"When the darkness of our world, and all the fears we hold in that darkness are pierced by the light of God's love and by the possibility that God has other ideas in mind for how we are to live, something liberating happens. But there is also danger of our becoming mesmerized by the dazzle of the light. It can become quite comfortable, like a campfire. We can crawl up into the hands of God and fall asleep in the sweet aroma and cozy warmth, asleep by the fire. And much of the world lies in the cold, clammy darkness of human suffering, oppression, inequality."
The Irresistible Revolution, Shane Claiborne
As I said in my last post, I have really felt the whisper of God to my heart. An unsettling whisper it has been because it has no answers yet - no path to trod - just an awakening of sorts. Clearing of my vision and now I am starting to see.
Seeing beyond my warm and cozy existence.
Seeing outside my comfort and abundance.
Seeing past me.
I know that my trip next Saturday to Ecuador with Operation Walk has tendered my spirit towards missions. It doesn't surprise me that as I have moved through the bloggy world I have stumbled on some amazing stories and have had my heart pricked by those who have stepped beyond the safety of home and serve in the name of Christ.
Take a moment and visit a few....
Ali's African Adventures is full of experiences aboard a Mercy hospital ship off the coast of Africa.
The Livesay (Haiti) Weblog is the pilgrimage of a family living and serving in Haiti.
Oh Sweet Caroline is the journey of a young nurse in a small clinic in Haiti. She has just returned to the states but her archives are full of amazing stories.
The Journey - on earth as it is in heaven is an odyssey of one young girl who wanted to take a year off before college to serve in Uganda. She has started Amazima , a ministry to orphans. Incredible!
I encourage you to go, visit and stay awhile at each of their blogs. May your heart be pricked as mine has been.
Least you think that ministry has to happen overseas...check this out Ordinary Hero and be prepared to consider how close to home a need really is.
But before you go, please watch this video. It is beautiful.
© A Sacred Longing 2009
Thanks so much for the link! It's always so encouraging to know that people are reading. I haven't had a chance to read back in your blog yet, but Ecuador?! I took the kids from my youth group there in March! Where are you going? Yay Ecuador!
ReplyDeletethis is wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing - and thank you for being willing to step out of your comfort zone and go to Ecuador!!! I'll keep you in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteMay you have a new awareness and completeness as you journey to Ecuador and your heart poured out for God's people.
ReplyDeleteLovingly,
Yolanda
I've posted that same video a couple of times; never ceases to bring me to tears.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad for your heart's re-awakening to the voice of God. His companionship is sweet and tender and almost always confrontational. I'll be thinking of you this week as you make preparations to "go" and "be" God's hands and feet to the needy.
peace~elaine
The video was gripping and inspiring. Lifting your trip to Equador up in prayer. May lives be changed - including yours.
ReplyDeleteBlessings ~ Lisa
Praying for your trip.
ReplyDeleteI love that song. Phil had the worship team do it at church and I cried my eyes out.
Beautiful, Denise.Praying for all missionaries. Praying for you, precious friend.
ReplyDeleteNow that I'm balling all over the place from that powerful video, please know that I pray an awesome, life changing and GOD glorifying trip for you next weekend.
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting to hear all the ways GOD moves...
Love you Denise!
Sis
Denise, I will be praying for you. Praying that God will give you peace & clarity. I can't wait to hear the story that comes from your courage.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!!
lisa
What an awesome video! Thanks for sharing it. I am praying for your upcoming missions trip and I can not wait to hear all that God does in and through you.
ReplyDeleteChristy
Hi Denise...that quote is so profound! Thanks for sharing it! I am so thrilled for you about your trip to Ecuador! You will be blessed and will be such a blessing! I'll say prayers for you....be safe!
ReplyDeleteSusan
I've seen the video a few times and have been deeply touched by it. What a blessing.
ReplyDeleteFriend, count me among those in your prayer corner. I'm excited for you, and pray now that you feel His presence and protection in a special way. May He give you clarity and discernment as you become His hands and feet for those in need.
God bless you.