Maybe some of your remember the TV show Xena Warrior Princess. Each episode centered on Xena's adventures and her ability to defeat any nemesis with her fit, muscular body which was always clad in a leather mini skirt. I'm sure many young girls looked up to this heroine. I, on the other hand, was always mystified at how she could execute her martial arts moves in her leather attire. Fashion does not always equal practicality, but I digress...
At our Regional Women's Retreat a couple weeks ago, I discovered a different kind of woman warrior. Women who live and work in our inner cities. Women who serve their families and their churches despite personal and economic difficulties. During our retreat I had the privilege of getting to know some of these women and hearing their stories.
Sandy is battling an untreatable form of cancer. She bears physical scars from her illness and struggles with extreme fatigue from her chemo pills. But Sandy remains optimistic, even joyful. She is a part of a Bible study one of our former church plants is doing in a low income trailer park. Sandy eagerly talks about the upcoming arrival of another grandchild. She is friendly and outgoing- always looking for ways to serve. After our craft time, Sandy worked to clean up supplies, scraps of paper and even swept the floor-all without being asked. It's hard for me to imagine having such a positive attitude if I had to deal with her reality. I feel almost ashamed when I think about the "burdens" I complain about.
Gloria is a grandmother trying to become a foster parent to her two grandsons. Her husband left her years ago. Her grown children are struggling. She is trying to create a loving and stable environment for her grandsons. She proudly shows me their pictures. I look at their grinning faces and thank God they have a grandmother like Gloria to take care of them. During our testimony time, she shares that one of her grandsons has ADHD and the other suffers from re-attachment disorder. She is trying her best to take classes and become more educated on how to best care for them. She tearfully shares that this weekend has given her the strength she needs to get through this difficult time. I am relatively young and, at times, child-rearing can leave me utterly exhausted. I have so much respect for the many grandmas in the inner city who have not only raised their own children, but are now raising their grandchildren.
Linda is a wife, mother, grandmother, and works almost full-time at a local grocery store. She also serves on her church's leadership team. I have had the honor of knowing and becoming friends with Linda. Her generous spirit never ceases to astound me. Despite her difficult financial situation, she always helps those in need. She constantly helps out her adult children, who continue to struggle to make ends meet. She is always willing to give a word or encouragement to her customers at the store or her neighbors. She is known to take care of the elderly living in her community. The other day, she asked the pastor if she could have a box of food from our pantry. Times were hard and her last paycheck barely covered the rent. That same afternoon she spoke to a nearby neighbor. This young woman had a house full of children and not enough food stamps to provide a meal for her family. Linda went straight to her car and pulled out the box of food she had received. Without a second thought, she gave the box to her neighbor. This is what Christ meant when He said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." I ask myself, "Would I have done that?" I marvel at her generosity and realize I have much to learn from her.
These women may not be warriors in the traditional sense. They don't stand out in a crowd. You won't see their heroic deeds in a newspaper or TV interview. But like any good warrior, they stand strong in spite of overwhelming opposition. The walk boldly in the grace and power of our Lord. These are the women I admire. These are true warrior princesses.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Working with Teens...Never a Dull Moment
It's been a few years since I've worked with teenagers. Memories include everything from the heart-warming to the heart-wrenching. Watching my kids struggle in horribly dysfunctional homes in the midst of being made fun of at school to watching them commit themselves to Christ and succeed beyond all odds. I've broken up fights, traveled cross-country in a van with teenage boys with body odor, hugged away tears, clapped and cheered at high school graduations, laughed as I watched someone say "chubby bunny" with a mouthful of marshmallows, but my greatest joy was discipling young girls who would become women who follow the Lord and serve in His Church.
Now, I am again privileged to work with young people. Each Thursday I help with a homework and Bible club for highschoolers. Last Thursday was my first day. I began by picking up a young woman ("Alisha") I have known since she was in middle school. She comes from a large family that struggles to make ends meet. I walk into her home - a small, dimly-lit house that barely seems big enough to house the eleven individuals who live there. I talk to the mom while Alisha gets ready. She tells me Alisha is pregnant. She sighs when she says this. Her face betrays the hopelessness and despair of the situation. Her daughter is fifteen.
When we get in the car, I talk with Alisha about her pregnancy. She tells me she is confused about what to do. There has been talk of abortion and adoption. Alisha is adamant that she does not want to kill her baby. I struggle with how to encourage this girl. I tell her we will pray about it and ask the Lord to help her.
Ironically, our babies are due around the same time. I can't help but think about the two lives yet to be born. By God's grace, my baby will be born to two parents who love each other and the Lord and who are equipped to provide for him or her. Alisha has none of these resources. What will happen to her little one? All I know is that God is sovereign and He loves her baby just as much as He loves mine.
At our next stop, I pick up two Hispanic boys. I know their parents through our ministry. They invite me inside and we talk while the boys get ready. Their warmth and hospitality reminds me how much I love working among Latino people. I hope to get to know them more as the club progresses.
After we arrive, each teen is partnered with a volunteer who helps them with their homework. I help one teen with his French- a little difficult since I know no French!
During the lesson time, I am reminded why I love working with teens. They eagerly engage in the lesson and pepper the teacher (one of our missionaries) with questions. Some are on topic, others are not. We are studying the creation story. We talk about how God created each person uniquely and with a purpose. We look at Psalm 139. We read verses 13 and 14: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." During this discussion, one of the boys asks if abortion is a sin. I look at Alisha. She thinks about this and then replies that abortion is wrong because killing is a sin. I can't help thinking about her baby- knowing that the circumstances involving her pregnancy were not God's perfect will, but that the little baby has a purpose and is uniquely gifted for that purpose.
As I ponder this, one of the boys asks, "Is it a sin to date older women?" We all laugh- this question was definitely NOT on topic! But as he was serious, the teacher gave him a biblical answer. Even amidst the humor, I am glad that these teens are asking questions and seeking biblical answers. Some questions are more serious than others, but there is an obvious quest for knowledge. My hope and prayer is that I can help these youth as theymake their way through these formative (and sometimes difficult) years.
Now, I am again privileged to work with young people. Each Thursday I help with a homework and Bible club for highschoolers. Last Thursday was my first day. I began by picking up a young woman ("Alisha") I have known since she was in middle school. She comes from a large family that struggles to make ends meet. I walk into her home - a small, dimly-lit house that barely seems big enough to house the eleven individuals who live there. I talk to the mom while Alisha gets ready. She tells me Alisha is pregnant. She sighs when she says this. Her face betrays the hopelessness and despair of the situation. Her daughter is fifteen.
When we get in the car, I talk with Alisha about her pregnancy. She tells me she is confused about what to do. There has been talk of abortion and adoption. Alisha is adamant that she does not want to kill her baby. I struggle with how to encourage this girl. I tell her we will pray about it and ask the Lord to help her.
Ironically, our babies are due around the same time. I can't help but think about the two lives yet to be born. By God's grace, my baby will be born to two parents who love each other and the Lord and who are equipped to provide for him or her. Alisha has none of these resources. What will happen to her little one? All I know is that God is sovereign and He loves her baby just as much as He loves mine.
At our next stop, I pick up two Hispanic boys. I know their parents through our ministry. They invite me inside and we talk while the boys get ready. Their warmth and hospitality reminds me how much I love working among Latino people. I hope to get to know them more as the club progresses.
After we arrive, each teen is partnered with a volunteer who helps them with their homework. I help one teen with his French- a little difficult since I know no French!
During the lesson time, I am reminded why I love working with teens. They eagerly engage in the lesson and pepper the teacher (one of our missionaries) with questions. Some are on topic, others are not. We are studying the creation story. We talk about how God created each person uniquely and with a purpose. We look at Psalm 139. We read verses 13 and 14: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." During this discussion, one of the boys asks if abortion is a sin. I look at Alisha. She thinks about this and then replies that abortion is wrong because killing is a sin. I can't help thinking about her baby- knowing that the circumstances involving her pregnancy were not God's perfect will, but that the little baby has a purpose and is uniquely gifted for that purpose.
As I ponder this, one of the boys asks, "Is it a sin to date older women?" We all laugh- this question was definitely NOT on topic! But as he was serious, the teacher gave him a biblical answer. Even amidst the humor, I am glad that these teens are asking questions and seeking biblical answers. Some questions are more serious than others, but there is an obvious quest for knowledge. My hope and prayer is that I can help these youth as theymake their way through these formative (and sometimes difficult) years.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Practice Hospitality
One of my favorite Scripture passages is found in Romans 12:9-13. In a few short verses, it sums up how we should live. The last verse is simple and to the point: "Practice hospitality." As a missionary, this is kind of part of my job description. I am called to open my home to others. And while I do enjoy doing this, there are times when I just don't feel like it. Yesterday was one of those times.
One of the women I have been ministering to and who also has become a friend, asked if she could stop by. I was right in the middle of making dinner and it had been a LONG day and I was tired. But I politely invited her over for dinner. She mentioned her nephew would be coming along, too. Mentally, I prepared myself for a long evening. However, despite my misgivings, the evening turned out well. Jackson and her nephew hit it off great. As I watched them play, I was thankful that Jackson had the opportunity to play with a little boy from a different background, just like I did when I was little. As a young child, my closest friends were usually the children of the parents my parents ministered to. Those experiences helped shape who I am today. It is neat to see how the Lord will use similar experiences in Jackson's life.
And as my friend and her nephew prepared to leave, Jackson gave the little boy a big bear hug.
When we step out in obedience (even when we don't feel like it), we reap the rewards.
One of the women I have been ministering to and who also has become a friend, asked if she could stop by. I was right in the middle of making dinner and it had been a LONG day and I was tired. But I politely invited her over for dinner. She mentioned her nephew would be coming along, too. Mentally, I prepared myself for a long evening. However, despite my misgivings, the evening turned out well. Jackson and her nephew hit it off great. As I watched them play, I was thankful that Jackson had the opportunity to play with a little boy from a different background, just like I did when I was little. As a young child, my closest friends were usually the children of the parents my parents ministered to. Those experiences helped shape who I am today. It is neat to see how the Lord will use similar experiences in Jackson's life.
And as my friend and her nephew prepared to leave, Jackson gave the little boy a big bear hug.
When we step out in obedience (even when we don't feel like it), we reap the rewards.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
How Did I Get Here?
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am terrible at directions- both at giving them and receiving them! There have been times, when hopelessly lost, I have pulled over and thought, "Where the heck am I?" (Although to be completely honest, I wasn't saying "heck"- yes, I admit I may let a few bad words slip once in awhile under extreme duress).
Likewise, there have been times in my life when I ask myself, "How did I get here?" As an missionary kid raised in the inner city, I had no intentions of following in my parents' footsteps. I had my eyes set on a much more glamorous career: journalist. I would start in print journalism and work my up to television journalism, eventually becoming the next Barbara Walters. Yes, I was a little delusional. But funny thing, God had completely different plans for me. When bemoaning missionary life as a kid and declaring that I would never become a missionary, my mom would smile and say, "Just wait until you meet a handsome missionary one day and he changes your mind!" Well, most of you know the story. I, indeed, did meet a handsome missionary who I married and we now live and work in the inner-city of Wichita with our two-year old son, Jackson.
In retrospect, I know exactly how I got here. The Lord was preparing me form an early age for a life of ministry. Being a part of my parents' ministry allowed me to learn about other cultures and people from different backgrounds. I enjoyed making friends from different ethnic groups. I also developed a heart for hurting people. No matter what I did, I couldn't escape this calling. Even in college when I was working, taking a full load, and serving on student government, I still made time to volunteer with an inner-city youth group. It was in my blood.
Another thing I never thought I would do is study a foreign language while living in the foreign country! Daren and I had the opportunity to learn Spanish in Costa Rica for three months. Talk about a learning experience! But even during the hard times when I'd ask myself, "How did I get here?" The Lord would remind me that he had been preparing me for this. My time in LA as a kid introduced me to the Latino culture and gave me a love for the people and culture which helped make the adjustment easier.
I imagine that ten years from now, I will be asking the same question. But I take comfort in knowing that the Lord is preparing for whatever the future holds.
Likewise, there have been times in my life when I ask myself, "How did I get here?" As an missionary kid raised in the inner city, I had no intentions of following in my parents' footsteps. I had my eyes set on a much more glamorous career: journalist. I would start in print journalism and work my up to television journalism, eventually becoming the next Barbara Walters. Yes, I was a little delusional. But funny thing, God had completely different plans for me. When bemoaning missionary life as a kid and declaring that I would never become a missionary, my mom would smile and say, "Just wait until you meet a handsome missionary one day and he changes your mind!" Well, most of you know the story. I, indeed, did meet a handsome missionary who I married and we now live and work in the inner-city of Wichita with our two-year old son, Jackson.
In retrospect, I know exactly how I got here. The Lord was preparing me form an early age for a life of ministry. Being a part of my parents' ministry allowed me to learn about other cultures and people from different backgrounds. I enjoyed making friends from different ethnic groups. I also developed a heart for hurting people. No matter what I did, I couldn't escape this calling. Even in college when I was working, taking a full load, and serving on student government, I still made time to volunteer with an inner-city youth group. It was in my blood.
Another thing I never thought I would do is study a foreign language while living in the foreign country! Daren and I had the opportunity to learn Spanish in Costa Rica for three months. Talk about a learning experience! But even during the hard times when I'd ask myself, "How did I get here?" The Lord would remind me that he had been preparing me for this. My time in LA as a kid introduced me to the Latino culture and gave me a love for the people and culture which helped make the adjustment easier.
I imagine that ten years from now, I will be asking the same question. But I take comfort in knowing that the Lord is preparing for whatever the future holds.
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