6:00 a.m. Blanket of black covers windows surrounding. And darkness is the mask….of sleep….and dreams….and all things unknown by the world deep in rest. Yet, in China….they would have been awake for hours. 4:00 a.m. The rising and fleeing to mountain caves and trees and places hidden. So, they can worship in the dark. Before eyes […]
Dinner time. In orphanage. In China. Struggling through white rice….made with more love than any bowl could hold. First night in orphanage. Three plane rides far away from home. And we walk into kitchen. “Xie xie”….to say, “Thank you” in Chinese. We then ask….to paint nails….for many. And fingers and toes….a representation of love. And Jesus […]
I sit in church…..in China. Young girl interpreting beside me. And there are no stories. No introductions to conversations of man…. That corrupt this Holy Place. And before beginning. One sat down beside us. Hands folded. Head bowed. Mouth slowly mumbling prayers. And I wonder what petitions are about. Another in front of me with child. […]
Hours. Leaving. Far away from…..the world I once put on a pedestal. And I see… God has been preparing me…. For this season. This day. Long ago. Begging…“Lord, let me be……used by you.” And with weeping. Pleading. Thinking all hope of being used….. Had already passed. Here I am. Waiting. To fly……to China. Holding out…..barren hands….like […]
Word hungry…..before leaving. Surrender. Time on my knees….The only way to strength. And I hold out this day….in palms of hope. Offering it as a sacrifice…. That He would take it. Make it. Not mine….but His own. Lists growing long. China. Tomorrow. Schedules. Packing. Gathering for families. And yet. In deep tides. Rests tranquility…..still. Sustained […]
Water rises in lives of uncertainty. And I see it… People clinging to anything… Everything they can find. Tangible things to keep them safe. Yet, water comes without restraint. Washing away disposable things. Accessing cracks of impurities, under doors slammed shut to the Lord and his ways. Breaking down walls. And how His grace…when it comes….does […]