Are You Willing?

I have traveled around the world to many different countries. I’ve tasted foods that were more than questionable, stood in mud huts made of cow dung, and been the guest of honor at a feast. I’ve cradled dying babies, loved on kids who were HIV positive, and hugged the homeless and abused. I’ve tackled college and a master’s degree all after age 38. I’ve owned two businesses, helped start a business, and directed another. I’ve been the board president, a teacher, adjunct professor, and all while joyfully serving as a wife and mother.

How could one person be allowed to experience all these amazing things? There have been times I’ve questioned why I’ve been so privileged when others just dream of it all. Is it because I deserve it? No. Is it because I’ve worked harder or sacrificed longer? No. Then why?

I only have one answer. I’ve been willing to step up to the challenges, no matter what.

I don’t remember ever being afraid of something and saying, “No…I can’t do that.”

While teaching at a local Christian university, I asked the missions team director if we could take students to Romania to help in a government-run hospital charged with carrying for abandoned babies. I’d never done anything like that before. I didn’t know the country’s currency, where we would stay, or what the travel arrangements would be like for a team. I’d never even led a team! So why in the world would I attempt such a thing?

Some people said I was crazy. Others said it would be too difficult and they would never try it. Maybe that’s what made me do it. Most importantly, God said GO!

Sixteen trips later, at least 106 lives changed for eternity, and I have no doubt why I did any of it. Being willing opens doors to a whole new realm. It increases your Christian worldview. It opens your eyes to the fact that God is over there too, not just here in America. You become a person who accepts people for who they are, where they are, what they are. You become less critical and more positive. You grow spiritually! You rely upon God for everything big and small. Your prayer life is opened up to so many more people and their life situations that it takes you out of your bubble.

I wish I could take you all on a trip. I pray that you would be willing to step out of your comfort zone and take the challenge of visiting a mission field or a country that needs your gifts and talents. Or even step out of your own back door and be challenged to do as he commands – ‘Be My witnesses!’ God would provide the courage…if you’re willing.