Wednesday, May 30, 2012

If there is one thing I struggle with on a daily basis it’s trying to be enough for everyone…

 as a mama to 9 and working in missions, seeing the overwhelming needs around me, I struggle with not being enough.

What I have come to realize is that I am not.

I am not enough.

And never will be.

But the best part is...

 He is.

And He never intended for me to be-

 or else I would get all the glory.

God has a plan better than anything I could ever come up with- and so I trust. Trust that in the areas that I am lacking- He will fill in.

I had someone asked me the other day- why Village of Hope was only going to focus on children with HIV/AIDS- because HIV wasn’t their ‘thing’.

All I know, is that I am pretty sure these children living with HIV/AIDS did not choose HIV/AIDS to be their ‘thing’ either…

 but they were not given that choice.

And there is no doubt in my mind that if Jesus walked on the face of the earth today He would be hanging out with those with HIV/AIDS as it is the modern day leprosy.

"This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did" 1 John 2:5b-6

Because none of us can be enough I believe that sometimes God places certain things in our hearts. If we ALL only wanted to adopt from China- then who would take care of the kids from Ethiopia and who would take care of the kids from the foster system? If we all only wanted to adopt kids with cleft palates- who would adopt the children who are blind and the children who are deaf? If we all only wanted to adopt child with special needs- who would adopt the child who was healthy?

 The point is- we are all called- but sometimes God places a special focus on that calling in our life… and He provides the resources that come along with that calling. Some of us are called to adopt, others are called to give. Some of us are called to go- others are called to be senders. Some of us are called to start an organization- others of us are called to teach Sunday school.

 And one is not greater than the other.

God see’s the whole picture while we do not.

And we cannot.

Ever.

And so we trust- in His plan.

At Village of Hope we will welcome ALL special needs children- as long as God provides the necessary care for us to provide for them. We can’t do it without funds, without help, or the things needed to care for that child properly.   We are trying- trust me… we said 'YES GOD'- and left those doors open wide- for God to send those needed…

Now we pray and we ask and we work….

And we remain willing.

Starting a project like Village Of Hope from scratch is no easy feat. Trust me, we have laid in bed many nights loosing sleep wondering how in the world we will be able to do this.

And what we have come to realize is- we can't. 

But God can.

And so we are doing all we are able to do, and being blown away by those God has sent us to come along side of us doing all they can- instead of pointing out what we cannot.

Training is being translated into Spanish for house parents- all God’s people.

Camps are being put together for the children- ALL God’s people.

Partnerships are being made- ALL God’s people.

Donations are being gathered- ALL God’s people.

State Reps are standing in the gaps- All God’s people.

Boards are being assembled- ALL God’s people.

People are advocating and using their voice- ALL God’s people.

Fundraisers are being planned- ALL God’s people.

Prayers are being prayed- ALL God’s people.

What the Lord has taught me along this journey is that I don’t have to have all of the answers. That I’m not supposed to be everything to everyone, and that I don’t have to do it all on my own. I just have to be willing to do what I can do today…

And trust Him to do the rest…

Because it’s going to take a VILLAGE…

A Village Of Hope.


I wondered why somebody didn't do something. Then I realized, I am somebody.~ Author Unknown 


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15 comments:

Jenny said...

Leaving Sat. for court for my two "special needs" girls from Ethiopia!
Jenny
www.ourplansmultiplied.blogspot

Deb said...

Amen. Yep! I once said, "HIV is not my 'thing'". (sigh) When will I learn??? ;) Praying with you!

Renae said...

LOVE this!:) SO proud of you guys for living out your faith in this way, and serving these precious kiddos!

Donna said...

Absoulutly wonderful post :)

I am overjoyed to hear about your new ministry!

Kelly said...

Well put friend.

Jean said...

Amen and beautifully said!!

It is an adventure serving the Lord! Praying for your new ministry!

Chantelle said...

Love that quote... and love you!! :)

Laurel said...

Beautiful!

NONE of us can "do it all". But, we ALL can do every single piece that the LORD calls us to.

Hoping that the Lord calls me to come work beside you (for a short term trip). Seriously.


Laurel

The Crawfords said...

We just came home 3 weeks ago with our 2 sons from the Philippines, one who is deaf...

Great post, as always. I love your heart and can sooo relate to the message...

You know we have a huge love for the children of Guatemala. Scott and I want to be part of this new endeavor you are embarking on, just not sure how...

Thoughts???

Jo Anna

Lorraine, AKA Forever Blessed said...

Amy, I just love you. I seriously admire the way you're able to stand boldly in TRUTH while still being compassionate and tender. The epitome of speaking the truth in love. I cannot wait to come hug your neck and serve however He'll allow. I cannot even begin to fathom all that you're having to consider, organize, gather, pray over...oh, the thoughts overwhelm me, and I'm not even responsible. I will gladly do what I can in just one week of a short-term mission trip to help. Start making my to-do list, girlfriend!!! LOVE YOU!

nates5bs said...

Well said, friend. So excited for you! Let us know your funding needs. Praying.

bandofbrothers said...

wow, well said.

thanks for the reminder and for being obedient to HIS calling on your life.

Mrs. Michelle said...

To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen

Alicia said...

So many things I love, admire, and aspire to be/understand in this post. Thank you. And may God richly bless His journey in your life.

Rebecca said...

Just checking in...
How are things going?