I’ve reached the end of this amazing journey through Hope Lives. And instead of feeling like I’ve completed something, the opposite is true. Something new has begun!

In agreement with my husband, there is much, much more to come. I believe the Lord to be calling us to a deeper level of death to ourselves and to this world, in order to live a life that more closely mirrors the life of our gracious Savior. My once skeptical and sometimes judgmental eyes, have been opened to see things more clearly through the eyes of the Father. I am deeply grateful to Him for the work He has begun in me and my family. And I trust Him to carry this good work until its completion, whatever that may be.

So my prayer is this…

Lord draw me ever closer to your heart for this world and the precious people you’ve put in it. Break my heart into action that, with the Spirit’s strength, will serve to bind up the wounded, encourage the broken hearted, and set people free from bondage. Help me to live as you would live in the culture of the world at this time in history and to be set apart in it. Let my life, love and service be a sacrifice of praise to you and a sweet song proclaiming redemption for the world in Jesus name.

Amen

These last five weeks have been labyrinth-like. Do you know what a labyrinth is? It’s “an ancient tool for walking meditation and quiet reflection that in recent years has seen a resurgence of popularity. Those who walk the labyrinth—a universal path that leads to a center—are encouraged to ’stay present’ with every step and share the experience with others.” That’s what I think of when I look at my journey of restoration through Hope Lives from a 10,000 foot view.

This book, my new- found work with Compassion International, our current financial situation, and the season of life my family and I are in have all worked in tandem through the Holy Spirit to cultivate movement in my/our life. I’m moving closer to Christ by walking in the direction of compassion, enough, and equality.

I appreciate how the Lord is teaching me and I’m grateful that my whole family is learning through this process.

Thank you Amber for being yet another author that God has used to gracefully speak truth to his people. I believe there’s more to come.

Whew.

By God’s grace, I’m not the same person today as I was on day one. I spend more time with the Lord, I think more about others, and I give more away while holding on to the stuff I have more loosely. I’m decreasing and the Lord is increasing. And it’s God’s grace that’s brought me to this point. But this journey is like the celebration that one finds at the funeral of a believer. There is joy and there is grief. I’m experiencing more of the former, however, which I’m very thankful for.

The coaching questions in this chapter (and through the whole book, really) are poignant. I believe that to get the most out of Hope Lives I need to be engaged and this is one way that can happen. These questions have also affirmed my understanding of my spiritual gifting, skills, and passions. I think about this stuff pretty often and it’s always good to revisit what I think to be true. I agree with Howard Hendricks: “If you’re not growing, you’re dying.”

I’m grateful that the Lord has placed me in a profession that matches my spiritual gifting like no other job I’ve had. With the Lord’s strength I’ll be able to live up to this calling, being careful not to take for granted where and how he has placed me. Further, I pray that creativity doesn’t give way to contentment.

I spent the last two days seeing God’s joy in people who are serving. I’m elated to no end that the Lord does that. It’s inspiring. In fact, I can relate to David DeBruine in this chapter–I could’ve flown home tonight without the plane.

To walk through life with a platter and not a cup.

Among these people was the author of this book. We had just a short time to talk but it was super memorable for me. I shared what Mindy and I are learning from the Lord through Hope Lives and she genuinely and uncheesily gave all the credit to God. Very cool.

In the past, many of my good ideas or attempts to serve others have largely been motivated by guilt. And as far as I can see, they haven’t amounted to much or taught my heart much.

Now, motivated by an ever growing love and hunger in my heart to end the suffering of others, I have no idea what I’m going to do. And I’ve never been so at peace. Because God is doing something bigger than me.

I wholeheartedly believe that God wants to use my husband and I in this life to be advocates on behalf of children in poverty. I’m excited to see what this means. Because honestly, right now, I don’t really know. But here we are. Here He’s brought us.

One thing I do know is that today I’m filling out my application to become a level one volunteer advocate for Compassion International. And I’m writing our sponsored child, Karen in the Philippines, a letter.

“…clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

Compassion=it’s who we are to be. Not something we are to do. In fact, it’s quit possible to do things considered compassionate, but not possess one ounce of compassion in your being.

And so my prayer deepens.

Lord may my heart be filled with compassion for the hurting people of this world. May I be clothed with compassion as a part of your righteousness that I wear as your child. And with your compassion within, may it bleed into the lives of others as my spiritual act of worship. Causing others to praise their Father in heaven. Amen.

This chapter and today’s message at Pearl Church reflect each other–share what God has blessed you with. I took some time to list what God has given me to share (i.e. spiritual gifting, skills, passions, stuff, etc.). If each of us did the same we’d find that our lists, when drilled-down, are completely different. That’s because we’re all “unique expressions of God’s glory.” (Tips hat to Rich Mullins.) I’ve experienced this sort of community and it stokes me to no end.