generosity

Over the past few months, I have been raising funds to help with the cost of my Africa trip. Honestly, I HATE it. Asking for help is one of my weaknesses...and when it involves money, you might as well stick a spork in my eye. I would probably enjoy that more.

I tend to want to do things on my own. So, I was determined to pay for the trip myself. It seemed only right, right? It was MY mission, MY passion, MY desire. I, I, I. Me, me, me. (See a pattern?) So, I should be the one to make it happen. THAT was my thinking.

Well, as I started the process of taking on extra projects, working a few extra hours, etc. etc, I had several conversations with people that begin to change my PERSPECTIVE on the whole thing.

Basically, what I took away from this time is this: there are some people in this world who are called to MOVE. These are the people that when they hear about the poverty in Africa, they will attend a rally, sign a petition, call a congressman, take a trip to Africa to experience first-hand what they have heard so they can share it with others, and so on. Then there are the people that are called to SUPPORT. These are the people that will sign a petition, email a congressman, pray for someone going on a trip to Africa, and give money to help that person get to Africa. They don't feel called to GO to Africa, but they feel just as strongly called to be a part of the same work that is going on. Without either of these people, the good in the world would be less than what it is. God has equipped each of us to do different things and be different people.

This was what was made clear to me. In my trying to do it all, I was keeping someone else from doing their part for the Kingdom. I was being selfish. So, I relinquished my hold on the trip...and sat back and watched God work as only He can. It was truly amazing. I couldn't possibly go into all the thank-you's and stories that I want to share on here, but I do want to share one that means probably the most to me.

The day of my aunt's funeral, I was sitting at my cousin's house talking with some of my other cousins and my Uncle Reds (we call him that because he has red hair....ha ha, as does pretty much everyone on my mom's side of the family!). Uncle Reds began asking me about my upcoming trip and what I would be doing while I was there. So, I told him about visiting the different villages, delivering Christmas gifts, and getting to spend time with families and orphans...just being relational, showing them that someone cared. Throughout the evening, he continued to ask questions and then asked for my address so he could send me a "little something to give to the children". All of this took place on a day of sadness, tears, laughter, and memories....he had just buried his closest sister. I, honestly, took it as more of a distraction from the day's events. Apparently, I'm an idiot. Just a few days ago, Uncle Reds sent me a check, along with a note saying that he hoped I could use the money to help the children in whatever way was best.

That is love and generosity in its purest form.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. ~ James 1.27