see me, they know where I’m from and know of my pride. Other times, I’ll dress professionally, sending the message that this girl means business. And my favorite is my “Jesus Loves You” tank top, sending the clear message that Jesus loves you.
We’ve all heard of the ripple effect of a smile. It is said that just by smiling at someone as you walk across the quad could brighten their day. Mother Teresa once said, “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” It may be considered the smallest act of caring and takes little or no effort, but it still has the power to turn a life around. Now imagine the power of the words “Jesus Loves You”.
When I found that shirt in a tossed pile of clothes people were giving away, those words lifted me up. The t-shirt was three times my size, but I knew I could make something out of it. I remember standing in the metro station after a long tiring day, waiting for the next train to arrive. As the train approached, the driver stuck her hand out of the window and yelled, “Jesus loves you too.” I was shocked and happy, but a bit confused, until I looked down at my tank top and saw the words “Jesus Loves You”; that moment made my day. Last summer I wore that tank top as I flew to South Africa and received a few more similar responses, including a thank you.
Not everyone will notice or verbally acknowledge those small acts of kindness, but I can assure you that you will enhance someone’s day. Not only can the message you send make a difference in the lives of those around you, but it can also be a benefit to you. The message of love you send as you go about your day, many will catch and remember you in a positive way. And when you least expect it, that love will be returned to you.
Some of us don’t have time to stop and verbally tell everyone of Christ’s love, but we can all show it. I’m giving everyone a chance to share that message of love with those around them, while also supporting my journey with Adventures in Missions. created a new shirt design that is available in various colors and shirt styles and is printed on quality material. Check out the link below to see it. For every t-shirt that is purchased, $11 comes back to missions, which is a dollar for each country. In addition to that, I dare you to smile at the first person you see when you leave your home for the next week.
Feel free to share your thoughts and stories in the comments. Make sure to subscribe, for in my next blog we’re going to talk about the love word.
https://teespring.com/jesuslovesu
