Entrusted with much – A Double Dare August 11, 2011

photos by Tina Weir

I dare you to take ACTION on a dream, bigger than yourself, which will change the world. Today I have a guest post from a beautiful young  twenty something, Katie Davis.   After you read the post be sure to check out
Katie’s web site for the rest of the story http://www.amazima.org/katiesstory.html
If you are fearless, I dare you to read Katie’s entire blog at http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/

Beware, Katie’s journey will challenge you to step up and step out.

 

“I thought that if she was just going to die anyway, I should let her die quickly. Then I wouldn’t have to love her, and it wouldn’t have to hurt. Anyway, if she lives, she’ll just grow up to be like this. Who wants to live like this?”

 

5 months ago my friend Regina, a Karimojong woman who picks fallen branches off our street to sell as firewood and occasionally stopped in for water, came to me desperate. She and her 4 small children had been evicted from their house because for the fourth time in four months she had been unable to pay their rent. As I looked at the three youngest, all on the brink of starving to death, I will admit I judged her. I had been providing the family with food for a while now, how did the children still look like this? But as she breathed the words above I understood. If one’s hope is not in Christ, she simply believes that life is hard and then you die. If this is the case then of course, of course, run from the hard. If you know the pain of losing a child and you know that you will, eventually lose this one too, then obviously your only choice is to run. Immediately, my judgment turned to sorrow.

 

I don’t think I have to tell you what happened next. Regina, Girl, Capata, Salimu, and baby Katie moved in. They needed a place to go, they needed some hearty meals, and Regina needed someone to teach her how to love her children. Someone to teach her about the Savior.

“I am entrusting you with much,” He whispered.

 

4 months ago Makerere, the resident “crazy man” of Masese showed up at my gate with his leg burnt to the bone. Believing that his leg was salvageable even after several doctors alleged otherwise, I continued to bandage it daily. The only problem? As soon as Makerere went home each day he again fell prey to the addiction that has haunted him for years. Drunk and stumbling around the slum, his leg would get dirty and he would forget to eat. There was no way it would heal if he kept this up. His house had been burnt down; the reason for his leg wound, and all Makerere really wanted was to die. We begged him to move into the small house in our backyard. (This little house serves as a place for men or families to stay while we minister to them so that both my family and our guests can maintain a semblance of “normal” life while living in community.) Friends advised against it. “You can’t move the crazy guy into your back yard. You can’t let the crazy guy sit at your table.” But the vote from the kids was unanimous. Yes you can. We packed his remaining belongings (a lantern, an extra shirt, and half of a chair) into our van and made him part of the family.

“I am entrusting you with much,” God whispered.

 

Last week a grandmother approached me at worship in Buziika and handed me a 6 pound 7 month old. I wasn’t really sure he was breathing. His mother is dead, his father is gone, and this grandmother is just not really sure what to do with him. Figuring he would need at least a month of high fat milk dropped into his little mouth every twenty minutes before he was ready to live in Buziika and be bottle fed by Grandma, we again made the decision to grow. The two of them hopped in the van to come home with us while Grandma learns to take care of sweet baby Juma. In conversation on the way home it was apparent that Grandma had some confused ideas about Jesus and witchcraft. I sighed as I realized that taking care of babies wasn’t all we would be teaching her.

“I am entrusting you with much,” He whispered.

 

Today Regina and all 4 of her children are incredibly healthy and happy. Though we will miss them terribly, it is time for them to move out, to stand on their own two feet. Regina has been doing some work around the house to build up some savings and with this money and a small loan from Amazima, will begin selling tomatoes and onions to make an income and support her family herself. She is a beautiful mother. She is a beautiful friend.

 

Makerere’s leg is almost completely healed. Only some pink granulation tissue and lots of smooth brown skin cover the area that was once festering with infection. Makerere is 3
months sober. He will stay here for a bit longer because he is afraid to relapse, but soon he will begin attending vocational school. This face that was once constantly sullen is now ever-joyful. Makerere smiles and sings songs he has learned at church as he rakes our leaves or picks eggplant from our garden.

 

While Grandma and baby Juma are still fairly new, Grandma is learning and Juma is already growing. They are a sweet addition to our days.

 

This house I call home, it is where people flock for help. For a glass of water, for a welcoming smile, for a story of redemption, for a place to belong. “Come and listen,” we say. “Come and listen to what He’s done for us. For you.” These 8 will leave, but more will come. They always come. I don’t know why us and I don’t know why here. Our house is a wreck and dinner is late. We make a ruckus in the grocery store and we don’t get invited out much because surely we will bring a screaming baby or worse, crazy people. We are late to church and sometimes we get there and one doesn’t have shoes and one forgot to comb her hair. We are the messy ones. And we pray and we pray that we could spill out the grace God has so lavished on us.

 

13 pairs of eyes look at me as if I hold the world. I pray they learn from me half of what I learn from them. They are growing. Trauma from their pasts surfaces and we fight to cling to truth and joy. The days feel long but the years are so short. Time slips away and these little people transform into big people and I pray only that they are becoming people who know Him more.

“I have entrusted you with much,” He whispers.

 

The book releases in October. I know what this means: more eyes on us. I struggle with the thought of it. All I want is more eyes on Him. I am just a broken mess, grabbing for His feet, reaching out to touch His cloak, thankful for His mercy that washes over me. I am just a little girl, relieved to crawl into His lap and curl up there.

He has entrusted me with so much. And from those who much has been entrusted, much more will be demanded. We want only to represent Him well. So I have taken some time away to feel the weight of it all. 13 little girls, the families in the back yard, friends, family, people in Masese, people in Buziika, people in America looking at me. And Satan whispers, “Run. Run and run and run. No book. No blog. No more homeless people in the guestroom. Lock your doors. Take these 13 and just shut yourselves in and stay away from all these eyes because you are not good enough to have so many eyes on you. Run.”

 

But I look out in the yard and I see only redemption. I see God making thorn bushes into pine trees. I see Him filling our holes with His blood. I see traumatized children that struggle sometimes but laugh mostly. I see them embracing these one-drunk, once-lifeless, once-starving people who are growing in a merciful, healing Father. I see lives changed and I see eternities changed. I see family where there once was only loneliness. And I don’t know why He chose me, this broken little girl, to witness all of it.

 

I look up. And His voice is so much louder than Satan’s. “I have entrusted you with much and I have demanded of you much. But only with me will your life bear much. So run. Run and run and run into my arms. Run. Run and run and run into this world sharing this story that has Me at the center. This making of disciples, it is my business. And I am with you always and my burden is light. I spill through your brokenness and I will be glorified. I promise. I will be glorified.” And that is all I want.

 

I sat in the heaviness. And I weighed the risks of sharing our entire life, all of it, the joy and the sad, the beautiful and the ugly, with the whole crazy world. And I know. That if on
the other side of that risk is the possibility that someone may see Jesus in our brokenness and know that there is grace and purpose in theirs too, then thewhole crazy world is welcome. For a glass of water, for a welcoming smile, for a story of redemption, for a place to belong. For a glimpse of a Savior who uses even us, the messy ones. “Come
and listen to what He’s done for us. For you.”

 

We look up. We are thankful for the mess. We are thankful for the much. We are thankful for a story to share, the story of His death and His story in our lives.

 

Would you pray with us? That as eyes turn to us, they would see only Him. That however, whatever, wherever He would be glorified. He will.

 

Guest post by:  Katie Davis http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/

photos by Tina Weir

 

 

Do you hear God’s whisper? “I have entrusted you with much.  Now what are you going to do with My resources?”
 

Living the double dare,

  Ginger

Lessons from a Bluebonnet April 12, 2010

Beauty...

 

Imagine on the hillside there is a Bluebonnet that is not sure of its identity or why it was created.  It is hesitant to break through the ground.  Afraid to push upward toward the light.   The Bluebonnet hesitates and holds back.  All around the other wildflowers are stretching out toward the light.  Bursting through the earth and spreading across the hillside in a stunning blanket of color and texture.

Is there something holding you back?  What thing keeps you from blooming in this season of life?  Could it be fear, vulnerability, insecurity or overcommitment?

As I have walked through the changing seasons of my life fear, vulnerability, insecurity and overcommitment have all held me back at various times.  Hesitancy stops me in my tracks and weighs me down. 

Wildflowers were not created to hold back and rest below the surface of the ground.  The frigid temperatures of the winter give birth to the cleansing spring showers and the warm sunshine of spring.  Wildflowers burst forth and lavishly fill the hills and valleys with vibrant color.

You and I were not created to hold back and rest below the surface of life.  Will you join me this spring and trust God with what matters to you most?  Let us lay down our vulnerability and remember each person is created in the image of God for His purpose.  Confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.” 

Shake off the shackles of overcommitment.  Focus on the one true Light.  Stretch out and bloom into the beautiful image of Christ that you were created to be.

Share a smile, words of kindness, forgiveness and encouragement with others.  Serve and love others without limitations.  Stretch out my friends with me and let us bloom, bloom, bloom…  May those who pass our way be drawn in by the merciful hand of God in our lives and be captivated by His Light forever.

Finding joy in the journey,

Ginger

The Anchor Holds September 30, 2009

The Anchor Holds

 

 

Two years ago a silent prayer was lifted up, “God, help me to see people from your perspective.”

 

I see…

Unexplainable, difficult and gut wrenching circumstances, invade the lives of those I know and love intimately.  Casual acquaintances are pummeled with incomprehensible heartache.   

I see…

Many are devoured and overcome by the harsh realities of life.

I see…

There are fierce, valiant men and women of faith who are not overcome.  In the darkest storms they are held securely by the Anchor.  They grow strong and mighty.

I see…

The Anchor holds.

“I have journeyed through the long dark night, out on the open sea.

 My faith alone, sight unknown and yet His eye is watching me.

 

The anchor holds, though the ship is battered.

The anchor holds, though the sails are torn.

 

I have fallen on my knees, as I face the raging sea.

The anchor holds in spite of the storm. 

I have visions.  I have dreams.

 I’ve even held them in my hand. 

But I never knew they would slip right through,

 like they were only crumbs of sand.

 

The anchor holds, though the ship is battered. 

The anchor holds, though the sails are torn.

 

 I have fallen on my knees as I face the raging seas. 

The anchor holds in spite of the storm. 

I have been young and I am older now,

and there has been beauty, these eyes have seen,

for it was in the night through the storms of my life,

that’s where God proved He loves me.

 

The anchor holds, though the ships been battered.  

The anchor holds though the sails are torn.

 I have fallen on my knees as I face the raging seas.

The anchor holds in spite of the storm.”

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL112E3NjqU

 

Song lyrics from “The Anchor Holds,” Ray Boltz

 

I know…

The Anchor holds.

Please join me in earnest prayer for the Varghese family and the Alter family.   Two precious families who know the Anchor holds.  You can read Micah’s story at http://howismicah.blogspot.com/   and Jada’s story at http://alterfamilyblog.com/

They are faithful men and women who love the Lord God Almighty and serve and honor Him consistently.

“In Thee, O LORD, I have taken refuge;

 let me never be ashamed;

In Thy righteousness deliver me.

Incline Thine ear to me, rescue me quickly;

Be Thou to me a rock of strength,

a stronghold to save me.

For Thou art my rock and my fortress;

For thy name’s sake Thou will lead me and guide me.

Thou will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me;

For Thou art my strength.

Into Thy hand I commit my spirit;

Thou has ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth.”

Psalm 31:1-5 

Precious bloggers, may we all…

     See God

     Know God

     Trust God in all circumstances. 

The Anchor holds,

Ginger

Sweet Tea & Southern Girls August 3, 2009

Sweet Tea & Southern Girls

Ya’ll this southern girl is in the heart of “Southern Living” country…..Charlotte, North Carolina.  I am surrounded by lush green plants everywhere and humidity that makes my hair curl (and look a bit like the big hair days of the 1980’s).  Do you know, as soon as my plane touched down I realized my accent was gone?  My favorite part of being in the Deep South is this wonderful question, “Would you like sweet tea, Maam?

 

Girls, a change in location is a good reminder of the importance of perspective.  Often, when we are away from home we fondly look back on the ordinary things of life that we take for granted.  There are also things we never fully appreciate when we have them in excess.  One of those things for me is a little ‘ole thing called “humidity.”  I would get tired of the frequent rain and the endless days filled with high humidity levels when I lived in “sweet home Alabama.”  My how my perspective has changed since I moved to the Texas Hill Country.

 

The southern girl’s new home in the Texas Hill Country is the land of straight hair, low humidity levels and fabulous Mexican food.  I value all three of these qualities.  However, I am clearly seeing that all things without balance can become a thorn in a southern girls flesh.  Central Texas is experiencing a severe drought.  People, animals and the land all suffer from extreme weather patterns.

 

This need for balance is not only necessary for pleasant outdoor conditions but it is also profoundly important for leading a satisfying personal life.  Balance fuels satisfying family relationships and work environments, as well.

 

I can travel to the Deep South for sweet tea and all things southern but where can I go for guidance on all things balanced?  This week that guidance came from the example of a teenager named Daniel.

 

Daniel found an extraordinary equalizer for circumstances that pressed in on his life.  Circumstances that threatened to knock him off balance and crush him.  The city of Daniel’s childhood was filled with competing voices saying they had the answer to how he and others should live their lives.  Some voices were right but the majority of the voices were dead wrong.  Daniel made up his mind to follow the voice of the One True God of his nation.

 

Like this southern girl, Daniel was taken from his home to a foreign land.  In addition to having an accent he did not even speak or understand the language.  Daniel thrived in the midst of ever changing and difficult circumstances because he made up his mind to follow the voice of God.  He did not defile himself with the practices of the people around him.  As a result, Daniel led a balanced life that God blessed.

 

There are sweet blessings of balance that transcend all circumstances.  Southern girls, northern girls, mid-western girls and all girls far and wide can find that balanced place for their life and daily challenges in the same God that Daniel followed.  The first requirement is that we make up our mind whom we are going to follow. 

 

To learn more about Daniel and his balanced life check out chapter 1 of the book of Daniel in the Bible.  You will be encouraged to see what God gave to Daniel and his friends.

 

Love ya’ll,

 

  Ginger

Nose Plugs, PLEASE! July 6, 2009

  

Nose Plugs, PLEASE!

“Did you know three out of five of the last Independence Day celebrations have involved a home repair emergency at our house?” quizzed my husband over lunch on Saturday.  It began, deep in the heart of “Sweet Home Alabama” with soaring temperatures and humidity levels pushing 80 percent. Carl’s air-conditioning “connections” came through with flying colors on July 4^th 2005 and 2007. 

 

Now imagine trying to locate a septic tank repair man on July 4^th in the great state of Texas.  It is not a pretty picture.  “Prince Charming” chose to look on the bright side by announcing, “It’s over 100 degrees today and we have two air conditioners.  We are not going to sweat this year even if one of them pukes out.”  Well, I did not sweat but I sure wanted to “puke” from the septic tank “aroma.”  Will somebody GET ME SOME NOSE PLUGS, PLEASE?

 

This morning while the septic tank repair men were busy repairing my septic tank, I was finishing my Bible study on Ephesians 6.  In Ephesians 6 followers of Jesus Christ are instructed to put on the “full armor of God.”  Through my keen observation skills, I noticed that the full armor of God did not include nose plugs.  What is a mighty warrior for Christ supposed to do when he or she encounters foul smelling stinky circumstances?

 

In pursuit of the answer, we must evaluate the frequent causes of foul circumstances.  Some difficult circumstances are not reflective of our present or previous behavior. However, many times our present and previous behavior directly influences the present circumstances.  A heart and life full of disobedience, ignorance, hardness of heart, sensuality, greed, lying, selfishness, impatience, hate,  and unforgiveness all fuel smelly situations.  Each of these characteristics is foul smelling and stinky like a septic tank. 

 

Sometimes we can hide the “smell” for a season.  Have you noticed how lush green grass often covers the lid to the septic tank?  All of us with human DNA try to cover our “smelly stuff” and pretend it does not exist.  In some instances we acknowledge our wrong behavior but we try in vain to minimize the “odor” with the flawed art of comparison and excuses.

 

Mighty warriors for Christ, apply the Biblical principles found in Ephesians chapters 2 and 4. Encourage one another to put off the smelly behaviors in our individual lives.  Together we can encourage one another by putting on obedience, wisdom, a tender heart, generosity, speaking the truth in love, patience and forgiveness.  Then we are able to “be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.  Put on the full armor of God,” and stand!*

 

Fellow warriors, nose plugs are not needed in the armor of God because we are expected to get rid of the “stinky stuff” before we head into battle each day and stand for our Lord.

    Standing for Him,

  Ginger

 

   *Ephesians 6:10-11

“This is It.” June 26, 2009

“King of Pop, MICHAEL JACKSON …......... This is It.”

“King of Pop, MICHAEL JACKSON …This is It.” 

Excellence in music, dance and entertainment can be seen throughout MJs professional career.  His upcoming 50 concert tour was titled “This is It.”  This photo captures Jackson roughly 90 days ago promoting his tour. 

 

“It is now I see and feel that calling once again, to be a part of a music that will not just connect but, make all feel one, one in joy, one in pain, one in love, one in service and in consciousness.”

                                                                                                     ~ Michael Jackson

 

Pop culture and music are woven into the fabric of our lives.  Jackson’s music has prompted me to dance and sing at the top of my lungs.  Fortunately, these antics are only memories etched in my mind and there are no photos or videos to prove how awful I looked and sounded.  Consider, the worst American Idol “wanna be” multiplied by a “zillion.”  OK, now you’ve got it!

 

Images and video clips of MJ fill the airwaves, internet, twitter, facebook and all vehicles related to social media.  Jackson’s album and song titles give insight into his complex personal journey….Music and Me, Happy, Too Young,  Forever Michael, We’re Almost There, Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough, Thriller, Beat It, Billie Jean, Leave Me Alone, Man in the Mirror, Scream You Are Not Alone, They Don’t Care About Us…..

 

As I look at Michael Jackson’s life and career, I see threads of the tapestry of my own life….joy, sadness, fun, passion, creativity, brokenness, optimism, conflict, confusion, loneliness, a broken heart, compassion and excellence.  I wonder if 90 days from now “this is it” for you and me, what will you and I be remembered for?  What would our lives count for?  The promotional video for MJs concert series uses the caption “where it began, where it went.”  Where did MJ go?  Where will you and I go when “this is it?”

 

For me, it began with allowing Jesus Christ to lead my life and wash away all of the yuck in my life. Now I see and feel the calling of the One True King, to continue to be a part of His plan, to follow His purpose for my life, to be a part of the songs of praise lifted up to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  The Bible has some comments for us to consider if “this is it” in Ephesians chapter 4:4-6.  “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”  Will you join me and follow the King of Glory?  This is it…the hope of your calling to be all you were created to be by the True King.

 

    This is it,

     Ginger