Tonight, the very assignment that the Lord designed for me before I was even formed in my mother's womb begins. It baffles my little pea-sized mind. For the past few weeks at church, the messages have focused on discovering our God-designed purpose. The Lord has whispered His plans for years, but it took shouting for me to finally hear His voice. He has been saying to me for quite some time, "more of ME Steph - less of you". You see, I grew up an only child - just me and my mama. I am almost 40 and have never been married. I haven't had a roommate in many years. I am selfish. I am most of the time "all about me". As a follower of Christ, "all about me" does. not. work. Actually, it does. not. exist. The gospel calls us to love God and love OTHERS. John 3:30 in The Message says it like this: "This is the assigned moment for Him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines." God is calling me beyond myself. And I don't like it. And it's scary. And it's uncomfortable. And it's unknown. And it's His heart.
I have always wondered "why am I living and breathing on this planet?" About two years ago, I just flat out asked the Lord "what is the ministry You have for me?" I sat there in the quiet and waited until I heard His answer. I heard Him say "babies and children". I work with children every day, but that answer still surprised me. I knew He did not mean my daily job, so I was unsure of what that entailed. Honestly, I dismissed it. Two years later, He reminded me - and spoke loudly and clearly this time. Sitting in the sanctuary at The Church at Brook Hills, listening to 23 year old Katie Davis speak, His plan for me was revealed. He wants me to be a foster mama. A single, tired, money-stretched, 40 year old mama to a child I do not know. Webster's dictionary defines "foster" as this: sharing nurture or parental care, though not related by blood or legal ties. Honestly, I am not even a good Aunt to my own nieces and nephews. But yet - God chose me. More of Him. less. of. me.
With my hand in His, let's do this thing.
I. LOVE. THIS.
ReplyDeleteand i. love. YOU. xxoo
ReplyDeleteI am so excited about this next part of your life. God has prepared the way ahead of you. It is going to be amazing. God brings you to mind often so prayers are always lifted up! I cannot wait to see how it unfolds. You have so many supporting you!
ReplyDeletethank you miss mac! :)
ReplyDeleteSorry, my gmail is a professional one. :). I am so glad we are friends so I can see this journey! Love, Carol :)
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you! God speaks to us all, we either choose to ignore, or listen to his dreams for us! I am so excited for your humbling and joyous journey!
ReplyDeleteNoha, YOU BLESS ME!!! thank you! xxoo
DeleteStephanie, you will be such a blessing to the little ones who God has chosen for you to love on. Thank you for being obedient to His calling on your life. Can't wait to follow you through this adventure. Love, Jane "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)
ReplyDeletelove you, Jane!!
DeleteI am so happy for you, Steph! :D I cannot wait to share this with Shelley. How can I follow your blog?
ReplyDeletexo,
RJ
thank you, Ricki Jill! to subscribe, scroll down to the bottom and look for "Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)". you should be able to click that and subscribe. i also added a "followers" gadget at the top of the page on the left. you can try subscribing that way too!
Deleteoops! the "followers" gadget is at the top of the page on the RIGHT!! :)
DeleteI am so happy for you! I am excited too that I will be around for this wonderful time in your life. Love! Love! Rose Ann
ReplyDeleteWow Steph...that is powerful and wonderful and makes perfect sense to me.
ReplyDeleteYour blog name and reasoning could not send a clearer message.
We are proud to support you!!