With all the stories of loss and destruction, I thought it would be a good idea to spread a little encouragement when it comes to our perspective. I don’t know Brittany. I’ve never met her. But when I read her words about her World Race coming to an end, it brought a smile to my face as I remembered mine. I think this idea of remembering is almost a lost art. We’re told to move on from our past. I think that’s ok for some instances, but our testimonies and stories of where we’ve been can provide the necessary strength and encouragement to continue to push ourselves, and the others around us.
In saying that, I’m going to repost Brittany’s blog on “This is Kingdom”. We often forget why we’re doing what we’re doing. Sometimes we just need to sit down and remember where we’ve been and reminisce on how we’ve seen the Kingdom come to earth. To read any more of Brittany’s post, click here.
This is Kingdom…
The redemption of broken lives in all the nations.
Where the unwanted child is loved and the mother knows her worth.
When sufferings are seen as a blessed venue to grow closer to the King, not curse him.
This is Kingdom…
It’s a family in Northern Laos risking everything to see addicted lives freed and redeemed.
It’s a couple in Ireland pouring themselves out for discipleship.
It’s young women in Thailand breaking generational cycles of prostitution.
This is Kingdom…
It sounds like the desperate and joyous shouts of African villagers in worship.
It sounds like vulnerable honesty with your community.
Sometimes it sounds like silence.
This is Kingdom…
Where the sick are not isolated but loved and healed.
Where the prisoner is forgiven and redeemed.
Where Love and justice walk hand in hand and His name is Jesus.
This is Kingdom…
It’s when the disabled are seen and loved deeply.
It’s persistent Love that knows no bounds.
It’s when 41 young men and women realize who they are and respond to the mandate of their King to reveal His Kingdom.
months. 12 countries. It’s been a long road that has been filled with
challenges of many kinds, and victories I could have never imagined. I
have grown to love the people of O-Squad. I have been challenged by
them, understood by them, and loved by these men and women. We
have explored the world, the depths of Gods heart, and our faith
together. We have cried with each other, yelled at one another, laughed
with each other, and farted in front of one another. I will miss this
community, however the wonderful Aly Beeler put it best when she said, “This trip ends soon. This lifestyle
doesn’t.” When you find the Pearl of Great Price you sell
everything, forsake all else, not just to have it but to share it,
spread it around. The Kingdom of God, on earth as it is in Heaven. I
want to share a prayer from Philip Yancey that has been a much needed
reminder for me over the coarse of this year…
God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and
superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your hearts.
May
God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression & exploitation of
people, so that you may work for justice, freedom, & peace.
May
God bless you with tears shed for those who suffer pain, rejection,
hunger, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world.
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
Amen
