Speaking From the Heart

Have any of you read the book Kisses From Katie?  It’s one I had been meaning to read for several months and picked it up off the shelf at the bookstore the other day.  It’s an amazing story (still unfolding) about Katie Davis, a young girl from Nashville who has moved full time to Uganda, adopted 13 young girls, and started a non profit organization that serves hundreds of other children. She left for Uganda right out of high school.  As I sat down and opened this book, I didn’t get as far as the dedication page before my eyes were welling up with tears.  For Jesus. Every word, every breath is for you.   Those words hit me right between the eyes and like an arrow in my heart.  Yes Jesus, you ARE worth it!  You are.  I’ve gotten so lost in all the details.  I’ve gotten lost in the lies being offered on a daily basis by the enemy of my soul.   Those nine words were exactly what my heart needed right then.  They filled a dry and weary soul with a burst of living water, and I am thankful for God’s faithfulness in meeting me at the right place at the right time.   The lover of my soul captured my heart.  Once I got past the dedication page and dove in, the rest of the story was really powerful and encouraging to read as well.  It’s an amazing testimony of choosing to let God be the author of our destiny and trusting in His goodness.

 A few months back Tyson and I had a conversation about the significance of us going to Mozambique.  As I was thinking out loud my question went something like, “What does it matter that our little family is packing up to go serve on a tiny blip on the map in a remote area to a few people on the other side of the world?  What difference does it make?”  In my spirit, I heard the words, “It makes all the difference.  It makes a difference because I care, and because I am writing a story that is far greater than you.  Greater than just your family alone. “  My heart filled with joy as I was reminded that we have the opportunity to be a part of His story and be His hands and feet to the people of Mozambique that He crosses our path with.  We matter. They matter.  It matters!

In the forward in Kisses from Katie, Betty Clark wrote:
 “I’ve noticed something about people who make a difference in the world: They hold the unshakable conviction that individuals are extremely important, that every life matters.  They get excited over one smile.  They are willing to feed one stomach, educate one mind, and treat one wound.  They aren’t determined to revolutionize the world all at once; they’re satisfied with small changes.  Over time, though, the small changes add up.  Sometimes they even transform cities and nations, and yes, the world.” 

 As I have had the temptation to lose heart on this journey and give in to my doubts, fears, and discouragements, I have been reawakened to the beautiful fact that,  better is one day in His courts than thousands elsewhere (Psalm 84:10), that Jesus is my all in all, and that He’s called us for such a time as this!