Tuesday, September 6, 2011

"My Heart Has Been Replaced With A Face"

When you look down, it is easy to walk by.  In my previous post I have written about feeling sorry for myself and being caught up in the "woe is me" mentality.  The more I think about it the more frustrated I become... angry at myself and many others around me who are so caught up in our little problems that we don't even notice the pain of those who need our help.

Part of the problem is that often the needs around us are impersonal.  The homeless, the prostitutes, the child molesters, the drug addicts, the poor, the sick - those are all collective nouns, words meant to drive our attention away from these people as individuals.

I stumbled upon this song today on youtube and I would love to share it with you (lyrics typed out below).




I've stood alone a million times

That's not the same as being alone
I've felt ignored, and left behind before
But that's not the same as being disowned

Open my eyes, and help me see that there's a world outside of me
I'm no different, I want to make a difference tonight

The words don't always come out right
And I don't normally cry
But you didn't see the look in her eyes

I've been shaken
From my head, on down to my toes
Lord use me, take me where you want me to go
I can't help it, my heart has been replaced with a face
I'm ready, these hands are dedicated to change

I've hurt before, but held inside
I've seen their tears, 'cause pain is something they can't hide
What makes us different?
We have a chance to listen tonight


There are many ways for you to get involved in a life of an individual who needs hope today.  

One of the many ways to do so is to sponsor a child through one of the many international ministries.  We are involved with Metro Ministries and through them you can sponsor a child in the United States, Romania, South Africa, and the Philippines.  If you would like to get involved - click here for more info.  And guess what - if you choose to sponsor a child here in US - you can request one of the kids from our Sunday School site and you can be sure we will keep you updated on how they are doing.


Whatever you choose to do (or not to do) - may it be your prayer today that your heart also will be replaced with a face... that you will no longer be immune to the suffering of others.




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Monday, September 5, 2011

Down with Pity

How easy it is to whine!  To feel sorry for myself... feeling as if everyone in the whole world has got a better deal... just because one someone has...

How easy it is to throw yourself a pity party!  Filled with 'if only's and 'but's and wishful thinking...

Do you ever get caught up in that?

Sometimes I do.

And when I do... somehow... I am even more miserable than I was a second ago...

In talking to some of my young ladies I often feel like they use their past choices and things that have been done to them as an excuse.  They often feel like they are not in control of what's happening to them and that there's no way out of the mess they had created.  It is easy for me to look straight into their situation and say, "Ok, here's what happened.  It's bad, very bad.  Now, what will you do about it?  Your 2 choices are to feel sorry for yourself and do nothing or to start from here and change your life for the better."  Easy for me to say ;)

So when I catch myself being unsatisfied, discontent, downcast and discouraged I have to tell myself those same words, "Now, what will you do about it?"

I start off with counting my blessings: *the train that arrived just as I set my foot on the platform, *the word of encouragement from a fellow co-laborer, *little skype convos where I get to give my input and feel like it was needed and helpful, *the yummy food that my friends made for me this week just because (I got 2 of my favorite meals this week cooked for me plus this brownie sundae cheesecake beauty on the left), *my hubby's amazing creativity and problem solving skills, *the little kicks and flutters inside of me, *a good night's sleep... just to name a few.

And then I put my hand to the proverbial plow... and try to do something (anything) to make this situation better.  And even if I fail at what I try to accomplish - I've done away with pity... and then I try again.

Because I know that with Him all things are possible... because I know that with Him on my side nothing shall harm me... because I know that He will never leave me... and that I'll never fall so hard that I won't be able to get up... I try again.

"Father, all things are possible for You"
Mark 14:36

I do not know what you're facing today... but I know that you can try again.



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