Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I've been alternately sighing and crying and whooping and cheering over these photos. The 100 pairs of shoes YOU purchased for our friends in Rwanda were safely hauled through 20 hours of planes and cars and buses. These photos make me so happy. I love seeing friends of mine serve and love each other. Next time I hear about how all men hate women and we'll never be able to get along between people of different backgrounds I'm going to remember this photo. The truth is love wins. Every time. Your investment made a difference. $15 for a pair of shoes can change a life. Look at these kiddos in school uniforms. And new shoes. My friend told me a few days after the great shoe fitting they saw this little guy in a pair of your shoes. He's a border kid. His mama crosses the border from Rwanda into the Congo to work. Used to be she could take him with her. A couple of years ago the laws changed. Now kids have to have paperwork to cross borders. Its a good law to stop human trafficking. But the unintended consequence is now this little guy and kids just like him have to stay behind by themselves when mom goes off to work. Not ideal. But its work or don't eat so off mom goes. The local school started a preschool for the border kids. And these kiddos have new shoes because of your love. Isn't this too fun??? Thank you again.
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I spend a lot of time on the phone at work. Yesterday I was talking to someone and the following conversation took place.
Me: Let me know when you are ready to write this down. Her: Oh! My friend just died! I paused. Awful. Thoughts of the recent news of missing people, accidents and suicide ran through my mind. How to respond? Me: I am so sorry to hear that. Her: It’s okay. Like most people, I have 99 others. I paused again. What kind of sick cavilear person is this? I want off the phone. Or I want to explain how people are precious and she should honor her friend. Her: Oh gosh. This one is out of ink. Hold on a sec. Me. Pen! Pen! Her pen died. Not her friend. Yikes. My poor brain. But seriously - let me tell you something. You are precious. One of a kind. You should be loved and cheered and held. Your friends and family are blessed by your life. Your absence would leave a hole so wide it would affect generations. We need you. We want you. If you are in a dark place where running or stopping or ending are desolate thoughts listen carefully. This my plea- do something wild and desperate. But make it be life giving. Call 911. Go to ER. Call your doctor. Tell your friend, aunt, pastor, neighbor, sister. Ask them to help you get help. Go to counseling. Try celebrate recovery. Hang on. Yesterday I was so grateful to two of my friends who made a point to ask how I’m doing. One stopped by my office to give me a hug and tell me how my friendship matters to her. Another friend sent an email in the midst of a crazy busy work session to check on me. I was good. But the care touched my heart and made me want to check on all of you. You know the Bible story of the lost sheep? There was a shepherd who had 100 sheep. One was lost. The shepherd didn’t shrug his shoulders and remind himself he had 99 more. The shepherd went to work finding the lost sheep. Make it a point today - check on someone. Tell them you love them. If you need help- ask today. We need each other. All 100 of us. My family had the great pleasure of being on a cruise last week. We ate and slept and sunned and generally were spoiled for seven sunny days. One of my kids' favorite parts was the ice cream machine set just next to the pool. Grab a little crunchy cone and pick your flavor. Vanilla, Chocolate or Strawberry. My preference was the Strawberry. Tasted just like Nestle Quick Strawberry Milk. It made me feel like I was five.
On the last day of the trip we were sitting by the pool and our five year old came up and sat on the edge of the deck chair. She looked up at me with those big blue eyes and told us what had happened just minutes before. Apparently our 5 year old met a big kid on the splash and play structure. This big kid was bragging and gloating about how she'd eaten six ice cream cones. Big kid told our little no way could she have six ice cream cones. Her mama would be so mad. The answer would be NO. So here sat my little one with her head cocked to the side to see how we'd respond. My husband and I looked at each other and grinned. We turned and nodded at the little one. Her eyes widened and she tentatively confirmed "I can have six ice cream cones?" We nodded again. Huge massive smile and off she bounded. Listen. I know life is hard sometimes. There is definitely evil in the world. And I'm teaching my kids about boundaries and work ethic and forgiveness and waiting. Hard and fruitful lessons. But its not all I'm teaching them. I'm also teaching them about fun and joy and grace. Sometimes we cross joy off our own life's list because we assume the answer is NO. We listen to everyone around us say we shouldn't ask, shouldn't dare, shouldn't dream. Sometimes you get six ice cream cones. Don't disqualify yourself because someone else said it won't work. Go ahead and ask. To celebrate Quirky Faith's 2nd birthday I'm giving away Jill Williamson's recently completed trilogy as a gift to one of the subscribers of the Quirk-Email. If you aren't subscribed currently now is a great time to jump in because I'll do the drawing tomorrow. Now to find some cake. Birthday's require cake right?
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About MeI love Jesus. I think my two daughters can change the world. I think you can too. Past Posts
August 2020
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