Stories are dangerous. They shape and change us. Their words make us into who we are.
My kids love stories. They love it when I make up stories about them or read them books. N seems to especially always have his nose in a book. These books and stories will shape who they will become. It is my job to make sure that they are surrounded by the best books there are in hopes that their thoughts will be formed by good character.
But I also think of my own stories. So many stories. The stories that shaped my childhood. I wasn't much of a reader as a kid, but I grew up hearing about the five missionaries who were killed in Ecuador and how instead of losing hope, their families went again and brought the Auca/Waorani tribe to faith in Jesus. This story was personal as my dad grew up in Ecuador and was friends with the children of these missionary heroes.
I think of my godly heritage. My great-grandfather was a pastor and an evangelist. My grandparents were missionaries for over 40 years. My parents raised me to love my Lord Jesus and to care for what was going on in the world.
These same parents immersed me in great Christian biographies. I remember the Trailblazer series that my mom got me when I was homeschooled in middle school. I was enamored by these Christian warriors who gave all for Christ. I wanted to be like them. Then there are books like the Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings. Hero tales vanquishing evil in the world.
I attended Biola University, and got a degree in Intercultural Studies. I had the privilege of studying under some incredible professors who had served abroad and the stories they told were inspiring. I also met some fascinating MKs who all had their own stories to tell including one that I later married. =)
In 2010, we started attending Bethany Community Church North in Seattle. Every Sunday, we've been blessed to hear stories and sermons from the pulpit. Yet, I must admit that my church is quite dangerous. It's forming my heart and mind in ways that I wouldn't have otherwise ventured toward. Our pastors are constantly challenging us to live out our calling, to grow closer to God, to Be The Church. The weekly sermons have made me look past myself and see the needs around me. The church has encouraged me to learn more about justice, mercy, and compassion.
I started reading more as a result. I read stories and books. Books on Social Justice like Radical, Too Small to Ignore, When Helping Hurts, and Fast Living. Stories about real people like Katie, Mother Theresa, Gladys Alyward, Nate Saint, George Muller, and Hudson Taylor. Books and stories that inspire one to action.
Earlier this Spring, our church had a guest speaker come from World Relief. He told stories of being "Radically Available." He told stories of pain and suffering in countries around the world. He spoke on how we can step into that story. Listen to the sermon. It's amazing!
Then, I blogged about watching a documentary about the Karen in Burma. Stories. Real people, real struggles, real needs. I read news articles about human trafficking and sex slavery. Orphans and widows. The poor and the needy.
I'll leave with this music video by Hillsong pretty much sums up how I've been feeling these last few months...
My kids love stories. They love it when I make up stories about them or read them books. N seems to especially always have his nose in a book. These books and stories will shape who they will become. It is my job to make sure that they are surrounded by the best books there are in hopes that their thoughts will be formed by good character.
But I also think of my own stories. So many stories. The stories that shaped my childhood. I wasn't much of a reader as a kid, but I grew up hearing about the five missionaries who were killed in Ecuador and how instead of losing hope, their families went again and brought the Auca/Waorani tribe to faith in Jesus. This story was personal as my dad grew up in Ecuador and was friends with the children of these missionary heroes.
I think of my godly heritage. My great-grandfather was a pastor and an evangelist. My grandparents were missionaries for over 40 years. My parents raised me to love my Lord Jesus and to care for what was going on in the world.
These same parents immersed me in great Christian biographies. I remember the Trailblazer series that my mom got me when I was homeschooled in middle school. I was enamored by these Christian warriors who gave all for Christ. I wanted to be like them. Then there are books like the Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings. Hero tales vanquishing evil in the world.
I attended Biola University, and got a degree in Intercultural Studies. I had the privilege of studying under some incredible professors who had served abroad and the stories they told were inspiring. I also met some fascinating MKs who all had their own stories to tell including one that I later married. =)
In 2010, we started attending Bethany Community Church North in Seattle. Every Sunday, we've been blessed to hear stories and sermons from the pulpit. Yet, I must admit that my church is quite dangerous. It's forming my heart and mind in ways that I wouldn't have otherwise ventured toward. Our pastors are constantly challenging us to live out our calling, to grow closer to God, to Be The Church. The weekly sermons have made me look past myself and see the needs around me. The church has encouraged me to learn more about justice, mercy, and compassion.
I started reading more as a result. I read stories and books. Books on Social Justice like Radical, Too Small to Ignore, When Helping Hurts, and Fast Living. Stories about real people like Katie, Mother Theresa, Gladys Alyward, Nate Saint, George Muller, and Hudson Taylor. Books and stories that inspire one to action.
Earlier this Spring, our church had a guest speaker come from World Relief. He told stories of being "Radically Available." He told stories of pain and suffering in countries around the world. He spoke on how we can step into that story. Listen to the sermon. It's amazing!
Then, I blogged about watching a documentary about the Karen in Burma. Stories. Real people, real struggles, real needs. I read news articles about human trafficking and sex slavery. Orphans and widows. The poor and the needy.
Isaiah 1:17 (ESV)What am I going to do about it? I've been inhaling this all for so long, and I need to exhale.
Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.
Micah 6:8 (ESV)What do you do with the stories that you grew up with? As for us, it is calling us to action. We are now in the process of selling our belongings and moving halfway across the world. We don't believe that this is the right course of action for everyone, but we have seen how God has shaped our lives through our circumstances and desires to lead us where we are now. It's scary, but I know He is with us every step of the way.
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
I'll leave with this music video by Hillsong pretty much sums up how I've been feeling these last few months...
exciting to see how the story continues to be written!
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