Royal Gems

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on your hearts. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man" (Proverbs 3:3-4)

"What are you doing for Valentine's Day?" she asked while coloring the locks of my hair. A visit to the hair salon often leads to questions of holiday celebrations and ministry opportunities. "Nothing formal", I tell her with a smile, "every day is Valentine's Day in our house". As humbly as I could, I told her that my husband and I are so thankful God brought us together that we express our love daily in word and deed. She was intrigued and wanted to know more.

As she wrapped my head in foil to give me a sun-kissed glow I shared how he first saw me in church. Unbeknown to me (until Jon told me months later) it was my hair that first caught his eye. As we spent time together the character of each other was what we fell in love with. The outside package may have been the initial attractor, but if there was no inner beauty we wouldn't have lasted. There aren't enough jewels, clothing or cosmetics to cover up a deceitful or selfish heart.

She told me she wished her boyfriend would do more to express his love, like send her flowers on special occasions. I felt her pain. Every woman wants to feel adored by the man she loves. Sensing her sorrow I could have succumbed to male bashing or listing my husband's short-comings. But along with our marriage vows Jon and I promised to never speak ill of each other in public or to a friend. We edify and honor as we focus on the strengths the other person brings to our relationship. Our challenges are worked out between us with God's help, not in moments of idle chit chat with outsiders.

Honestly, the only person who will ever love any of us to the fullest is God. No other human being can replace Him. We all fail each other. If you want to know the greatest love there is, it's a personal intimate relationship with Jesus. If you want to be a bejeweled beauty, one whose gems will never fade, you must admit you are a sinner who can only be washed clean by Christ's blood on the cross. He will make you shine brightly with a heavenly glow and show you how to give and receive love as He intended.

Be faithful to study God's Word and let Him change you. The Bible is the Lord Almighty's love letter to us! It is not enough to memorize verses. The head and the heart must be one in love with God.  We must bury Scripture like rare diamonds in our heart for the King of Kings has shared Himself with us.

What adorns your neck and chest this Valentine's Day? Are they words of love, grace and forgiveness? We can only display on the outside what the Holy Spirit has implanted on the inside. Are you wearing God's royal gems? "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on your hearts. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man" (Proverbs 3:3-4)

Your fellow herald for Christ,

 Mary

The Promise Commandment

"Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you" (Deuteronomy 5:16).

A quick glance at American culture paints a sad portrait when it comes to honoring parents, especially fathers. In an effort to elevate the status of women in society the male has been emasculated. The majority of commercials, movies and T.V. sitcoms portray women as the "smart mama" who is always having to manage the "dumb daddy". Even the children are encouraged to gang up on dear old dad with no display of respect or honor for his counsel.

The once strong leadership of the American male is slowing vanishing before our eyes as we have rebelled against God's design for relationships. ow interesting to note that God's commandment to "honor your father and your mother" is the first commandment that contains a stated promise.

When we show reference for our parents the Lord says we, too, will be blessed. Our lives "go well" because they are filled with harmony instead of strife. God delights in our sacrifice of obedience to them especially during challenging times. He understands human relationships ebb and flow and doing the right thing is sometimes hard.

But God places great emphasis on maintaining the relationship and showing deference to our parents. ur first priority is to a vibrant loving relationship with our heavenly Father through His Son Jesus Christ. Second in line is our parental and family relationships.

Perhaps your relationship with your parents is fraught with pain and in need of healing. Don't give up! Take your cares to the Lord and let Him heal your family. God can transform you into His compassionate advocate for positive change in the lives of others. Will you let Him work in you and through you? "Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you" (Deuteronomy 5:16). Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ, Mary

My Daughter by another Mother

“He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with His pleasure and will--” (Ephesians 1:5).

Holding her arm he guided her through the crowd looking for his next victim. He delights in the reaction his clever words ignite as he introduces the beauty by his side, “This is my daughter by another mother.” Puzzled by this greeting the guests murmur to themselves; wondering what does this mean. Has he just shared a family secret—perhaps a scandal?! Who is this daughter he proudly owns before the unsuspecting guests?

Such was the scene at my reception as my father introduced my adopted sister to our wedding guests. Dad often enjoyed shocking people; causing them to laugh in bewilderment. There was truth coupled with brilliance in his words for she was born by another mother (and father). Although not legally ours she considered herself to be. She nicknamed herself “the seventh Singer” the last to join us six Singer kids.

She was the girl across the street who lived with her legal guardians—her aunt and uncle. She never called them mom and dad, but always referred to my parents as such. My brothers and sisters were claimed as hers. In a willing act of conscious choice an adoption of the heart took place; she became the fourth Singer daughter and my third sister. Our family had a new member to nurture and love.

Out of His great mercy and love, grafting children into His family has always been God’s plan. We are named as His bloodline only through belief in the blood sacrifice of His Son, not by our own merit. In an act of obedience and trust we surrender our will to God’s. Once born of physical parents we are now reborn by the Holy Spirit into a spiritually united family. He loves us and instructs us; setting our feet on the path of righteousness. We become citizens of His kingdom even while our bodies reside on Earth’s soil.

As Christ’s bride I picture Him smiling at the heavenly wedding feast we’ll share one day. What jubilation there will be when the Father introduces us sons and daughters by other mothers! His pride and joy will not be contained, just as my earthly father’s could not be when he spoke of my adopted sister. Until then, let us lovingly invite others to share in our magnificent inheritance by sharing the love of Jesus with them. “He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with His pleasure and will--” (Ephesians 1:5).

Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ,

Mary

La Famiglia (The Family)

“…Though she may forget you, I will not forget. See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me” (Isaiah 49:15-16).

They stood on the same shoreline 100 years apart. Hardly noticeable these two women were both small in stature; but big on dreams. One bound for the oldest resort on earth a short boat ride away; the other sailing to the New World on a month-long voyage. The woman in 2010 departs from Naples, accompanied by her husband, for Capri from the dock where, in 1910, a mere teenager traveled solo to meet her future mate. One is seeking to connect with her past while the other is leaving hers behind. She was a fragile, sweet, thirteen-year-old Italian immigrant in 1910 whose story time almost forgot. As of late, my questioning is bringing her back to life for she was my great-grandmother.

Returning from Italy seven weeks ago has caused a surge in my family history research. While Jon and I were traveling visions of my mother’s family danced in my imagination. Everyone knew my great-grandmother came from Italy; her broken English accent was a sure giveaway. She never spoke of what her life was like there, and I can’t ask her now. She passed away in 1987. So my ancestral excavation takes place through other living family members who share bits and pieces of her saga. Learning how my family lived and what they sacrificed has changed me. Our Italian vacation has transformed me profoundly; it’s become a spiritual journey.

It’s the little things that have affected me the most. Like discovering my great, great-grandfather traveled in a horse-drawn cart from the south of Rome to the tip of the Austrian border selling his homegrown fruits, vegetables, and assorted meats and cheeses. Many were the same routes I traversed in an air conditioned bus with plenty of amenities. It baffles me that he rode through Italy’s mountainous terrain in all kinds of weather to support his family. Eventually, he saved up enough money to travel to Argentina, Brazil and America in search of a better life for them all. These were facts my mother never knew!

Perusing the notes I’m compiling on my Italian relatives, I am overcome with emotion at times. How different my life would have been had they stayed in Italy or if they settled in Brazil or Argentina as other family members did. But God’s grace and mercy carried them safely to America where a world of unlimited possibilities awaited. Their willingness to risk everything in a new land opened the door to so many blessings for the rest of us. As I contemplate their sacrifice and hardship I feel so spoiled; so undeserving of all that I have. It’s changed my heart forever. I am complaining less about how stressful my life is and speaking forth more grateful praises.

Discovering the intricacies of those who paved the way before me has drawn me closer to them. This, too, is how my relationship with Jesus has been growing. As I unearth the treasures buried in His Holy Word, I realize the price He paid for my freedom and the privilege of eternal life I’ve been given. He washed away my filthy sins and opened the door into heaven for me. I am welcomed into His family, one whose members are as precious to me as my own flesh and blood relatives. How tragic and hopeless my life would be if I had chosen to stay in my sinful state; refusing to leave it all behind.

The beauty of belonging to God’s household is that He never forgets us. Human relationships are wonderful, but time erodes their memory. Yet God is always faithful; forever longing to spend time with us and never too busy for those who love Him. Just as the choices my ancestors made directly impacted my life for good, my prayer is that my decision to follow Jesus will bring blessing to others in my circle. Hoping to meet you at the family reunion God’s planning for His children! “…Though she may forget you, I will not forget. See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me” (Isaiah 49:15-16).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Because She Said Yes: Legacy of a Mentor

“One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4).

Like tiny fireflies lighting a dark forest path so, too, are the women who have been Christ’s lanterns in my life. In the eyes of others their seemingly small and insignificant expressions of faith were not unnoticed by Jesus. God spoke to me through these Christian women He placed in my circle as mentors and spiritual big sisters. Long before our lives were intertwined, they said yes to Jesus when He called them to be His daughter. They committed to sharing the Gospel with others. One day their legacy of blessing touched me; inviting me to pass the torch too.

For forty-two years I lived in the shadows drawn at times to God’s saving light, yet choosing to run away from grace. Mine was a faith of works—always seeking to perfect myself so God would love me. One-by-one these women of faith shared their struggles and the love and forgiveness Jesus offered. If I surrendered my heart and life to Him His Holy Spirit would live inside me. He would help change my ways—making me holy as He is holy. My flesh will always struggle against God’s standard of holiness, but forgiveness and mercy cover my confession and repentance.

They were living examples of what Christ could do in an obedient heart. Unlike me, their faces were not covered with shame when they stood in the light of His word. They willingly shared the peace inside their hearts that was available to me. Covering me in prayer and Scriptures, they interceded on my behalf. Their words and deeds were a twinkling light penetrating the darkness of my soul. One’s influence led me to my Savior; others help keep me near Him today.

Because they said yes to follow Christ and yes to being a servant, I have eternal life. What a mystery how God uses imperfect people to drawn us to His perfect Son. He doesn’t need us, yet He grants us this incredible honor of kingdom work. The legacy of blessing continues to grow, all for God’s glory. Because I said yes a book was written bearing the imprint of God’s life-changing love when all hope is gone; reaching people I do not know.

The magnitude of this used to terrify me. I never felt qualified to write such a story. But that’s the beauty of saying yes to God. He’s the author who speaks through our lives when we rely on His power to accomplish the task. My mentors didn’t save me. I cannot save anyone. Only the Holy Spirit can convince a sinful and contrite heart that Jesus is the Messiah. As believers of this truth, we are called to demonstrate to this generation the beauty of a life forever changed by Christ’s magnificent love.

God knows we need living examples of this love. The incarnate Christ Jesus was the exact representation of the Father. Although we are flawed, God’s light can eliminate a dark world through the cracked windows of our lives. What is your legacy? What are you saying yes to? Is it your own dreams, wants, needs and desires? Are you living for the excitement this life can bring but falling off an emotional cliff when the momentary euphoria has passed? It’s a lonely and unfulfilling life you’ve chosen, and one I used to live.

Change your course and follow Jesus! Say yes to His invitation today by confessing to Him that you know you are a sinner, there is nothing you can do to be “good enough” to enter heaven, and that you believe Jesus died for your sins and rose from the dead. He has gone to heaven to prepare a place for you if only you will accept Him into your heart as your Redeemer. Then stand back in praise and adoration as He creates your legacy of blessing; His legacy of blessing. “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Tell Jesus Thank You

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

It was an “out of the boat” moment; one I had been praying for. But when it arrived I almost let it pass out of fear. Stepping forward in faith is often much easier to talk about than live out, especially when others are watching you. My first reaction, when talking to a dying friend long distance as a mutual friend placed her cell phone on speaker, was to play it safe; not rock the boat of anyone’s spiritual convictions. After all, who am I to cast judgment on her faith? It’s not polite to seek assurance of her salvation, is what my mind was saying. But isn’t that what real love does? Shouldn’t I share the truth of Christ’s penalty for our sins so those who believe this will be guaranteed a place in heaven with Him? Now or never had arrived and I had a choice to make.

The call with my friend was pre-arranged the day before. My friend is losing her ability to speak and write. She’s dying of brain cancer. Knowing friends would be visiting her on Wednesday, the time was set for me to call one of the women’s cell phone. After a restless night with little sleep, I felt a strong urging to pray with her on the phone. Hours before the call I said, “Lord, you calmed the raging seas when you walked on water. Surely you can calm the storm that rages in my girlfriend’s head, even for a little while”. Simple as that prayer was, it carried a big request. My friend had not been able to make complete sentences for a week. In my hour of need I was asking for a miracle—the ability for her to understand me and me to understand her.

When I dialed the number I had no idea what I would find on the other end. Each day brings many changes in my friend’s condition. The cancer is spreading rapidly. My girlfriend, whose cell number I was calling, had offered to be the mediator as she held up her phone on speaker. A third girlfriend introduced herself, so now there were four of us connected. Nervously I said hello to my dying friend. To my delight a beautiful exchange of words took place between us. I was able to tell her I loved her and she replied in kind. What joy! But God told me I wasn’t done yet.

In an instant, I asked if it would be alright if I prayed with her. She muffled “yes” along with my girlfriend’s utterance of “go for it, Mare” setting the stage. Fumbling at first, I felt the Holy Spirit guiding me out of my comfort zone. Suddenly I was speaking as He directed. Recently my friend had slyly interjected into a sentence that she would put in a good word for me. This statement came on the heels of her latest MRI results—the tumor was growing and time was running out. I did not initially understand what she meant. Then it hit me. She was offering to put in a good word for me when she went to heaven.

There was no time to waste. Jesus had given me this chance to share Scriptures with her, and to tell her something precious. “When you get to heaven tell Jesus I said thank you”. As the cell phone owner began to speak she couldn’t contain her excitement. She hadn’t seen our sick friend so lucid and able to complete a sentence until this exchange. Praise God for this moment! He’d taken my trembling spirit and walked beside me that day. I felt as if I were really in that hospital room hundreds of miles away.

In this season of grief I am learning from death how to really live. I want to have more moments like Peter did—scared but willing to step out of the boat into the raging water where only complete dependency on Christ can uphold me. As I make this journey, I am comforted by the reality that God wants to bring glory to His name through all who are willing to trust and obey. What a treasure to be able to share with my friends that for all who love Jesus the best is yet to come. I’m still telling God “thank you” for this story, and for the gift of eternal life. Are you? “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Rejects Welcome

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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Sifting through hundreds of resumes each week would sometimes leave me callous. As a corporate recruiter I was not trained to be emotionally attached to the applicants. My eyes scanned the documents seeking to identify only those who perfectly match the job description. There was no interest in the misfits. Not so long ago the Lord pressed upon my heart that the world’s standard of perfection is often translated into a reflection of His standard. This is a false perception because Jesus loves what society rejects, and welcomes us close where He makes us perfect. He does not expect us to approach Him in this state, or to pursue it without His help. Attempting this in our own strength only leaves us exhausted.

How rested do you feel today? If you are like me the endless pursuit of perfectionism the world demands leaves you depleted each day. Until recently, I never used to contemplate the people behind the names on the resumes that did not measure up to the standards the hiring manager required. More and more I see large gaps in their employment history, and I find myself saddened that I cannot help them. Because I cannot plead their case to the manager does not mean there is nothing I can do for them. There is another option God has given me; I can pray they will be blessed.

As I select the reject button that sends the candidate an email my imagination overtakes me. I wonder how they will react when they receive the automated note informing them they are not a fit. Is disappointment heavy on their heart because they have been out of work so long? Are they facing financial ruin? Have they run out of hope? How is this job search affecting them emotionally? Are they exhausted physically and spiritually? Do they have a good support system, or is their faith waning? At this moment my silent prayer begins as I beseech the Giver of all good things to bless them with work.

In the middle of one of these quiet prayers the Holy Spirit interrupts my thoughts to remind me to pray these people draw near to Jesus. He knows the longings of their heart, and will supply all that is needed. I pray He will open doors that no one can close, and that His favor rests on them. In their moment of rejection my hope is they will turn to Christ who never turns down anyone who seeks Him. There is only one qualification to be welcomed into His kingdom, and that is to believe that He paid your entrance fee with His blood. By your own merit you cannot be good enough, smart enough, or well-connected enough to gain access to heaven.

You cannot make your life’s resume flashier or join a social networking group that will put you in good standing with Jesus. This is good news to all who are worn out trying to get God’s attention as I was for so many years! You are granted direct access to Him as you develop a personal relationship with Jesus through prayer, fellowship and Bible study. This is where you will learn for yourself that He wants to lift your cares, and give you the soul rest you crave.

While my prayers for those resume owners who I may never meet may seem trivial, I believe they are powerful because God is prompting them out of me. Who knows, one day a fellow saint may whisper in my ear as we’re praising Jesus side-by-side, “You were the one who prayed for me to be encouraged when I was downtrodden. I turned to Jesus and He welcomed me in.” Such joy there will be when we behold the receiver of the prayers the Father asked us to recite. Let us ask God to sharpen our senses to those who need to hear these healing words. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Holding My Father’s Hand

Previously posted on my website in June, 2009 http://extravagantlife.net/site/

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).

Life has been more chaotic than usual for me, and I feel my strength being depleted. It’s not just me who is struggling, but friends I’m praying for too. There are real needs to be attended to as people suffer from health crises, financial ruin, job loss and fractured relationships. Some days the pain is more than I can bear, and I feel so helpless. It seems God has pushed me to the limit, or has He? Perhaps a more accurate statement would be to say that He allowed me to rely on my own problem-solving abilities, and I simply ran out of answers.

Do you ever feel hard times equate to punishment from God, and that He isn’t listening to your cries for help? I used to feel that way a lot before I had a close personal relationship with Jesus. Even now, there are moments during trials when Satan will tempt me with those thoughts that if entertained only lead to despair. Praise God I don’t have to surrender my mind to the Devil’s lies! The Lord has provided the ammunition to combat these vicious attacks—His Holy Scriptures.

Recently, I found myself in tears as I grappled with burdens that pressed me face down to the ground where my view of life was dimmed. In that moment I had two choices. I could wallow in the “dirt” before me and blind myself further, or I could pray and allow God to open my eyes to His hope. By His grace I chose the later, and the Lord led me to this wonderful verse: “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).

Is there anything more precious than hearing the Father say to you that He is holding your right hand, and He will help you? How tender and powerful that picture is for me. Reading it instantly blessed my soul, and I thanked God for revealing that Scripture to me. One of the many things I love about God is that He meets me right where I am. He didn’t chastise me when my reaction to life’s problems was to panic. No! Instead, His Holy Spirit gently convicted my heart to confess this sin and not only receive God’s forgiveness, but His help too. What joy!

Perhaps you would care to join me in this exercise. Whenever I feel myself fearing the task before me that is beyond my control to complete, I meditate on the vision of God’s divine intervention. He’s waiting for me to bring my cares to Him and to trust that He will either take care of it without my effort, or infuse me with the strength to fulfill the mission. Come. Silence your mind, close your eyes, and let the peace of your heavenly Father fill you as He says: “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).
Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

My Father and Me

Previously posted on my web site in June 2009:
http://extravagantlife.net/site/

“Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on you do know Him and have seen him” (John 14:6-7).

Today is Father’s Day. After church, my husband and I went for a two-hour hike in the state park up the street from our house. As we wandered through the seven-mile woodland path that takes us through varied terrain, my thoughts began to focus on the fathers in my life. First, there is my earthly father who passed away six-and-one-half years ago. I no longer grieve his passing maybe because I see so much of him in those of us who are here. My siblings and I share some of Dad’s physical traits as well as his points of view. We’ve often heard people say, “You Singer kids look so much alike.”

The second father is not mine. Rather he is my husband and a father of three daughters from a previous marriage. There’s a tenderness to the way my husband relates to his daughters, and I admire his diligent pursuit of a relationship with them that is full of life. He has always communicated his love for them, and willingness to be a counselor in times of need. Just as I bear a family resemblance to my earthly father, so do my husband’s girls to him. I see it in their eyes or their laugh and in their dispositions. We often joke about the differences between the Singer and Wick families, and relish in the knowledge that we also share commonalities too.

But of all the fathers I know whether relatives or friends, the most important one is my heavenly Father. He is the one constant in my life. He is ever-present, never-changing, and always moving toward me in love. He desires closeness with His children. I don’t have to worry that one day He won’t be there for me. He is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. God knows no limits; He has no life span as physical fathers do. God the Father has always existed in spiritual form and graciously gave us a glimpse of His character in the physical form of His Son, Jesus. What a gift it is to be able to say, “Jesus is the representation of His Dad and He invites everyone to join His family!”

It is sad to hear people say that they don’t believe God is a loving Father because of the traumatic experiences they’ve incurred with their natural fathers. Humans are very flawed, but this cannot be used as an excuse to turn away from God Almighty. He knows our pain and has provided a way to have a loving Father-child relationship with Him. This can only happen when we have a close personal relationship with His Son, Jesus. Likewise, when we are born again spiritually and indwelt with the Holy Spirit we reflect a new gene pool to the world. It’s no longer my fleshly parents that the world notices, but my spiritual Father and His Son.

Knowing that I am God’s adopted daughter both comforts and challenges me. While I am not a physical parent, I am still called to be a mentor to those the Lord puts in my life. This is true for all Christians. We are to make manifest the glory of God by allowing Him to display His love for others through us. Jesus Christ is our perfect example who does not expect perfection from us, only the willingness to be used. Once we surrender to His will, then He can speak to a weary soul through our words and deeds; drawing that hurting sinner into a relationship that forgives and heals.

So on this day when we honor our human fathers my greatest prayer is that people I encounter throughout my life would say, “She looks just like her Father and I want to be part of that family too!” If you still mistrust the character of God the Father, just remember to take your questions to His Son. “Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on you do know Him and have seen him” (John 14:6-7).
Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Whom Shall I Send?

This was previously posted on my web site http://extravagantlife.net/site/ in January 2009.

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8)!

Have you reached the edge of the road you’ve been traveling on for awhile, and find you’re staring straight into the precipice; wondering what’s next? Me too! Perhaps you’re asking yourself the same question confronting me, “Do I back away from the cliff, turn around and revisit the road most familiar to me, or do I allow God to give me wings to fly miraculously off this secure turf into the wild headwinds?” This is where I’m perched in January, 2009. But how I arrived here was no accident. I was led by a voice so powerful it consumed all my inner critics shouting, “You’re not equipped for this. Don’t do it!”

In the last six months, my life has been accelerating at a pace faster than I can contain; pushing me to either render control of the steering wheel to God, or give up on my calling altogether. The tempter visits me when I’m tired and weak, whispering ever so softly that I shouldn’t press on because I lack the self-discipline, and knowledge, to complete the work before me. It’s scary here outside my comfort zone and area of expertise, but it’s exactly where the greatest adventure lives; the place where I trust God to intervene. For you see, it is His voice I’m following into a new career.

Where has He brought me? Into the public forum where I share my private life, at least parts of it. With the publishing of my book My Heart’s Desire: A Journey Toward Finding Extravagant Love came great excitement coupled with intense fear. I wanted to halt the publication, terrified of my self-inflicted invasion of privacy as my story was about to go global. I feared the reaction from readers absorbing personal experiences my writing revealed. It’s one thing to share intimate life details with loved ones and quite another to let the information soar over an internet blog, and through a paperback book, for strangers to digest.

With so much hesitancy, why am I willing to jump off this emotionally safe cliff I’ve so cleverly fabricated, in my own mind, into the great beyond with all its uncertainty? Because I made a promise to go forward when I heard Jesus calling me, and I know His power will sustain me; not my own. It’s an incredible feeling, standing at the crossroads, knowing the scenery is about to change because of the direction I’m headed. It requires faith to leap into the air trusting God will keep me aloft. But I love Him and want to go wherever He takes me because He’s given me the courage to do so.

How about you? Is God calling you out into uncharted territory for His service? It doesn’t have to be a big project such as writing a book or launching a speaking career. Jesus may need you to walk across the street and offer words of comfort to a hurting neighbor. What about mending a broken relationship with a friend or family member needing your forgiveness? Is Jesus asking you to serve in your church mentoring program, Sunday school class, or some obscure ministry that no one notices but God smiles upon? If He asked you to go on a mission trip, would you go? God loves us regardless of our response to His call to action. But what a shame it would be to miss the joy of witnessing Christ work through us if only we’d accepted His call instead of saying, “Sorry God, all circuits are busy.”

As I venture into this new world of writing and speaking, the Holy Spirit reminds me this is God’s glory road I’m traveling, and I need to take inventory. Whose name is on the street signs that point passersby in the right direction, mine or God’s? Am I making much of my own accomplishments, or His grace that makes all I do possible and successful? My prayer is to be a faithful conduit of God’s love, as I share the glorious things He’s doing in my life. Am I scared? Sometimes, but I’m more afraid of living with the regret of having said no to Him and yes to my insecurities. Can you relate?

If so, do not fear fellow believers in Christ. You are not without a guide, or a roadmap. As you pray to the Holy Trinity they will make the path of every winding turn clear, and provide directions through your daily Bible study. When you receive an answer, test every voice you hear against God’s Word so you may have soul peace and confirmation; proclaiming to others as you leave the curb embarking on God’s glory road trip, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8)!
Hope to see you at an intersection soon!

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary