Who Am I? Part 2

"There is power in our story. Your story and my story are part of a greater story. the Bible tells the story of a people waiting to be delivered. Christ followers have the same journey as the Isrealites did, depicted in Genesis and Exodus. We follow the same pattern of forgiveness, redemption, erecting idols, then pulling them down and repenting before a Holy God." Excerpt from The Elijah Project www.touchedtwiceunited.org Yesterday I experienced a miracle in someone else that rippled over me. My friend had a few meetings scheduled with county agencies that promised to help her secure assistance to get back on her feet. I agreed to accompany her to the meetings. I am a non-violent, passive to a fault kind of person. My friend "puts up her dukes" at the first sign of conflict. The question: "Who am I?" was pallpable as we entered the social workers office to fill out the paperwork for assistance. I, for sure was the woman (previously) that belonged on the other side of the desk. In the past I was the woman with the answers, this time I was the one with all the questions. The day before yesterday, I was the woman comfortable, and then I found myself surrounded by people who had lost everything after choosing drugs or alcohol. I was uncomfortable. Who am I? I am lucky! Some would say, I am fortunate! Others would call me blessed. I can imagine myself as a Proverbs 31 woman because I had a mother and women in my life who chose education, faith, monogamy as an example. Yesterday, I was surrounded by women who had not experienced such a vision. Women who had felt so desperate they could only imagine numbing their pain with another hit or a drink, I was humbled. And then... after the miraculous county meetings, where my friend experienced grace and hope, I was told: "You were my liquid courage. Thank you for going with me today." My story intersected with her story and in the end... Jesus' story of forgiveness and redemption was clear. Who am I? I am a highly educated, gifted woman, given everything I could hope for or imagine with a loving husband and beautiful children. And the best gift of all, I was granted vision to see my story within God's Greatest Story ever told. Who am I? I am REDEEMED!

Who am I?

Have you ever asked yourself: "Who am I?" I have! I ask when I find myself in a mess like: Gossiping. Where I've talked about three different people and found myself in a pickle with the truth. There may be some truth in what I said but I was more interested in looking good myself rather than preserve the appearance of someone else. Today I am asking the question: "Who am I?" Where am I holding my stress, anxiety and frustration? What activities produce feelings like happiness, love and care. I am wondering what is on my heart. Well, to answer the questions honestly. I feel tempted to take things into my own hands. I am tempted to maintain my "rightness." I am tempted to focus on others faults rather than work on my own. For the rest of today... I desire to live in the moment I am in. I lit the candles in my kitchen. Cleared the clutter off my counter. Cleared my cardiac clutter by lifting my heart to God. I'm going to take a walk and talk with God. Saying out loud what he already knows: I am selfish, self-seeking and prideful. I know I am these things.... but God... Dear God.... I don't want to be this way.

My Provider

Last week my husband and I were faced with a question. One that we are faced with often: "Will you help me?" This time it was a church member/friend who had gotten over her head and was being evicted. She was expected out of her apartment two days before school started, with no reserve money to start over. We prayed! And in one of those "Holy Spirit" moments when you know what to do even when it is opposite common sense we knew we were suppose to take them in. I was overwhelmed the night before we extended the offer. I was overwhelmed by the size of my house, my two adequate bathrooms and a clean, private, safe room that was a clear alternative to homelessness, camping or a car. The younger of the two daughters is in the same grade as my daughter. I was overwhelmed by the choices and opportunities I have had by the gift of a two-parent family, my father's steady income and educated parents that stressed education. I was overwhelmed by the apartment complexes and homes I have had the opportunity to live in. Jesus asked: "If you have two cloaks (two coats) give away the one." This time I had two bathrooms and HE asked me to share one for thirty days. What has surprised me... is by daring greatly.... God softened my heart and overwhelmed me with appreciation for my life! I John says: In this world there will be suffering. But I will bring you peace within your circumstances. He, The Father of all good gifts has brought me peace and helped me appreciate my life. Instead of wanting more or different, I feel content and overwhelmed by His good gifts.