since i moved to chicago i have become a parent to my first plant. (gotta start somewhere, right?) i remember having a conversation with my boss in august, explaining that i had never owned a plant before and that i wanted to try my hand at it. well, a couple of days later i walk into my office to find a little potted tree with a note attached from my boss. that was the day i owned my first plant.
i have already learned a lot from this little tree. to make a long story short, i had to take my plant home for a while during my training at work. then, a couple of months ago, i decided it was time to bring it back to my office. well, since i am a new 'plant mom,' i didn't really think about the fact that it was 5 degrees outside that morning. (and i decided it was a great day for a starbucks run before work!) so, needless to say, by the time i brought my little tree back to its home, it was droopy and very sad looking. soon, every single leaf fell off and all that was left was the trunk and a few branches. i felt like a failure. yet, for some reason i held out hope that it could come back.
and come back it did. i began to see green buds forming at the end of the branches and eventually a few green leaves formed. now, there are officially 5 sets of leaves and more are forming as we speak. i am so glad that i didn't kill off my first attempt at plant ownership---and i have learned my lesson about transporting greenery during chicago winters!
however, this little guy has not only taught me a lot about foliage, but about lessons about life as well. see, just like my plant, we as humans go through periods of "shock." we aren't prepared for the conditions and we find ourselves wilting away as a result. perhaps it is an unplanned loss, or a crisis of some sort, and before we know it, we feel as if the life is sucked out of us. yet, even when all the external signs say that this is the case--inside of us hope rests under the surface. although we can't see it at the time, new life is forming. it may not look the same as it once did, and it may take a while to break through the exterior...but it is coming.
my plant can attest to that...and so can i.
"forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
see I am doing a new thing!
now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
i am making a way in the desert
and springs in the wasteland." isaiah 43:18-19
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
trimming the kudzu
so, for those of you who don't know, i work at a non-profit crisis pregnancy center. we see many clients who are facing a crisis or unplanned pregnancy. through my work here, i have come face to face with the HUGE need for the issue of female sexuality to be addressed in our culture.
it takes the shape of a 19 year old girl who came to me for STD information. she had felt out of place in her friend group b/c she was the only one who had not had sex. now, she has contracted a STD.
it takes the form of the 17 year old girl who professed to a relationship with God, but realized she had searched for love by giving herself sexually to several guys.
it's the girl who has already had 2 abortions by age 16 and is facing yet another pregnancy. yet, she has no job, no life skills, and no steady boyfriend to support her.
these are just a few of the real-life stories that i have come across in the past few months, and this only scratches the surface. women all over america are faced with issues of sexuality from as young as elementary school. what can be done to help address this issue?
recently, i re-read "reviving ophelia" by mary pipher. it's a book that discusses the influences on adolescent females and the changes that take place as they leave childhood behind. although, it's a little outdated (written in the 90's), i couldn't help but come to recognize some of the greater issues plaguing our women today--the loss of "true self" in an effort to fit in, the issues of sexuality, the role that culture and the media play, the influences of peer group...and the list goes on. when i look at our work at the pregnancy center i can only believe that we are merely conducting damage control. although we are able to help a client through a crisis situation, we aren't equipping them to combat all of these influences. we are merely "triage." and although this is the role we are called to play, i can't help but wonder if there's something that can be done to address some of the larger causes.
i feel like we're merely cutting the leaves off of a kudzu of culture in our attempt to keep the parasitic plant from spreading.
yet, when i become overwhelmed at all of the horrible messages that are being sent to women today...when i can't seem to figure out a way to even begin addressing all of the issues, i am reminded of the power of prayer. in my 45 minutes spent with a client, i can only hope to share some truth and empower her to make better choices, yet God is able to do take my efforts and multiply them. He is bigger than all of the issues. His power is greater than the influences. And He is not bound by culture's restrictions. the only way the kudzu will be tamed is through His strength--God's holy fire clearing the path. He has called you and me to be a part of that process--to speak truth into a broken world, to bind the wounds of the damaged, and to be the "triage" and hands of healing as long as we are able.
when i am consumed by contempt for our loss of values or overwhelmed by the excessive grasp of our culture, i am reminded of His power...and I am grateful that i serve a God that is "able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than i can ever ask or imagine."
it takes the shape of a 19 year old girl who came to me for STD information. she had felt out of place in her friend group b/c she was the only one who had not had sex. now, she has contracted a STD.
it takes the form of the 17 year old girl who professed to a relationship with God, but realized she had searched for love by giving herself sexually to several guys.
it's the girl who has already had 2 abortions by age 16 and is facing yet another pregnancy. yet, she has no job, no life skills, and no steady boyfriend to support her.
these are just a few of the real-life stories that i have come across in the past few months, and this only scratches the surface. women all over america are faced with issues of sexuality from as young as elementary school. what can be done to help address this issue?
recently, i re-read "reviving ophelia" by mary pipher. it's a book that discusses the influences on adolescent females and the changes that take place as they leave childhood behind. although, it's a little outdated (written in the 90's), i couldn't help but come to recognize some of the greater issues plaguing our women today--the loss of "true self" in an effort to fit in, the issues of sexuality, the role that culture and the media play, the influences of peer group...and the list goes on. when i look at our work at the pregnancy center i can only believe that we are merely conducting damage control. although we are able to help a client through a crisis situation, we aren't equipping them to combat all of these influences. we are merely "triage." and although this is the role we are called to play, i can't help but wonder if there's something that can be done to address some of the larger causes.
i feel like we're merely cutting the leaves off of a kudzu of culture in our attempt to keep the parasitic plant from spreading.
yet, when i become overwhelmed at all of the horrible messages that are being sent to women today...when i can't seem to figure out a way to even begin addressing all of the issues, i am reminded of the power of prayer. in my 45 minutes spent with a client, i can only hope to share some truth and empower her to make better choices, yet God is able to do take my efforts and multiply them. He is bigger than all of the issues. His power is greater than the influences. And He is not bound by culture's restrictions. the only way the kudzu will be tamed is through His strength--God's holy fire clearing the path. He has called you and me to be a part of that process--to speak truth into a broken world, to bind the wounds of the damaged, and to be the "triage" and hands of healing as long as we are able.
when i am consumed by contempt for our loss of values or overwhelmed by the excessive grasp of our culture, i am reminded of His power...and I am grateful that i serve a God that is "able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than i can ever ask or imagine."
Sunday, December 13, 2009
winter's welcome
wow. it's been a month since my last post. and boy, how have things changed since then! november was a lovely month--full of warm weather and beautiful fall colors (at least for the first part of the month!). then, december came. it's entrance was gentle and graceful at first...then it really showed itself as the true tyrant it is. snow, ice, and wind chills of -15! so, needless to say, i've busted out the down coat, scarves, snow boots, and gloves. i've surprised myself at how much i have taken it all in stride. you would think a TN girl who hasn't seen a real temperature of one degree in years would be having an extremely diffiult time with this! i'm not a huge fan of the cold and would much rather spend the greater part of my year in the summer months. however, i knew to expect a harsh winter and tried my best to prepare myself for what was around the corner. (but ask me how i feel in february or march when i'm so sick of seeing snow!)
all this to say, i have been through a huge learning process during this move--and still am going through it. every aspect of my life has been touched by this transition--from small things like the weather and getting used to hearing midwesterners talk, to big things like making friends, finding a church, and learning a new job. i feel like i personally resonate with the changing of seasons. how can i not? my season in life has just changed. i went from a very comfortable summer or fall--rich with the blessings of friends, family, and a place in life i truly enjoyed. then, the winter saunters in--a subtle transition at first, only to throw her harshness upon me as time went on...new location, new job, new people, and the struggle to make them all my own.
one observation i have made about winter is that it brings out an accute awareness in people. leaving your house requires preparation--starting your car early, making sure you have on all of your warm gear, etc. then, the walk to your car requires that you be on guard, watching out for patches of ice or a faulty step here or there. and the drive to work doesn't get any easier--your senses are always intensified, ready to respond to a slick spot in the road or a driver who can't stop because of the ice. you are aware of all that it takes to get from point A to point B.
i think this happens in the "winters" of our lives as well. it's funny how many things we take for granted in the summer and fall. for example, we never think about the process it takes to drive our car down the road--why would we? yet, when the winter comes, we recognize how many factors are involved and how much effort is expended when the weather is difficult. everything takes soooo much longer! and, so it has been with my life recently. there were things that God has brought to the surface during this winter season that i never would have realized or recognized during the summers and falls of my life. it's only because things are difficult am i aware. just like i would never have been aware of all the process we go through to get from point A to point B during good weather. it's only the inclement weather that brings this to my attention.
in a similar fashion, God has used this transition to catch my attention. He is bringing awareness to areas of my life that He wants to change. i have come to recognize things within myself that were deep down--lying dormant during times of comfort and ease. it has only been through the "inclement weather" that they have surfaced. although this process is painful and frustrating at times, i am so grateful that God is working on me. and i am certain that the Holy Spirit will continue to do so (...funny how we are never left alone!) and i know this winter, just like the other seasons, is temporary. one day, i will look back on it from the beauty of spring and will be extremely grateful for this process. and i am already grateful because i know that God is pruning me--forming, shaping, and molding me so that i may be conformed to His likeness and bear more fruit to His glory.
i am amazed at the patience of God towards His children. He doesn't give up on us...and He'll even use things like the Chicago winter to get our attention!
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." John 15:1-4
Monday, November 9, 2009
A Season's Change
The littered ground slowly bubbles
Crunchy leaves defying gravity
Rising up from their fallen state
In an effort to meet me.
The garbled view so dimly perceived
My kaleidescope world seen through water
Spilling over the crested edge
In an effort to be free.
The relentless season silently implodes
Weathered acorn's shell splits open
Inviting its golden innards to exposure
In an effort to live again.
Crunchy leaves defying gravity
Rising up from their fallen state
In an effort to meet me.
The garbled view so dimly perceived
My kaleidescope world seen through water
Spilling over the crested edge
In an effort to be free.
The relentless season silently implodes
Weathered acorn's shell splits open
Inviting its golden innards to exposure
In an effort to live again.
Monday, November 2, 2009
highlights
So, I thought I would record a few highlights from my adventures in Chicagoland...
1. I bought my first ever pair of snow boots. They almost come up to my knees...I feel so hard core! I never thought I would ever live in a place that required such an apparatus!
2. Along with the boots, I am now a proud owner of a red down coat that has fur around the hood. It is good for up to 40 degrees below zero. I'm covered.
3. I had my first run-in with a raccoon. I never thought it would have happened in the suburbs of Illinois. I mean, I was living in Daniel Boone territory where we make "coon skin" hats...and never had such a close encounter! This raccoon was successfully living in our garage for a couple of days until it made it's break through the vinyl siding.
4. I made an attempt at "Whirley Ball." This is a very "technical" game involving a mixture of bumper cars, lacrosse, and basketball. I was horrible...
5. I bought my first ever pair of leggings. (my first since the days of stirrup pants at least) It's the cool thing around here, along with scarves and boots. Probably due to the lovely weather that is soon approaching...
6. Church shopping has become my hobby. It's quite the task finding a new church home, especially when your old one was so amazing! :) There have been some runners up, but no one who has stolen the crown yet. Keep praying that I'll find the one that's a good fit soon.
7. I went to my first ever CareNet Banquet. (CareNet of DuPage is the organization I work for.) There were 1,100 people there and it was amazing. Dinesh D'Souza spoke and had a lot of great things to say. If you've never heard him, I definitely recommend checking him out...but only when you're brain is ready to be challenged! I am so grateful to work for an organization that works passionately to love and support women and the cause of life.
Well, those are just a few of the highlights. It's been a few months and so far I have survived! :) Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support.
1. I bought my first ever pair of snow boots. They almost come up to my knees...I feel so hard core! I never thought I would ever live in a place that required such an apparatus!
2. Along with the boots, I am now a proud owner of a red down coat that has fur around the hood. It is good for up to 40 degrees below zero. I'm covered.
3. I had my first run-in with a raccoon. I never thought it would have happened in the suburbs of Illinois. I mean, I was living in Daniel Boone territory where we make "coon skin" hats...and never had such a close encounter! This raccoon was successfully living in our garage for a couple of days until it made it's break through the vinyl siding.
4. I made an attempt at "Whirley Ball." This is a very "technical" game involving a mixture of bumper cars, lacrosse, and basketball. I was horrible...
5. I bought my first ever pair of leggings. (my first since the days of stirrup pants at least) It's the cool thing around here, along with scarves and boots. Probably due to the lovely weather that is soon approaching...
6. Church shopping has become my hobby. It's quite the task finding a new church home, especially when your old one was so amazing! :) There have been some runners up, but no one who has stolen the crown yet. Keep praying that I'll find the one that's a good fit soon.
7. I went to my first ever CareNet Banquet. (CareNet of DuPage is the organization I work for.) There were 1,100 people there and it was amazing. Dinesh D'Souza spoke and had a lot of great things to say. If you've never heard him, I definitely recommend checking him out...but only when you're brain is ready to be challenged! I am so grateful to work for an organization that works passionately to love and support women and the cause of life.
Well, those are just a few of the highlights. It's been a few months and so far I have survived! :) Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support.
Monday, October 19, 2009
standing guard
This weekend I was reading Nehemiah and a couple of things really struck me. Nehemiah is not one of those books you frequent for memorable scriptures or words of wisdom. Yet, there is a lot of rich material there. The themes of the book are very compelling--a man stricken for the loss and exile of Jerusalem decided to turn his burden into action by returning to the city to rebuild the wall. However, he didn't just stop there--he rallied everyone around his vision and incorporated whoever is left in the city to work towards this common goal. There's a lot to learn about passion, hard work, and overcoming obstacles. There are also a ton of references towards community, accountability, and protecting one another.
Yet, this weekend, God had something different to point out to me. It was in the last chapter of the book. Nehemiah had come to a close in his work on the wall. Things were back into working order. People filled the city once again. So, he left to go back to his old job as a cupbearer for a bit. Once he left, things started to fall apart. Upon his return, he noticed there were some very clear violations of the laws of God. One of these he points out is the violation of the Sabbath. The people had begun to buy and sell goods and food on this holy day. Nehemiah approached the elders asking them how they could allow such a direct order of God be broken. When nothing changed, he decided to take matters into his own hands. He placed his servants at the gates on Sunday so that no one could enter the city to sell. Soon, people started camping out on the perimeter of the wall so that as soon as the servants left they could come in to sell. So, Nehemiah threatened them with physical harm! (Some things never change!) Then, he decides to do something very interesting. He asks the Levites to cleanse themselves and then he stations them at the wall so that they may help keep the Sabbath holy. After reading all of this, I thought about what a huge effort Nehemiah went through for honoring just one of God's laws. And...soon implications for what all of this means for us began to flood my mind...
We are all "Jerusalem." We can look at it as individuals or as a collective body. And we each reach a point at certain times when we grow apathetic to God's laws and begin to fail to see the purpose or intent behind them. I'm sure the Israelites thought nothing was wrong with buying some cloth or selling some grain on the Sabbath. Yet, Nehemiah saw the disobedience for what it really was and spoke out against it. We each need someone like this in our lives at certain points--someone to tell us we've gotten off-track or began to compromise. He wasn't afraid of what the people thought about him or who he might offend. He spoke the truth with the desire to see Israel get back on track.
But not only do we need Nehemiahs, we also need Levites. We need those who will be commissioned to stand watch. There is a very real enemy and he can be lurking outside of our "walls" at any moment, camped out, waiting for the opportunity to keep us where we're at. The Levites are protectors. They don't allow anything inside that would put us in a compromise.
Yet, they can't fulfill this role without having been cleansed themselves. The Levites cannot be the ones who are selling in the streets. They must be set apart from the disobedience and compromise that is occuring.
And all of this must be done in community. Nehemiah couldn't have done his job without the Levites. The Levites needed each other to stand as an active front. The Israelites needed Nehemiah and the others to help them see what was truly going on. Overall, this is not a one-man show...and neither is our "personal" walk with God.
We might find ourselves in any one of these positions. Perhaps we are an Israelite, wandering off with small compromises and a bit of apathy. We aren't really seeing any harm in what we're doing b/c after all, it's nothing big.
Yet, perhaps we're a Nehemiah. We are in a situation where maybe we are the only ones who see what's REALLY going on. We have a burden or an insight and know that things need to head in another direction.
Or perhaps we're the Levites. We've been called on to "stand watch," to pray or intercede for someone. Maybe we need to shower them with truth or just "be there." Whatever it is, our role is bind together to keep the opportunity for compromise on the outside.
So, what do we do?
If you are an Israelite--allow your life to be spoken into. Be open to hearing words of truth about the situation you are in. And more than that, allow others to come around you to help protect you.
If you are Nehemiah--speak the truth in love! And follow it with timely and wise action. Don't be afraid of what people will think. Share from your heart out of your burden and allow God to work through you.
If you are a Levite--stand together in protection. Pray! Speak truth over the situation you are watching over. Send words of encouragement and affirmation. Bind together with other Levites. Make this a group effort!
Most importantly, it's our job to realize that it's God who does the work. He is our Protector and Strength. Yet, He created us in community and we are given a responsibility for one another. I'm always amazed when He chooses to use His people to do wonderful things! Praise be to God.
Yet, this weekend, God had something different to point out to me. It was in the last chapter of the book. Nehemiah had come to a close in his work on the wall. Things were back into working order. People filled the city once again. So, he left to go back to his old job as a cupbearer for a bit. Once he left, things started to fall apart. Upon his return, he noticed there were some very clear violations of the laws of God. One of these he points out is the violation of the Sabbath. The people had begun to buy and sell goods and food on this holy day. Nehemiah approached the elders asking them how they could allow such a direct order of God be broken. When nothing changed, he decided to take matters into his own hands. He placed his servants at the gates on Sunday so that no one could enter the city to sell. Soon, people started camping out on the perimeter of the wall so that as soon as the servants left they could come in to sell. So, Nehemiah threatened them with physical harm! (Some things never change!) Then, he decides to do something very interesting. He asks the Levites to cleanse themselves and then he stations them at the wall so that they may help keep the Sabbath holy. After reading all of this, I thought about what a huge effort Nehemiah went through for honoring just one of God's laws. And...soon implications for what all of this means for us began to flood my mind...
We are all "Jerusalem." We can look at it as individuals or as a collective body. And we each reach a point at certain times when we grow apathetic to God's laws and begin to fail to see the purpose or intent behind them. I'm sure the Israelites thought nothing was wrong with buying some cloth or selling some grain on the Sabbath. Yet, Nehemiah saw the disobedience for what it really was and spoke out against it. We each need someone like this in our lives at certain points--someone to tell us we've gotten off-track or began to compromise. He wasn't afraid of what the people thought about him or who he might offend. He spoke the truth with the desire to see Israel get back on track.
But not only do we need Nehemiahs, we also need Levites. We need those who will be commissioned to stand watch. There is a very real enemy and he can be lurking outside of our "walls" at any moment, camped out, waiting for the opportunity to keep us where we're at. The Levites are protectors. They don't allow anything inside that would put us in a compromise.
Yet, they can't fulfill this role without having been cleansed themselves. The Levites cannot be the ones who are selling in the streets. They must be set apart from the disobedience and compromise that is occuring.
And all of this must be done in community. Nehemiah couldn't have done his job without the Levites. The Levites needed each other to stand as an active front. The Israelites needed Nehemiah and the others to help them see what was truly going on. Overall, this is not a one-man show...and neither is our "personal" walk with God.
We might find ourselves in any one of these positions. Perhaps we are an Israelite, wandering off with small compromises and a bit of apathy. We aren't really seeing any harm in what we're doing b/c after all, it's nothing big.
Yet, perhaps we're a Nehemiah. We are in a situation where maybe we are the only ones who see what's REALLY going on. We have a burden or an insight and know that things need to head in another direction.
Or perhaps we're the Levites. We've been called on to "stand watch," to pray or intercede for someone. Maybe we need to shower them with truth or just "be there." Whatever it is, our role is bind together to keep the opportunity for compromise on the outside.
So, what do we do?
If you are an Israelite--allow your life to be spoken into. Be open to hearing words of truth about the situation you are in. And more than that, allow others to come around you to help protect you.
If you are Nehemiah--speak the truth in love! And follow it with timely and wise action. Don't be afraid of what people will think. Share from your heart out of your burden and allow God to work through you.
If you are a Levite--stand together in protection. Pray! Speak truth over the situation you are watching over. Send words of encouragement and affirmation. Bind together with other Levites. Make this a group effort!
Most importantly, it's our job to realize that it's God who does the work. He is our Protector and Strength. Yet, He created us in community and we are given a responsibility for one another. I'm always amazed when He chooses to use His people to do wonderful things! Praise be to God.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
oaks of righteousness
today for work we went to the morton arboretum for a day of prayer and fasting. it was really cool to have the opportunity to spend time in prayer and community (while also getting paid for it!). we spent 4 hours of the day in solitude, seeking after God, reading scripture, praying, and roaming the grounds. i didn't really know what to expect from the exercise, but at the end of the day i was extremely grateful for the ways that God had spoken.
the day started with a reading of hebrews 11. we then had to write down the ways that we had acted out of faith in our past. it was very humbling to think of myself in the same respect as Abraham, Moses, and Jacob. I couldn't imagine being counted among this "great cloud of witnesses." i struggled to come up with something and jotted it down, feeling like my act of faith seemed pretty insignificant in comparison. later, i was thinking about it and came to the realization that the same God that worked in them, lives in me. these people started out "small" and never intended for their lives to be recorded in history. they simply took steps of faith, one at a time, believing that what God had said for them was true. and here we are reading about them thousands of years later.
one of the major things that stuck out about the lives of those recorded in hebrews is the fact that they all suffered persecution and trials. they lived radical lives, willing to face lions, be sawed in two, or endure famine, beatings, and destitution. it's hard to relate to this while living in a 21st century western culture where our greatest persecution comes through a lack of cultural acceptance (and that is at times few and far between). so, what does this mean for me? i was reminded of a call to live a life of radical faith--even though i live in a more accepting day and age. i am asked to step out of the boat, to welcome in the stranger, to sacrifice my dearest things, and enter the lion's den--even if it occurs within the context of midwestern, suburban, Illinois.
later in the day, i spent some time wandering around the trails of the arboretum. as i was looking at all the trees, i saw a HUGE oak tree. i was then reminded of the scripture in Isaiah, describing us as "oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor." seeing this majestic creation reminded me of the work that God is able to do in our lives--taking us as a weak seedling and growing us up into strong planting in Him. yet, God wasn't finished with teaching me yet...
i was walking the trail, heading back to my car when i saw a bunch of acorns scattered on the ground. i was reminded of the mighty oak and it's small beginnings...and the fact that the tiny little acorn must go through a process of dying before it is transformed into such a tall tree. then i realized this wasn't just about the acorn, but it was about me. things in my life must die off before new life is able to grow. the fathers of faith in Hebrews are all testaments to this. they endured processes of death, suffering, and persecution so that the glory of God would be revealed in and through their lives. so i must do the same. the hard shell of the acorn must be sloughed off and broken down so that the inner workings can be exposed, allowing the seed to flourish and grow. this is the process i must submit to, and unfortunately, this isn't a one time deal. every day, every hour, there must be a surrender to the process of the Spirit--allowing Him to expose and refine....so that ultimately His splendor will be displayed.
maybe we aren't as different from the "great cloud of witnesses" as i originally thought....
the day started with a reading of hebrews 11. we then had to write down the ways that we had acted out of faith in our past. it was very humbling to think of myself in the same respect as Abraham, Moses, and Jacob. I couldn't imagine being counted among this "great cloud of witnesses." i struggled to come up with something and jotted it down, feeling like my act of faith seemed pretty insignificant in comparison. later, i was thinking about it and came to the realization that the same God that worked in them, lives in me. these people started out "small" and never intended for their lives to be recorded in history. they simply took steps of faith, one at a time, believing that what God had said for them was true. and here we are reading about them thousands of years later.
one of the major things that stuck out about the lives of those recorded in hebrews is the fact that they all suffered persecution and trials. they lived radical lives, willing to face lions, be sawed in two, or endure famine, beatings, and destitution. it's hard to relate to this while living in a 21st century western culture where our greatest persecution comes through a lack of cultural acceptance (and that is at times few and far between). so, what does this mean for me? i was reminded of a call to live a life of radical faith--even though i live in a more accepting day and age. i am asked to step out of the boat, to welcome in the stranger, to sacrifice my dearest things, and enter the lion's den--even if it occurs within the context of midwestern, suburban, Illinois.
later in the day, i spent some time wandering around the trails of the arboretum. as i was looking at all the trees, i saw a HUGE oak tree. i was then reminded of the scripture in Isaiah, describing us as "oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor." seeing this majestic creation reminded me of the work that God is able to do in our lives--taking us as a weak seedling and growing us up into strong planting in Him. yet, God wasn't finished with teaching me yet...
i was walking the trail, heading back to my car when i saw a bunch of acorns scattered on the ground. i was reminded of the mighty oak and it's small beginnings...and the fact that the tiny little acorn must go through a process of dying before it is transformed into such a tall tree. then i realized this wasn't just about the acorn, but it was about me. things in my life must die off before new life is able to grow. the fathers of faith in Hebrews are all testaments to this. they endured processes of death, suffering, and persecution so that the glory of God would be revealed in and through their lives. so i must do the same. the hard shell of the acorn must be sloughed off and broken down so that the inner workings can be exposed, allowing the seed to flourish and grow. this is the process i must submit to, and unfortunately, this isn't a one time deal. every day, every hour, there must be a surrender to the process of the Spirit--allowing Him to expose and refine....so that ultimately His splendor will be displayed.
maybe we aren't as different from the "great cloud of witnesses" as i originally thought....
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