A Severe Mercy

{By Taylor Eckel}

No book had ever made me cry. When I read A Severe Mercy, I wept.

Although the story centers around the life of Vanauken and Davy, the themes in the book transcend their personal story, and even their lives. From the beginning of their relationship, the Vanaukens deliberately cultivated a very thorough paradigm of love, beauty, truth, and longing for eternity that underwent a major evolution after their individual conversions to Christianity. “We saw self as the ultimate danger to love, which it is; we didn’t see it as the ultimate evil of hell, which it also is,” Vanauken writes about their pre-conversion worldview.

Vanauken’s story is much more philosophical than a typical autobiography, yet his narrative is anything but dry. The eloquent prose reflects his background as a literature professor and an amateur poet. Throughout the book he lapses into the third person to convey his thoughts, abstracting himself from his ideas in a way that allows the readers to easily follow his reasoning. This detached treatment of ideas provides contrast to his personal struggle to internalize those ideas, and ultimately, to surrender himself to God.

A few years into their marriage, the Vaunakens moved to Oxford for Sheldon’s studies. Their time close acquaintance with a group of serious Christians there inspired them to study the faith they had previously rejected. They greatly admired the work of C.S. Lewis, and “on an impulse” Sheldon wrote to Lewis about his struggle to accept Christianity. Their subsequent correspondence was instrumental in Vanauken’s conversion, after which Lewis became a trusted mentor and lifelong friend, and they maintained a lively correspondence even after the Vanaukens returned to America. Many of the letters Sheldon received from C.S. Lewis are interspersed throughout the latter half of the book, and provide Lewis’s characteristic depth of wisdom.

After the Vanaukens returned to America, Sheldon struggled with the realization that their love must be subject to Christ. Early in their relationship and prior to their conversion, the Vanaukens described their love for each other as the Shining Barrier--  “It was our love itself, made strong within” that was their ultimate good and would transcend even death. After their conversion it pained Vanauken to see his wife following Christ above her love for him.

“I didn’t want us to be swallowed up in God,” he wrote, “I wanted holidays from the school of Christ. We should, somehow, be able to have the Shining Barrier intact and follow the King of Glory. I didn’t want to be a saint. Almost none of this did I consciously know– just longings. But for Davy, to live was Christ.”

Vanauken’s struggle is the universal struggle of all Christians attempting to live out Matthew 16:24, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Vanauken’s frank disclosure of his idolatry shocked me. But I was not so shocked by his sentiment, but by the realization that his words resonated with something deep within me. Convicted, I cried over the unsurrendered loves in my own heart.

“God in His ample love embraced our love with, it may be, a sort of tenderness, and we must tread the Way to Him hand in hand,” Vanauken writes. But God did not intend for Sheldon and Davy to tread hand in hand for very long. Recalling Davy’s illness and death, Vanauken writes of himself, “He had had– was having-- all the sorrow there was. And yet, the joy was worth the pain.”

I cried again when I read of the joy in pain, the hope of life everlasting in Christ, and the depths of Vanauken’s devotion to his wife.

Lewis was instrumental in helping Vanauken understand the goodness of God in Davy’s death. The richness of their correspondence after her death– pondering God’s goodness, musing about eternity– was refreshing after the emotional intensity of Vanauken’s loss. The book’s title comes from a letter from Lewis, who described Davy’s death as a “severe mercy” from God.

The strength of Vanauken’s faith is remarkable. He writes, “I cannot escape the impression that Somebody was being very gentle with us. Perhaps she had to die– for me, for our dear love, for God.” Elsewhere he reflects, “...it was for me, despite grief and aloneness, worth it.”

I wept again, praying for a faith that could say– no matter the trials it endured– “it was for me, worth it.”

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Rebels Without Causes

{by Rachel Coker}

I experienced my first major movie-star crush when I was twelve years old. I just happened to stroll through the living room one Sunday afternoon and see my dad stretched out on the couch, watching an old movie on TV. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. Nothing new there—just his usual Sunday afternoon movie watching. I grabbed a snack out of the fridge and was about to head upstairs when it happened. I saw him. James Dean. I’m pretty sure the earth tipped slightly on its axis. Was it just me, or had my heart stopped beating? Yep, that guy was definitely making my stomach do crazy things.

I casually perched on the edge of the sofa and pretended to be only semi-interested in the movie. “What are you watching?” I asked my dad, as non-suspiciously as possible. Rebel without a Cause. And with those four words, my Sunday afternoon was pretty much shot. Because I sat on the couch for the majority of it, soaking up that handsome face and sweet red jacket.

Looking back on it now, I’m not sure I can really put my finger on what it was about James Dean’s character that I found so appealing. Granted, he was extremely good looking and the best dresser I’d ever laid eyes on, but there was something else about him that I found downright intriguing. He was a rebel. He roamed the streets at dark in his 1949 Mercury, hung out in abandoned houses, and got into more trouble in twenty-four hours than most people can achieve in a lifetime. Basically, he lived the kind of life that every teenager, boy or girl, dreams about. The freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Forget adult supervision or rules. James Dean did whatever he pleased, and twelve-year-old me thought that was just amazing.

There’s a stereotype about teenagers that should probably cause most of us to cringe. And that is that teenagers are a discontented, rebellious, ungrateful bunch of kids. But you know what? It’s totally true! And, to make things worse, I am one of those teenagers! And, if you’re going to be one hundred percent honest, you probably are, too.

My sisters and I recently completed a Bible study on contentment. It was definitely eye-opening to me, because for the first time I realized how little I have to be ungrateful for. Every day, God showers me with blessings and mercies—most of which I don’t even recognize. And yet, I fight. I push for what I want and demand what I think I need. I’m not always grateful or content with the life God has given me. In fact, I often want to rebel against it.

As fallen human beings, we’re born into that state of sin and rebellion. We’re constantly fighting and struggling for things that aren’t in God’s plan for us. And yet, what do we have to fight for? God has been nothing but good and merciful toward us. We play the part of rebels, but we really don’t have a cause.

Every time we rebel against God, there are serious consequences. We lose fellowship with Him, we are kept from receiving some of His blessings, and we are sometimes even punished. No matter how romantic it might seem sometimes, the life of a rebel isn’t a great one. Even in James Dean’s classic film celebrating teen freedom, things end badly. Death, degradation of the family, ruined friendships… Rebellion comes with a price.

The world is full of enough rebels without causes. What we need is more young women and men willing to stand for something worthwhile. The cause of truth, and love, and grace. Those are true causes. The blessings of God are the only things that are really going to last, after all. What good is a few years of living hard and fast? What will we really gain by rebelling for our own desires, if they are only things that will pass away when this life is over?

So stop fighting. Stop rebelling. We really have no reason to be discontent and unhappy. Instead we should spend more time thinking about all the wonderful blessings we enjoy. We don’t have a cause to rebel, but we do have so many causes to be grateful.

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On a Mission: Asking the Hard Questions {Part 3}

Check out Part 1 and Part 2 if you missed them! Today we'll hear from Rebekah, who has shared her heart for children several times on this blog before. Here are some of her thoughts on Kisses from Katie, what we can be doing today, and how this issue has impacted her life:

Rebekah:

How has the Lord touched your heart on this issue?

Ever since I was a little girl I have always loved children. I have spent most of my childhood playing with, being around and babysitting children. So when it came time to start looking at careers, my choice was of course to do something that had to do with children. The love that God has given me for children is incredible. I sometimes wish I could hug every child in the world and show them just how much God loves them. And while I can't do that, I can show a great number of kids God's love by going to in missions work of some kind.

How has that passion impacted your life or how do you see it impacting

your life?

My love for children overflows into pretty much everything I do. Wherever I go, if I see a child, I am immediately drawn to him. If there is ever a child in need, I try to do whatever I can to help him. As I said above, I have spent a lot of my life around/with children, and so I think they have made a huge impact on my life. I think I see the world differently when I am with children. Children have such a sweet view of life, and I love it. I wish everyone could see the world as a child does. They also have an amazing amount of faith in things they cannot see. And that is truly priceless. We could all learn a lesson or two from them about trusting God :)

If you could tell people of one way they can make a difference, what would it be?

To love God, and love children. So many people in the world today see children as a burden, when really they are a blessing from the Lord. They are incredible gift that we don't deserve. They are eternal beings that have a heart and soul just like you and me. 

What kind of an impact did Kisses from Katie have on you?

I actually have followed Katie's blog for over year before the book came out. Naturally, when I heard she was releasing a book, I pre-ordered it and read it as soon as I could! It is an amazing book. I would recommend to anyone, even if they don't feel God calling them into missions work. It will change your life.

Katie makes it clear that she’s not saying all people need to become foreign missionaries. But that does not release us from our duty to care for orphans. What can we be doing, here and now?

I definitely agree that not all people are called into foreign missions. But I do think that God calls everyone to some type of ministry. Even if that is as simple as being a stay-at-home mom, it's still doing as the Lord has called. I also believe that God can use you to great things wherever He has called you. That may be spreading the word through out the office you work in, or teaching your children about God. I think as Westerners, we can have an impact. Even if we aren't the ones going over to foreign countries, we can be the ones who support those missionaries by raising funds, organizing events, getting the word out, or any other ways you can think of helping. Many times there is just one missionary who goes to different country, but they really have a team of hundreds of people back home supporting them and helping them.

Is giving money to good causes enough?

There is a book called Crazy Love (by Francis Chan) that greatly changed my thoughts on this issue. I think the best thing to do is have a mindset of where are treasure is, we will be there also. And for us, as Christians, ALL of our treasure should be in heaven. We shouldn't be too attached to anything on earth, so if God asks us to give it up, we can. Mr. Chan in his book talks about selling his big home and moving to one half the size so that he could donate the extra money to missions work. This is something that seems so radical to us, but if you think about it, he probably changed hundreds, if not thousands of people's lives, but just listening to what God wanted him to do, and being willing to do it. I think if you are willing, God will call you to make a difference bigger then you could ever imagine.

To the girls who have grown up reading missionaries biographies and have always dreamed of the missionary life, what would you say? What would you say to the girls who are pretty much happy with their American life and “don’t feel the call”? What has God said to you on this issue?

To those girls dreaming of being missionaries, I would say, If God calls you, Go. It might be scary, and it might be the hardest thing you have ever done, but I can guarantee you giving up everything you know and love to go serve the Lord is the best thing you will ever do. To the girls who love their American life, I would say, evaluate your loves. If you love your American "treasures" more then God, then there are some priority issues there. But if you are loving God and He calls you to stay and serve in America, then by all means, listen :)

Personally, I have felt God calling me for a while to do some type of missions work. As of right now I am planning on going to a missionary Midwifery school and then hopefully serving the Lord somewhere, in some country (I am leaving that up to God right now!) I am so very excited about going to different countries, and serving God in different parts of the world. I know it will probably be hard, but as I said before, I also know it will definitely be worth it.

Ok, so now it's your turn: what are your thoughts on some of the tough questions about missions work? How would you answer these questions? 

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On a Mission: Asking the Hard Questions {Part 2}

"People tell me I am brave," says Katie Davis, "People tell me I am strong. People tell me good job. Well here is the truth of it. I am really not that brave, I am not really that strong, and I am not doing anything spectacular. I am just doing what God called me to do as a follower of Him. Feed His sheep, do unto the least of His people." 


Would that be your answer? What does that mean for us? How can we be loving the least of these... today? Hannah shared her thoughts with us last time, here is another young lady to offer her perspective on some of the hard questions of missions work:

Carolyn:

How has the Lord touched your heart on this issue?

I'm not really sure why the Lord gave me a burden for orphans, child slaves, and abortion. He just did. I can't really remember who or when it started but I've always felt called to something with children. All I know is that He has given me a hurt for these hurting children and someday He will show me what He wants me to do about that. Until then I need to keep listening, keep preparing, and keep praying.

How has that passion impacted your life?

It has helped my relationships with my siblings a lot. I have three younger siblings and I believe the Lord has given them to me so I can practice. It has also helped me become more humble I look at others who have gone before me and I stop thinking I'm so wonderful.  

What is one way we can 'make a difference'?

Remember that God makes the difference, if you are ready to always be his tool he will use you. Sometimes that means taking the first step without knowing what the second step is. The best way to make a difference is to not wait for the faith you need but to trust that God will give you the trust you need at each individual time. I know that sounds paradoxical but it works. He may give you a lot to do he may give you only a little. But it will always be just enough.

Not all Christians are called to physically move to foreign countries and devote their time to the desperately poor. However, when compared with the work missionaries are doing, sometimes our lives seem superficial and in some ways selfish. What are your thoughts on this?

I've actually been struggling a lot with that lately. There is so much work to do close to home and so much work to do  in other lands. Part of me wants to help carry the light into areas that have never seen it. Part of me wants to go help the children over seas who are hurting. then another part of me wants to stay here and help the babies that are being murdered right here in my own country. So I think that each individual should trust the Lord to give him or her their own assignment. Knowing that the assignment might change. After all as long as you are doing the Fathers will how can you be doing wrong? There is no "better way" then the way He has placed you in. 

Is giving money to good causes enough?

No. Money is not enough. The Bible tells us to give of ourselves. To give what we really prize. The Christian is taught to prize time and love, not just money. So giving our money, while good, is not enough.  We need to also give our time and our talents. However, you can be a missionary at home! Giving your time and talents to the Lord at home is the same thing as giving them in Africa. Once again the important thing is to be living the will of the Lord.

To the girls who have grown up reading missionaries biographies and have always dreamed of the missionary life, what would you say? To the girls who are pretty much happy with their American life and “don’t feel the call”, what would you say?

To the first group I would say this: Hi sisters! You're just like me! I am so glad that the Lord has spoken to your hearts. I have two cautions though: 1.) Don't get caught up in the romantic vision of the mission field make sure its the Lords' glory you want not adventure. 2.) Prepare yourselves by ministering to those around you. Don't expect to get out there and be instantly the perfect example to the heathen.

To the second group I would say this: Are you listening? Do you have a close relationship with the Lord or are you drifting? And if you are you are just like me! I have huge dry spells when I feel like just doing what I want to do.  But you know what? It's always my fault! If you want to be called, you have to stay within calling range; draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you.

What has God said to me on this issue? The verse I have picked as my own this year is this. "Walk in wisdom toward them which are without redeeming the time."  Life was given us to glorify God. The Lord has called us to use each second to the fullest. To seek for wisdom, to be an example, and to glorify God. A missionary is someone with a mission, my mission is your mission; to bring glory to God. That is the bottom line.

Don't forget to look for Part 3, coming soon 

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On a Mission: Asking the Hard Questions

One girl. About the age of most of us. One countercultural decision. One crazy awesome God and one heart surrendered to His wildest ideas.

The result? Thousands of orphans given homes and cared for, thousands of ways for the Gospel to be shared, one amazing ministry begun, one beautiful book written, and thousands of hearts inspired.

The girl? Katie Davis, now young mother of 13 orphaned girls and founder of Amazima Ministries. The book? Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption, the exciting and heart-wrenching story of her adventures in Uganda. My advice to you? Read it.

Kisses from Katie is Katie Davis’ telling of her own story, how she turned her back on the traditional American life of college and career and chose a radically different life than the one she had grown up with and expected to live. But more than that, Katie’s book is the story of the people, and particularly the children, of Uganda; it is the story of the approximately 143,000,000 orphans around the world today, voiceless and alone; it is the story of a God big enough to use a little girl to do great things.

Reading Katie’s story is not exactly the kind of book you want to read curled up in a comfortable chair, sipping a $4 latte… without seeing the complacency and self-centeredness of our culture mirrored in yourself, that is. Because Katie’s book is like that. Unless you’re reading it from the depths of Africa or somewhere where you are engrossed in full time mission work with orphans up to your ears, Kisses from Katie raises interesting, and convicting, questions. As high school girls, wrapped up in activities and friends, are we truly living for anyone other than ourselves? As college students, busy with heavy course loads and meeting new faces, are we living with an eternity-mindset? As 20-somethings, moving on with life and careers and schooling, are we so focused on the next bend in the road that we forget the crying, hungry world around us?

Not everyone is called to leave their home, families, friends, and the beaten path of classic American life to directly minister in hungry and sick, poverty-stricken third world countries. We can be missionaries wherever we are [we all know that right? the whole ‘bloom where you’re planted’ thing?]. But in the face of thousands of children who live in conditions so desperate our minds can only imagine, that platitude, although truthful, can seem to fall a little flat.

Three girls, each with a passion for children, orphans, missions, and the voiceless, are here to share their thoughts with you on this topic, and why it has become a passion for them.

 

Hannah:

Why do you have a passion for orphans/children/missions?

I didn’t originally have a passion for this issue. I mean, my heart would hurt when footage of starving children came on the TV screen, and I’d feel compassion for children without families--but mostly I didn’t think of them. I tried not to let them cross my mind too often because I doubted that there were real, tangible ways I could help. 

If you could tell people of one way they can make a difference, what would you tell them?

Prayer. This should not be disregarded or downplayed. Jesus speaks repeatedly on prayer in the New Testament--He uses strong imagery to emphasize how we should appeal to Him boldly and often. These kids are under His watch. He loves them more than we do. So why would we hesitate to appeal to Him to care for their needs, and equip us to help them?

To the girls who have grown up reading missionaries biographies and have always dreamed of the missionary life, what would you say? To the girls who are pretty much happy with their American life and “don’t feel the call”, what would you say?

To the girls who (like me) were raised on missionary stories--don’t downplay your involvement. You might not be in a place in life where you can drop everything and go overseas. You may never be given that opportunity. That doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Mother Teresa emphasized that all we can do are “small things with great love.” I would add--I don’t think anything done for the Kingdom is truly small. Everything matters. Everything is seen by God. 

To the girls who don’t think you’re called...I would suggest reconsidering. The truth is, if we love Jesus, caring for orphans isn’t a question. James 1:27 says it is a mark of “pure and undefiled religion in the sight of God.” The question isn’t whether you’re called. The question is “how.” How can you specifically help love these kids? Prayer? Active involvement in a local orphan ministry? Fundraising for orphan ministries or places that support potential adoptive families, like the Abba Fund? But mostly...I’d encourage those girls to dare to see yourselves in these children. But for the grace of God, we’d be there too. How can we possibly bear to live without giving them a second thought? If God’s heart breaks for them, why should our hearts remain whole?

check back soon for part 2... 

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Learning to Be a Lion-Chaser {Part 2}

{by Katrina Rebsch}

As I finished my second read-through of this book, more slowly this time in order to better digest the content, the wheels in my heart and mind began turning.  Slowly at first, then faster and faster as passions were defined and new dreams awakened that had lain buried for a long time under the guise of the impossible.  Excitement surged through my being and hope for the future was restored!  Suddenly, I wanted to be a lion chaser in the Kingdom of God!  To dream big, take risks as God leads, and trust Him for the impossible... 

A few days later found me at my computer typing out the following lists:

Passions Defined:

•   Teaching the Bible and discipling others (especially teenage girls)
•   Evangelizing
•   Homeschooling
•   Seeing women/girls choose life for their babies
•   Missionary work around the globe
•   Orphans being adopted
•   Supporting busy mothers in their noble work of homemaking and nurturing children
•   Writing to encourage others
•   Godly music
•   Healthy lifestyle
•   Bringing beauty and order to a home environment

Dreams for Future Learning:

•   Teaching English as a second language as a vehicle for sharing the Gospel
•   The job of an ultrasound technician for use at crisis pregnancy centers
•   Basic midwifery/doula skills
•   Gardening
•   Photography
•   Playing the guitar

Dreams for Future Doing:

•   Running a haven home for missionaries where they can stay for free while on furlough and be refreshed; one that would include a big garden for soul nourishment
•   Publishing a book
•   Acting in a Christian movie
•   Becoming an advocate for orphan adoption
•   Sponsoring orphan children in other countries
•   Visiting Prince Edward Island, the Swiss Alps, Montana, and a tropical paradise
•   Getting married and discipling my children in the Lord’s ways (possibly adopting if God so led) 

I know that not all of these dreams are going to be accomplished in one week, one month, or even one year!  “A dream becomes reality one opportunity at a time...” Batterson encourages. And of course, to everything there is a time and a season.  Perhaps it will take a lifetime to accomplish these goals.  And maybe some won’t ever make it past the bullet point on my list.  I also recognize that a few of these dreams probably look far-fetched.  After all, where does a girl like me with no fixed salary get enough money to buy a home for missionaries?  And acting in a Christian movie?  I don’t even know any directors!

Yet, as a lion chaser, I am no longer limited to the logical!  I know that God can do anything.  The more impossible, the more He gets excited!  He says, “Trust in Me, and I will direct your paths.  (Proverbs 3:5) Delight in Me, and I will give you the desires of Your heart. (Psalm 37:4)  Chase lions with courage and faith and I will do exceeding abundantly above all that you could ask or imagine! (Ephesians 3:20)”

Come to think of it, God has already been very faithful to make many dreams come true in my life.  How can I not trust Him for more?

Before reading In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, I probably would have looked at a list of future dreams such as the one written above and laughed with just a hint of incredulity.  Me?  Do all that?  In one lifetime?  Isn’t that shooting for the stars just a little too much?

But then I think of Benjamin Franklin.  Ever since reading his biography in high school, I have been amazed at how one man could do so much in an average lifespan.

Wikipedia defines Ben Franklin as: an author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, musician, inventor, satirist, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, governor, and Founding Father.  His inventions included the lighting rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove, a carriage odometer, and the glass armonica (a musical instrument) which he played along with the violin, harp, and guitar.  Benjamin Franklin formed both the first public lending library in America and the first fire department in Pennsylvania, established a hospital, and reformed the postal system, organized the Pennsylvania militia and was very influential in the American Revolution.  He served as an ambassador to France, participated in the Continental Congress, and is known nation-wide as a signer of the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution.

Whew!  Are you tired yet?  I often wondered when the man ever slept!  He must have been an expert at using his time efficiently.  Yet, despite all these impressive achievements, Ben Franklin chased lions in the wrong camp.  Even though he had a Puritan upbringing, he veered drastically from the Truth as an adult, choosing instead to embrace religious beliefs that left Jesus Christ out of the equation and looked to his own virtues to save his soul.  Thus, when Ben Franklin’s earthly life ended and he stood before the judgment seat of Christ, all his amazing accomplishments amounted to...nothing.

As the famous poem says:

           Only one life

       ‘Twill soon be past

     Only what’s done for Christ

            Will last.

So I think to myself, if a non-Christian with very mixed-up views on truth could accomplish so much and live his life with such vision and purpose, how much more can we as Christians do the same, but with the purpose in life that really matters: Glorifying God.

I agree with Mark Batterson when he says,“I’m concerned that the church has turned into a bunker where we seek shelter when we’re actually called to storm the gates of hell.”  How often it seems we limit God, content to stay in our comfortable pews singing hymns and listening to sermons but not really DOING much for the Kingdom agenda!  The Bible makes it clear that we are to be “doers of the Word and not hearers only.”

Too often, Christians seem content to merely follow along the “normal” path of life the world has mapped out: Get an education.  Get a job.  Advance in career.  Get married.  Have a few children.  Make sure they make it to adulthood okay.  Retire.  Die.

Of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with this model.  I’m simply suggesting that we think outside the box, ask God for big dreams, seize opportunities, be willing to take risks, accomplish much for Christ with this one life we’re given, and turn this world upside down with the life-transforming message of the Gospel!

As I began to formulate ideas for this article, several other lion chasers came to mind who, unlike Ben Franklin, were Christ-followers who dared to pursue dreams, trusted God for the results, and often experienced much more than they initially had in mind!

I think of George Muller.  A German-born, ruffian-turned-preacher who moved to England as a missionary, George had a passion for spreading the Gospel and teaching the Bible.  As he busily engaged in the work of pastoring a church and establishing schools for Bible training, he noticed the distressing plight of orphans and street children on the streets of Bristol.  Burdened by the dire needs of these forgotten little ones George dared to ask God for a home where these children could be sheltered, cared for, and educated in a Godly, loving environment.  But George Muller’s motivation was not merely the care of orphans.  He desperately wanted to prove to a watching world that God still answered prayer and could be trusted for even the smallest everyday needs.  Thus, he determined to never ask anyone for funding.  Instead, he took everything to the Lord in prayer, telling God and God alone of his needs.  The results were astounding.  By the end of his life, George Muller had received the equivalent of millions of dollars all by God’s answers to his prayers, had cared for more than 10,000 orphans in five homes, supported missionaries in all corners of the world, distributed millions of Bible and tracts, and saw hundreds of thousands of people educated in his Scriptural Knowledge Institution schools.  A lion chaser for sure, who defied the odds and brought God much glory by his unwavering faith!

I think of Gladys Aylward, an English-born parlor maid who had a burning desire to be a missionary in China.  People told her she couldn’t do it, and formal mission agencies turned her away based on lack of qualifications.  But nothing would stop Gladys from pursuing her God-ordained dream and passion!  With little money in her pocket, she made the long journey to China where she worked hard to learn the language and befriend the people.  Eventually, under the auspices of Royal Foot Inspector by command of the local Chinese magistrate, she was able to travel extensively to villages all around the region freeing little girls from a cruel and painful custom and sharing the Gospel message with anyone who would listen to her.  Along the way, she adopted orphans.  When war threatened the lives of her family and many other homeless children around, Gladys led them all on a long, arduous journey over the mountains to safety.  In the face of all the odds she constantly came up against, God brought her through and received the glory. 

I think of Katie Davis, a former homecoming queen from Tennessee who, at the age of 19, gave up a popular life, flashy sports car, and chance for a college education at any university in America to pursue a dream of ministering to the least of these in Uganda.  Her just-released biography, Kisses From Katie, tells the fascinating story of how God is using her, an ordinary American girl, to touch hearts and change lives in profound ways.  Although Katie initially went to Uganda to teach kindergarten to underprivileged children, she quickly found herself serving the Lord as an adoptive mother to 14 girls, village nurse, and founder of Amazima Ministries, a non-profit organization which provides food and education to hundreds of poor children.  Everywhere she goes, she shares the love of Jesus.  Katie, now 23, is still pursuing her God-ordained dream and watching in amazement as He does the extraordinary through her obedience.

I think of Alex Kendrick.  A man with a dream to make movies that glorify God and serve as a vehicle for advancing His Kingdom.  With his pastor’s approval and his church’s participation, Alex, along with his brother, Stephen, set out to pursue that dream and chase that lion.  I’m sure you all know the results.  In fact, a number of you probably sat in a theater recently watching those results unfold before you as their latest movie, Courageous, swept the country with its compelling message about Christian fatherhood.  People said they couldn’t do it.  God probably just grinned.  Sherwood Pictures is now one of the leading Christian movie production companies, turning out films that are not only excellent in quality but profound in story content, touching lives and turning people to the Lord all over the globe.

As Mark Batterson states, 

“Obedience is a willingness to do whatever, whenever, wherever God calls us.  And that looks very different for each of us.  It doesn’t always necessitate going half-way around the world.  Often the most courageous actions only require us going across the room or across the street...You will have plenty of God-ordained opportunities.  Your job is to see and seize these opportunities by tuning in to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit.  And you’ll be amazed at the way those spirit-whispers get you where God wants you to go...”

So, dear readers...are you ready to become a lion chaser?  To dream big?  To seize opportunities that come roaring (even if they look like five-hundred-pound problems)?  To trust God for the seemingly impossible?  To live your one life in a way that matters with eternity in view and God’s glory your mission? 

May God give us all the courage of Benaiah and the faith to chase His dreams for our lives!

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Why I Want a Big Family

{by Rebekah Kimminau}

It’s Christmas time. All of my family has gathered around one table to sit down and have a meal. Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents. We are all quite close together, pushing each other’s elbows with each bite of ham and marshmallow topped sweet potatoes. But despite the close quarters, as I look around, I see smiles on each and every person’s face. We laugh, we share stories from the past year, we tell jokes. I observe all of this,  and my mind wanders to some distance land far down the road of life, when I will have a family of my own. And we will all be gathered around our own dining room table sharing the stories and laughter. And I think about having a table full of children, 6, 8, 10, maybe even a dozen. And I smile.

I have always loved children. Ever since I can remember I would stand by a mom for hours just waiting to hold her baby. When I was 10 I would tell people that I wanted a big family. When they asked how many kids, I liked to say 23. That always got quite the look.  And though back then I was young, and didn’t understand a lot of things about life, essentially my dream hasn’t changed.

I have gotten the chance to spend time in many people’s houses that have big families. I remember one particular time I was staying with a family that had 11 kids. They also had another family of 8 staying with them. There were 21 people total in their house. Now just the thought of that many people under one roof would make some people cringe. But me? I was in heaven. And to this day I look back at the time spent with them and wish I could go back. And yes, at times the house was crazy with children running everywhere, and preparing meals did take some effort, but it was fun. No, let me take that back. It was a blast. Have you ever had 5 teenage girls standing around kitchen preparing strawberry shortcake for 23 people? It’s quite loud, and filled with giggles. Or had family worship with 23 voices singing from age 1-40? It’s amazing. Each and every experience I have with a large family makes me want one more.

 

I do know that having a large family is not all fun and games. There is lots of work involved. Making sure you are caring for each and every child’s emotional and spiritual needs is a 24-hour, 7 days a week task. Not to mention laundry, cooking, cleaning and home schooling. But each and every thing you do in going to involve work, whether you have 2 or 20 children. Work is a part of life. Laundry for 20 people might just take some creativity. (Not to mention many hands makes for light work!) :)

One great benefit to have a large family is that children are never without a playmate. And laughter is a very common back-ground sound. And your car is always full of voices singing along to the radio. And though when you arrive somewhere you always get the question “is this a school?” I know it’s worth it. And hopefully someday I can tell you that from first hand experience.

 Because that is what I dream of. I dream of being a mama with a full house and a full heart. And as I come back to the present, and laugh and joke some more with the family I have sitting around the table at this moment, I am thankful for all God has given me. I have been blessed. And maybe someday, God will bless me even more with a full table of my own.

This has become one of my favorite sayings:

'You never regret the children you do have, only the ones you don't.'

rebekah with sweet children she has nannied for 2 years

About Rebekah: I am a 17 year old girl who, strives everyday to live for the Lord. I don’t always live in Him, but I try. I have been home schooled all of my life, and I am an Air Force Brat. I have move 9 times in my life. I am the oldest of four, and I absolutely adore my family. I have had a passion for babies and children ever since I was little, and I spend most of my time babysitting. I currently live in the DC area.

Photography Credit: Rebekah Kimminau

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Some People Call it Quirky

{by Rachel Coker}

I remember, a few months back, reading a magazine interview on my favorite actress, Zooey Deschanel. (If you don’t know who she is, just picture the most girly, off-beat, amazing actress/singer ever. Oh yeah, you’re thinking. That girl! Yep, you’re right!)

Anyway, the interviewer asked Zooey how she felt about all the buzz she gets on her quirky sense of style. Why does she wear so many skirts and so little leather? The answer she gave surprised me. “I think it’s an annoying word,” she replied, “Quirky is like a nice way of saying weird.”

It made me think back to all the times I have, in the past, been called “quirky” or “unique”. Were all those people just trying to think of a nice way of letting me know I’m weird? Does dressing and behaving in ways that are different qualify me as some kind of freak by today’s standards?

I think the world we live in too often operates by a one-size-fits-all mentality. Go to any public mall or movie theater and you’ll see a lot of people that are just about the same. The same style of jeans. The same branded t-shirts. The same shaggy hair and of-the-moment handbags. A whole lot of sameness. It’s seriously depressing. Throw someone into the equation that doesn’t quite match and suddenly we have someone different. Someone “quirky”. Someone weird.

As someone who has dealt with a lot of criticism in the past for not looking or acting like everyone else, Zooey’s quote was something I could immediately relate to. It’s never nice to feel weird. Sometimes it’s so painful that I feel like I would do almost anything to stop feeling like a loser. I want those popular jeans. That “in” haircut. I want to look and act just like everyone else my age.

But then, I remember a promise from God’s word. Matthew 5:14 tells me that, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” And it’s so true. As Christians, we are to be lights in the darkness. A spot of color in a sea of gray. Our lives and personalities are meant to starkly stand out against the dreary hopelessness of this world.

I don’t want to be conformed to the patterns of this world. As a daughter of the King, I want to be transformed. Different. “Quirky”, even. I want to go about my everyday life in a way that will make others pause and take notice.

God created each of us with our own stamp of uniqueness. He never meant for us all to operate in the same way. We have different opinions and hopes and dreams. And our lives are meant to reflect that in different ways. We should all be “quirky”, if that means expressing ourselves in individual, God-honoring ways. I don’t think that anything could make our Father happier than seeing a world full of unique, colorful Christians impacting those around them. A whole army of quirky individuals. Marching for the King of Kings.

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