Detroit Urban Plunge in numbers

-3 Schools (Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University and Albion College)
-3 InterVarsity staff
-48 students
-6 days
-7 organizations that we partnered with
-7 people are able to fit in my NEW car
-52 loaves of bread bought
-4 grocery store trips
-13 pizza's
-1 trip to Urgent care for stitches
-1 house construction for Habitat for Humanity
-1 urban farm
-1 shower, 50 people
-3, the number of showers I had in 6 days
-1 student making a decision to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior
-6, roughly the number of hours of sleep I had each night
-1 crazy, getting lost experience in Mexican Town, that almost had us in Canada
-600 pieces of fruit, to be eaten (and all but 10 or so were consumed)
-3, the number of toasters we used, to split between 50 people. (We had toast and fruit every day for lunch).
-300, the number of bagged lunches made every day
-1 rap created to encapsulate the trip
-2 sheet cakes
-12 pies



Overall, it was an awesome trip! We served the city of Detroit, learned about injustice and what the Gospel has to say about it. We dealt with poverty, racism and plain brokenness. Loved wrestling through this with students!

I love my job!

Lent 2012- Day 1: Be An Advocate

If you asked me (before today) what I would be an advocate for, I easily would have said human trafficking. 

The fact that there are more slaves today than during the trans atlantic slave trade, the fact that slavery is a very real evil in every state in the US , the fact that humans are treated like commodities, piss me off. Forgive the language, but I cannot find a more accurate "clean" word to describe the brokenness of my heart and the anger that is stirred when I hear and speak about human trafficking. 

And then I watch this video. And it changed everything. 

I did not have to spend any time processing or praying, I knew exactly what it is that God wants me to be an advocate for. 

It should be obvious, really. It keeps me up at night. It has been the cause of countless tears, screaming at the Lord (Why, Lord?!?! How long will you let this go on?) It has been the source of so many prayers, so many conversations, so much frustration, so much heartache. It is what causes my stomach to churn and for my fighting fists to go up. 

The issue: Orphans. Children and teens in foster care. Adoptable children.  

And all along, I thought it was be being judgmental. I had no idea that God was beginning to show me His heart on this issue. I had no idea that my feelings were a reflection of the perfect, holy, God that loves those kids far more than I ever will. 

I was reading in Romans 8, and about creation groaning. All of creation groans, because the glory of God is not revealed or displayed. I can picture all of these children, and I am G R O A N I N G. A pain that cannot be ignored. A pain that demands sacrifice and action.  And then I think about Jesus. How He must hurt. How He must be saying to the Father, "How long? How long until we go back and make all things new?" 

Here I am groaning. How long Lord? 

And I am reminded of the call placed on my life a long time ago, to be a home for orphans. 

Period.

Even if it is hard (which it will be).

Even if my feelings are hurt. 

Even if we can't adopt everyone. 

Even if it means sleepless nights for the rest of my life. 

Even if it means that we have kids and teens with "issues." 

Even if  it is hard. 

Even if it doesn't make sense. 

Even if I can't figure out how to be on staff with InterVarsity, have a photography business, do ministry in church and be a family. 

Even if I have to drive to endless visits of counseling and therapy. 

Even if I am sick. 

Even if I don't want to. 

Because the way of the cross isn't dependent on my will. 

Because in the end, my feelings don't really matter all that much.  Jesus didn't ask any of us to follow Him on this easy road, but told us to take up our cross (Sacrifice) and follow Him, no matter what. 

Join me for Lent

Throughout my life, Lent has never been a part of my spiritual life. I grew up in a very Catholic town, so I was very aware of Lent, and went to the St. Mary's fish fry dinners on Friday nights almost every week as a kid with my parents and grandparents. That still does not constitute celebrating Lent. 

I celebrate Advent, and have been a part of churches that celebrate Advent. Advent is beautiful as each week we prepare ourselves for the coming King. Doesn't it just make sense that we would do the same as we prepare and worship the One who takes away the sins of the world? If it wasn't for Easter, Christmas is not all that important. 

I do think there is a significant difference between half heartedly giving up addictive items for Lent, and looking carefully at the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross and deciding to sacrifice as a response. 

This year World Vision and InterVarsisty have partnered together to create a "Lent Experience." They don't say experience, I do, because I am not sure what to call it. If I had to call it something other than experience, it would be Bible Study/Prayer Time/Process Time/Watching Videos/Learning about sacrifice/Seeing how other people sacrifice/ Actually sacrificing/ sacrificing with other people/advocation/education.  Experience sounds better, right? 

The Experience can be as little or as much as you want to make it. Each week of Lent (6 weeks) is a different theme. 

Check out the website Watch the video. If you are interested, feel free to sign up. I will be blogging on my experience, sharing what I am learning and inviting you to the same. 

Why am I making a big deal about this? 

1. I think it is a good discipline for Christians to set time aside this time of the year and refocus their life as they look to the cross. 

2. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. As a christian, I both want to celebrate and worship Him for that, as well as follow His example to make significant sacrifices in our lives. 

3. Our church has been reading the book Radical, and asking how then shall we live? This is a great piggy back to Radical and what my pastor has been preaching/teaching/challenging and exhorting us for the last 8 months. 

4. As a community of believers, let's make sacrifice, stand up for our faith and be the hands and feet of Jesus. 

Please join me!! 

A thought before we start....

"To get ready, ask yourself what sacrifice means to you. Spend time thinking about how our generation can sacrifice to change ourselves and the world around us—and to ultimately reflect Christ’s sacrifice for us. "

Are you in? Leave a comment. 

Did you answer the questions about sacrifice? Leave a comment. 

Have questions? Leave a comment. 

You get the idea. 

"That's Mine Mumma."

There are few words that make me cringe more than, "That's mine, mumma."

Though, I am glad that my 2 year old is "normal" and going through correct developmental stages, I cannot stand those words coming out of the mouth of my son.

Really?

That truck is yours?

The crackers are yours?

This house is yours?

Those clothes are yours?

That cup is yours?

That movie is yours?

Really? 

Because in all of your two year oldness, you have gotten a job, received a pay check and have purchased said truck/toy/food/drink/? Thank you for filling me in. I was not aware of what you did all day.

I was pretty sure that most of the things that he "owns" are actually from my bank account, or gifts. And the toys and clothes are definitely going to be used again by his future sibling, or given away to someone else.

And as I speak and mumble to no one and everyone, I am quickly convicted. The Lord is so good at pointing out my sin. When I say to him, "Sorry Lord. That is mine"

It's my house.

It's my relationship.

It's my job.

It's my time.

It's my money.

It's my decision.

And I see that loving father shaking His head in disappointment. Disappointed that His daughter does not understand that gifts that have been lavished on her. How His heart must hurt when I am so quickly to recognize myself and not Him. I imagine it being like Christmas morning, when He is so excited to give me a gift. It is perfectly wrapped, a gift that He has thought about, put time and energy into, so that He could lavish blessing on me. I open this wonderful gift and toss it aside. Or better yet, act like the gift was never from Him anyways. Act like I don't know who it is from, but if I had to take a guess, it was probably me. I probably saw the gift at a store and wrapped it for myself, because I knew I would like it.

Crazy right?

Indeed.

And it is not even the recognition, but what I do with these gifts.

Nothing is mine anyways. Everything is His. Jon, Caleb, the house, the cars, the bank accounts, even my time. It's all His. I have absolutely no right to decide how those are spent. It is all His to begin with.

Lord, teach me to self less. To give more time. To give more money. To give more of myself when it hurts. To be willing to let go for the sake the kingdom. Because it's Yours anyway.

And.....I leave you with some pictures...

Ready or not here we come

It came suddenly clear to me as he was holding me this evening. I asked him, "So, are you ready for this? It's happening." As the words rolled off my tongue, I realized just how much heartbreak I may be signing myself up for.

We have been talking about foster care for a long time now, and have gone to Orientation, filled out paper work, finished one class, and then it stopped. For whatever reason, communication with the state stopped. Part of it could have been the holidays, part of it could be God slowing us down, either way....stopped, until yesterday.

Yesterday we received a HUGE packet in the mail of paperwork that needs to be filled out. Of course, I jumped on it and have about half filled out now. And then this afternoon, our case worker calls. She wants to come out on Wednesday to do a home visit and "get the ball rolling."

 Here we are. Following Jesus. Clinging to His promises. Clinging to each other.

Here we are one happy family, trying to give love to a child that needs it.

Here we are, willingly signing up for  trials, heartbreak, pain, confusion and sorrow.

Here we are, willingly signing up to bring life.

Here we are, ready for hard.

Here we are, because the gospel is real, the kingdom is near, and we have been called.

For the cause of the down trodden

For the love of all that is holy and good, which is only Jesus Himself, would you please look at the following links?


1. Sign the petition for International Justice Mission. IJM is a missions organization that is working hard to stop human trafficking around the world. Seriously, it takes one minute. And then pass it around to everyone. Because human trafficking needs to stop NOW.

2. Speaking of human trafficking, did you know that in a few days, this will be the largest human trafficking weekend throughout the world? More women and children will be trafficked during the Supwerbowl than any other time during the year. Read this.  After you read this, will you please spend some time in serious prayer for this to end? Oh Jesus, bring your kingdom!


3. What are you doing for Lent? Do you celebrate lent? If you celebrate it, would you consider doing something different with me? And if you have never celebrated lent, would you do something different with me? Check out what World Vision is doing, and join me!! Take a peak here....

Blessings friends!

A response to bin Laden

Pumping our fists in victory or celebrating in the streets is probably not the best Christian response to anyone’s death, even the death of a dangerous and violent enemy. The world can be relieved that a leader as evil as Bin Laden can no longer plot the death of innocents. We can be grateful that his cynical manipulation and distortion of Islam into a message of division and hate is finally ended. Even if we sharply dissented from the moral logic or wisdom of the failed wars in Iraq and Afghanistan of the last decade, we can be glad that a mass murderer has been stopped and brought to justice. And we can be hopeful that the face of the Arab world might now become the young nonviolent activists for democracy rather than a self-righteous smirk of a self-promoting video character who tells us he is going to kill our children if we don’t submit to his hateful agenda.

But the book of Proverbs clearly warns us to “not rejoice when your enemies fall.” And, in the hardest words of the gospel, Jesus tells us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Neither of those texts have been very popular pulpit texts during the years since 9/11. So as people of faith, we don’t celebrate the death of other human beings, regardless of how twisted or evil they have become. See the rest here. 

I could not have said it better Jim Wallis, I could not have said it better. 

How would you spend $30?

Let's just say you were given some extra cash. Somewhere between $30-$100. What would you do with this sum of money? You can spend it any way you want, even if it is paying bills.

Most likely, Jon and I would go out to dinner. Most likely we would go to Outback Steakhouse. We love going out to eat together, I love Outback and Jon loves me, therefore Outback it is. 

$30. Not much. A dinner for two. 

Picture a child in your life. A child between 9-14. Maybe your child, a niece or nephew, or child in the community. 

What if that child was sold into slavery for $30? I know. Gasp. How dare I bring your mind into this sick place.

I was SHOCKED to say the least when I found out that many people are trafficked for as little as $30. $30!!! Are you kidding me? That is the value of a life?

I think we need to make it personal. This is not something that happens solely in a far off land. It happens in our back yards. Literally. It happens in our neighborhoods as well as around the world. The ways that we desire "stuff," including clothes and technology lead to more and trafficking, especially using people for labor.

I wrestle with how to handle this situation. I want to fight for justice, I don't want to be someone that oppresses the poor, but I know that decisions I make every day aide in oppression. Lord have mercy on me. I DO THAT. I OPPRESS PEOPLE. I buy things made cheaply, I support companies that either enslave people or support others that enslave people.

Ignorance is not bliss. Oh how I wish it were. I would keep my mind from learning anything and running far far far away from evil.

Will you join me in stomping out human slavery? Today more people are enslaved that during the trans-atlantic slave trade. Will you mourn and grieve with me? Will you pray with me? Stop supporting stores that are not free trade or above free trade. (SO HARD).  Will you fight for justice, raise awareness, raise money and pray that Jesus bring His kindgom quick?

Oh Lord have mercy.

Oh Lord have mercy.

Oh Lord have mercy.

Those are about all the words I can seem to utter when I think about this horrible crime.

Check out these great resources:

World Vision
Not for Sale
Hagar International
Human Wrong
International Justice Mission

Why I had to drink 1 day old coffee yesterday and no coffee today

I grew up thinking Lent was bad. It was something that Catholics did, and because I was not Catholic, I should not do it.

In the past few years, I have been experiencing the beauty of Lent. Every year, for 40 days, I can "do something" that will strengthen my faith, grow my knowledge of God, give something up in remembrance of what Jesus did on the cross, or simply use the 40 Days to be disciplined in my spiritual life.

This year, World Vision has set up series of stories and exercise to help people to engage with justice in scripture, with God's heart for justice and the disadvantaged. Each morning I have an email waiting for me with something to pray for, to do, read, or video to watch.

This week we learned about "worth-less-ness" through this story. We were challenged to give up something this week that would show "worth." We decided that we don't really think much about our food. We can easily run to the grocery store and get whatever we want, whenever we want.

The Plan......

On Sunday, when we received the email we decided that we would not spend any money on food until the following Sunday. NO MONEY on FOOD! NO MONEY ON DRINKS! And no, our cupboards were not  stocked full with fresh groceries on Sunday afternoon. We also decided that we could give up meat, because most people who are hungry don't have meat as an option:)

The results.....

• We are using food in our house that we have forgotten about. Frozen veggies, pasta, rice, cans of soup, etc. 
• We have saved money 
• We realize how blessed and spoiled we are. We can get to the store whenever we want to get whatever we want. Do you know how many people around the world aren't able to do that? 
• I find myself not wasting anything. I made coffee on Wednesday and did not drink the whole pot. When I woke up Thursday morning I knew that there was no coffee left and that I could not go to the store. I poured it out of the pot, put it the microwave and wham. Best coffee ever? Nope. It did the job, and I am learning to be grateful in everything. 
• I have learned that I really can do without. So often, I think I "need" something and I am quickly reminded of those who live on $1 day or less. 
• If we can live on less, and grocery shop less, and spend less, then we can give more. Simple math. We need to give more. How selfish of me to be upset that I had no coffee to brew this morning, (and won't until the very earliest Monday morning) and yet there are people around the world who are literally starving to death. Ok, you can have my morning coffee money!! Lord, give me an attitude of generosity! 

Other things you should know about this journey....

• I have had some things given to me that I have consumed. On Wednesday my boss bought me lunch, today I had some coffee from my pastor, and tomorrow I have already paid for my meals at an all day scrap event. 
• Lent is a beautiful thing and I am pretty sure I will celebrate it for the rest of my life.

Urban Gardens (Thoughts on DUP continued)

Getting sick of hearing my stories about the Detroit Urban Plunge? If you are, take a break from reading this blog and resume reading next week, because I've got a lot to share, ya'll!!

You have 10 seconds to shout out as many adjectives as possible when thinking about Detroit---set go.
1. Poor
2. Concrete
3. Fox Theatre
4. Woodward
5. Red Wings
6. Broken
7. Traffic
8. Abandoned

Like my list? I am surprised about the Red Wings. I am NOT a hockey fan, but somehow that popped into my head.

I learned something about Detroit this week that completely has shifted my view and has given me ideas on how to implement it in my own community.

Detroit currently has 1000 Urban Gardens. You read that right. ONE THOUSAND URBAN GARDENS.

In backyards, on abandoned lots, in community spaces, etc, people are cultivating, planting and growing produce in gardens.

Why?

Why not?

No, really. Lots of reasons.
1. There is a serious lack of grocery stores and fresh produce within the city limits. Many people need to leave the city to get produce, travel a longer distance, so they simply shop at convenience stores for food.

2, Think about the community being built when neighbors come together for a common purpose, for the better ing of the community? What a great way to build relationships with those you live near.

3. Provides a new way of income.

Some of the Urban Gardens serve the neighborhoods in which they are grown, some people sell the produce at farmers markets, and there are even a few produce trucks/vans that drive through neighborhoods selling fresh produce, much like an ice cream truck.

Cool, huh?

Yah, I thought so.

Now only if I could convince my neighbors to start one so I can live off the fruit of their labor:) Trust me, we could not live of my garden.

My Heros (DUP continued)

On Sunday night, during the Detroit Urban Plunge, I met my heroes.

I walked into a single family home on Detroit's east side, immediately my nostrils were filled with the satisfying smells of soul food. Mmmmm soul food. They call it soul food because it is good for your soul, not your hips, you know:)

One woman, that's right folks, one woman spent the whole weekend prepping and making a huge soul food meal for 30 people (22 of those being bottomless pits, hungry college students). We had TONS of left overs. She gave some to us, and some to her family members.

The food was to die for. I have been saying that I want to make some good soul food so I can show the world  that I am a real black mamma, and boy oh boy, did this woman help to motivate me.

But that's not why she is my hero.

The woman on the far right is the glorious cook!

 

 

 

I could have talked with these women all night long. Sadly we had to leave, otherwise I think I would have stayed the night.

The woman in the black sweater fostered 37 children and adopted four. The woman in the black and white shirt fostered over 50 children and adopted four, 2 of which were white. I enjoyed hearing their stories, their struggles with raising and parenting all of these children, their frustrations with a broken social system, stories about raising and adopting children of another race and listening to their advice.

I thought I came to Detroit to help the city. Perhaps to help students engage in the city, to lead them and to help them process. I never thought that I would meet my heroes in Detroit.

May I seek to have their heart for the children without families and without homes. May my heart break like theirs did and still does. May I seek justice for the broken system. May I always follow God's leading.

Some thoughts on DUP

DUP (Detroit Urban Plunge) 

I work with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. During spring break, I staffed a project in Detroit with students from Albion College, Michigan State and Grand Valley State University. I will be posting lots of posts as I process what God did in the past week at DUP.

The purpose of the trip was multi-faceted. We wanted to help students build community within their own chapters with their schools, as well as community with those they don't know. We wanted students to experience and learn what God says about justice. We spent several hours studying the whole book of Amos in a few short days! We wanted them to experience and see a broad view of Detroit. Some of Detroit is very, very broken. Other parts of Detroit, are complete gems that people forget about.

What did we actually do this week? 
Friday-  We all got there safe!! We stayed at a church on the east side of the city, our cars were in a gated parking lot, so they would not get broken into. All 22 of us slept on the floors of the church, and shared one shower:)  We had a simulation that helped our students deal with issues of race, socio-economic classes, and gender and then sent students into small groups to process that simulation.

Saturday- We worked with Central Detroit Christian, an AWESOME ministry in the city. We worked on rennovating a house in the city. I fell in love with old school Detroit homes. They were absolutely beautiful. Granted, the house we were working on was boarded up, as well as many of the surrounding homes, but it was stunning. You could tell that there was so much work put into designing and building that house back in the day. We did get a lot accomplished. We prepped the house to paint (taping, filling in cracks,) painted, cleaned out the garage, sanded stairs and walls, and installed an island in the kitchen. You can do a lot when you have 22 extra people working on your house. We ended the evening with dinner, studying Amos and small group processing time.

Sunday- We wanted the students to experience Sabbath. So often in our busy lives, we forget that God has created the Sabbath, it is something to be enjoyed, it is a command in fact! We slept in and went to church. Most of our students have never been in a African American church before, it was really interesting to see their responses. From there, we went downtown to the Detroit Institute of Arts. After the DIA, we went to a home in Detroit, where we were graciously greeted with a soul food dinner. WHEW! Were we ever blessed! And full, very, very full. And now I need to not eat for a month. I need to learn to cook some of this soul food  (fried chicken, loaded mashed potatoes, bean casserole, greens, corned beef, mac and cheese, peach cobbler, pecan pie......is your mouth watering yet?) Back to the church for more Amos.

Monday- We went back to Central Detroit Christian. They have a warehouse where Bed, Bath and Beyond and Home Depot donate goods. They then sell those goods from about 90% off sticker price to families in Detroit to help them beautify their homes. The warehouse was filled with boxes, from months of shipments. We went through the boxes, sorted things and organized shelves. When we were done, some of us, MIGHT have went shopping in the warehouse. How can you pass up a $300 knife set for $20, or a $100 pan set for $7, or in my case, a $75 coffee bean grinder for $5. Really? Yah, so we went "shopping" and made our donations to CDC. Came back to the church, had some dinner, studied Amos, had a speaker come in and talk about living intentionally in the city and sent the students to small groups for processing.

Tuesday- In the morning and Albion grad and her husband who live in the city came and talked to us about what living intentionally in the city looks like. They talked about both challenges and successes, joys and sorrows. The students loved them, their story was wonderful. We took the students to the African American History Museum, which by the way, is one of my favorite parts of Detroit.It is an amazing place, kind of like a walking theatre:) Later, students went to 2 different soup kitchens to prepare, serve and clean up dinner, and mingle and socialize with its patrons. Ended the night with Amos and small groups (sensing a theme?)

Wednesday- Students went to 2 different soup kitchens ( a Drug Rehab/Training Center, and a Prison Rehab, Training Center). They came back, at some lunch, and we studied Amos:) We took the students to Greek Town! LOVE Greek Town. Students got to see a new part of the city, experience Opa! (Flaming Cheese), enjoy great food and fellowship in the city. We finished Amos tonight!

Thursday--easy morning. We watched a video on urban ministry, students met one last time in small groups, we packed, cleaned the church and left.

And I drove. And drove, and drove.

And then I took a nap.

I will be posting several posts on Detroit. Anything in particular that you want to hear about?

Lent is on

This year, Jon and I are doing something different for Lent. We are joining World Vision, and pursuing what the Gospel says about justice.

This came in my email today from World Vision. May it be a blessing to you.

The sorrow of the Superbowl

What comes to mind when you think of the Superbowl?

Parties

Salty, fattening, too much food

Chips

Halftime show

Wardrobe malfunction

Commercials

Budweiser commercials

Oh, and maybe a little football?

How about slavery?

Yah, it was a shocker for me too.

The Superbowl is one of the most trafficked events in the US. Pimps will bring thousands of girls to be sold into prostitution during the week leading up to the Superbowl (THIS WEEK). Most of these girls will be 14 and younger. 2 years ago at the Superbowl, it was estimated that over 10,000 children and young women were brought to the Superbowl for prostitution.

It is a supply and demand issue......people are willing to pay the price, so these women are "supplied." Is your stomach turning yet? Are you thinking about those girls? Is your heart breaking? Are you FURIOUS? What emotions do you go through when you hear this?

This news was new to me, but not shocking. I am all too aware of the slave industry in our country. I am aware that there are things that we turn our backs on, that we simply don't know about, or God forbid are ignoring.

Oh sleeping country, wake up!!!!! This is not the heart of our God.  I bet He is weeping over this and longing for His people to be redeemed.

The Dallas police and officials are aware of this situation and have said they will be taking extra precautions. I am not sure of what this means, but please be in prayer for the whole situation.

A note on the Sanctity of Life

Yesterday was Sanctity of Life Sunday. It is a time where Christians celebrate life. We were made in the image of God, and if we say that is true, then we should celebrate the grandest creation of God.

If you know Jon and I at all, you know we are pro life. I am can almost guarantee that you will not find me marching in a parade, having bumper stickers on my car, having signs in my yard or anything else that would "demonstrate" pro life. I know people that do, in fact we go to a church where a lot of people do. I don't think those things bring about change. I think they educate, but more damage is done than just educating. Christians are seen as Bible beaters bombing abortion clinics. I never ever ever want to portray Jesus as someone like that.

The Jesus I want to portray is a Jesus that says yes to life. A Jesus that says if we choose life, then we need to be able to care for those mothers who have thought about abortion. Am I giving my time, money and energy to those mom's who desperately need a helping hand, who think that abortion is the way out?

A Jesus that says yes to life, says yes to those children who need homes. If they are not aborted, and we tel mothers that adoption is an option, who is adopting them? We need to be adopting. Often. Willingly. Until it hurts. Until we see the world changed, because we are are portraying the Jesus that values life.

A Jesus that says yes to life, but no to slavery. How can we as a Christian church be so quick to ignore the slaves? If we say that life matters, if we say that we are created in the glorious image of God, why doesn't it bother us that 8 year olds are being sold all over the world, yes even in the US? Why do we shop in stores that feed the slave industry? Why are we not giving money, giving time, giving energy and educating ourselves on the ways that slavery is happening around us.

Life matters.

For the love of God, life matters.

Can you hear me? LIFE MATTERS. Ok, maybe you can hear me now.

The life of the mother wrestling to kill her baby or keep him. Her life matters. The baby that is born, but needing home. Her life matters. The child sold into slavery, yes honey, your life matters. It matters so much. The heart of God breaks over the loss and wrong use of life.

What am I going to do with this life You gave me?

No Matter What.

Friends no matter what. 

I will stand by you no matter what. 

We will keep in touch, no matter what. 

I will love you no matter what. 

I have spoken these words to friends, family and my husband, sometimes I really did mean those words, other times it was a nice courtesy, but most times it meant.... 

I will love you as long as you love me. 

I will support you as long as you don't do me wrong. 

I will be there for you, if and only if you are there for me. 

I will be there, but lose my trust and I'm gone. 

I will love you until you leave dirty dishes on the table, give me a gas-less car, forget to call me when you know you will be late, etc.  

I will love you until you keep me up all night with your tears. 

What a selfish beast I am? Now you know some of the deep parts of my heart, the honest, dirty, sinful, selfish parts. I love conditionally, yet long for unconditional love. 

God has been challenging me in such a deep way in how I love others. He has challenged me to love Him, and His people no matter what. It is a hard painful process. A lot of my flesh tells me that it is ok to hold grudges, to not forgive, and to certainly not be in tight community with people who have hurt me, who I don't see eye to eye with, for those who don't get me. But that's not what He has said. He has said no matter what. 

So here I am in this journey. 

Trying so hard to love no matter what. 

To show show love when I am tired and depressed. 

To put others far above myself and my own agenda. 

To love others when it hurts. 

To love others when I don't feel loved back. 

This journey is hard, I am so glad that I have a husband who is standing by me in this, who is spurring me on, reminding me of my convictions and putting words to my emotions. How God  has blessed me. 

Today is National Call-In Day to Stop Human Slavery.

Did you know that every year, more than two million children are trafficked for forced labor or sexual exploitation?


Many countries have passed laws to combat this modern-day slave trade but lack the means to enforce the laws and adequately protect children. The Child Protection Compact Act (S. 3184) would help enforce anti-trafficking laws by providing technical assistance and training to several countries that have shown the political will to fight human trafficking and exploitation, but lack the resources, know-how, and capacity to follow up with survivors.


Take action with me today! Call your senators and ask them to co-sponsor the Child Protection Compact Act.

I just got off the phone with the senator's offices in Michigan. It literally took 3 minutes of my time. Please take time to call today.

Don't know who call? World Vision offers a step by step plan giving you numbers and a script. Go here for info.

Leave me a comment to let me know that you called and we will fight together to end human slavery!

It's Time to Say Goodbye

Ouch. Some goodbyes are harder than others....like saying "Goodbye" to Kohl's. I love their clothes and jewelery, but sadly I cannot shop there. Though I love their products, I will not support slavery. Kohl's made the 2010 Sweatshop Hall of Shame List.  Something to be proud of, no? 

Did you know that Michigan is ranked #13 in the US for sex traffiking? 

Do you know that next to illegal drugs, sex traffiking is the highest illegal industry in the world? 

Maybe its time to find this out together. 

As a believer and follower of Jesus, He called us to live differently, to passionately care about and pursue people, to be seekers of justice and mercy. If this is my call, how could I possibly support modern day slavery? 

Here is what I am committed to do (Gulp!) 

1. Not shop at the following stores, or buy the following products: 

-Kohl's 

-Walmart 

-Ambercromie and Fitch 

-Gymboree

-Hanes

-Nestle

-Mars 

-LL Bean

-Pier One 

-Ikea

 

2. I will buy: 

-fair trade coffee 

-fair trade chocolate

-fair trade clothing and jewelry 

-shop at good will stores

3. I will 

-Pray

-Learn

-Give 

-Advocate

-Volunteer 

What will you do? 

Reconsidering Columbus Day

Today, I am reconsidering Columbs Day

"Are there Asians in the Bible?"

Me: "Do you guys have any more questions on this passage?"

Student D: " I do. Are there Asians in the Bible?"

Me: (Thinking that this has nothing to do about the passage, but will answer anyways). "Well, I don't know if it is specific like, Jack, the Asian. but we do know that Paul and others went, to Asia minor and were heading east to plant churches."

Student D: "Yah, but are there Asians in the Bible?"

Me: "We know that God has a heart for all ethnicities, we see that woven throughout scripture. He has created us, and we can celebrate our different ethnicities...." Conversation goes on, and I am clearly not answering her question.

I decide that I really don't know if there is someplace in the Bible that says: "Jack the Asian." I promised that I will find out. And I found out nothing. Not sure actually.

A few weeks later in Bible Study......


Student D: "I think God is Asian."

Me: " I bet you are right. If we are created in God's image, and you are Asian, there must be some part of God that is Asian."

Student D: "Really, you believe that? Sweet. God is Asian."

Though I don't think God is fully one ethnicity, I do believe that He represents all people, and we are all created in his likeness. I know that he passionately cares for all people of ethnicity and culture and all of us have a place in the kingdom.

I love that I get to wrestle with issues of reconciliation,  multi-ethnicity, and ethnic identity.

Just another reason why I loved my job this week.