We finally got the chance to go and see The Blind Side tonight. Even though I had read all about the plot it was still quite touching to watch. I couldn't help but think about the challenge to all of us to live what we say we believe.
We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the places where He has ordained for us to live and work and serve. I think the mistake many of us make is always looking for The Big Thing which causes us to miss the dozens of 'little things' along the way. The truth is that the big things almost always start with a progression of little things.
The Adversary seems to cripple us by causing us to doubt our abilities or equipping. Scripture exhorts us to just obey--one step at a time--and trust Him for the rest.
I thought about my friend, M. There will likely never be a movie made about her, but she and her husband felt led to adopt a 13 year old girl from foster care a couple of years ago--into their young family that already contained 3 children under 8.What a joy to see them together as a family now! It is like they have always been together...just as God intended it to be.
Or L, who as I type is at home praying for the patience and tenderness to calm her 2 month old foster child who has just been released from the hospital after terrible physical abuse. It is L's first foster placement...a 2 month old and a 4 year old...to join her three biological children under the age of 14.
Or W who is mothering eleven--four biological and seven from God's sovereign plan.
Then the Enemy gets in my head--why am I not foster parenting or adopting? I am reminded that we all have different calls...but, frankly, comfort is not the deciding factor.
What is it He is putting in your path? The specifics will be different for each of us, but there are certainly common themes: grace, love, mercy, faith, obedience. Those are our marching orders. They will manifest themselves in different ways in different lives. Ours is but to keep our eyes and ears open.
I have other friends whose example blesses me incredibly as they faithfully serve with little or no fanfare--serving the hungry, befriending the homeless, serving in a nursery ministry, leading a book club for elderly shut ins, providing meals for the sick, showing up at high school functions to love on kids...just because God has called them to. Their ministries are as varied as they are. All bring Glory to God by using their gifts in their individual situations.
"What I do you cannot do; but what you do, I cannot do. The needs are great, and none of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.”
-Mother Theresa of Calcutta
I loved this excerpt from an article about the real family behind the movie:
"This family, they were themselves for no other benefit other than because they wanted to reach out, lend a hand, and had no idea that they would get a son in return," she (Sandra Bullock) told reporters, after a press screening of "The Blind Side." Bullock said that, while making the movie, she regained a little "faith in those who say they represent a faith. ... I've finally met people that walk the walk."
"...they had no idea they would get a son in return..." but God did. We are told in Ephesians 2:10 that "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." If we are following Him, the things we are called to do (little and big) are not happenstance. They are part of a plan He already has worked out. We need not worry. We trust Him and His Plan.
I admire these women: the Leigh Ann Tuohy's of my world include L, M, W and countless others. They all inspire me to be open for the ministry God has in mind for me in my neighborhood, school, daily life.
I was reminded of the lyrics to an Allen Levi song:
Most of my heroes are people who have little
All of my heroes are people who give
They are people I will very gladly follow
All because my heroes all know how to live
It is inward and upward, then outward, it seems they're always reaching
They value the small things they've been called to do
Most of my heroes are very simple people
All of my heroes look a lot like you
All of my heroes are rich in imperfection
All of my heroes are richer still in grace
They are people who are weak and bruised and broken
But they know somehow they'll make it through the race
-from Most of My Heroes by Allen Levi
6 comments:
it's good to shed a few tears every morning..thanks for breaking that one wonderful story into more stories that are bringing about the kingdom of God.
I read your blog everyday--what a surprise! As I was thinking about your post, I realized how much YOU were a part of spurring me on--what a part you played in our little story. That is what I love about the body of Christ--we all get to share in each other's journeys in some way. I have to relate this to football--sometimes we are the cheerleaders--sometimes the defensive linemen--sometimes the quarterback..but we all need each other---and we are all trying to follow the Head Coach...(and for once I don't mean Bear Bryant)
Aww thanks! Please join us in prayer for L, as she is currently in an ambulance with Baby M on their way to Egleston. . . more problems. Pray!
w
Who is "L"...am I in the dark? Just curious if it's someone I know. I've got to get out more!
Thanks for the email. Still in the dark, just not as bad! :)
Hi There! This was a wonderful post but I just wanted to point out one thing...do not underestimate the impact you have on our kids. You take time out on Monday's to come see and study with them. Regardless if you realize it or not you do reach them and it does make a difference in their lives. So with that being said you may not be fostering one or two children inside your home but you are fostering over 10 here with us! We love you more than you know you are such a blessing not only to us here but I know to those who come into contact with you. And your children, well they have this amazing ability to brighten a room and charm the pants off of everyone! I think they get it from their Mother. :)
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