I knew this would happen. In fact? I craved it.
The challenge to examine what I have. How much I could truly give.
Who I really am.
Each month gripped me. Where do I really stand?
What do I really believe?
What am I really willing to sacrifice?
And first, it was the possessions.
We. have. so. much.
And right here, in my very community, there are people struggling to stay warm in the bitter winters. starving. barely hanging on.
Who am I to amass all of this and watch His children perish by the wayside?
Can I ignore the plight of those who are able to steal the heart of God all the while patting myself on the back for what a good job I've done securing the American Dream?
It made me truly sick.
Who am I that I would elevate my existence above any other?
One thing I am certain of. The pride of man, dripping off of our wealth and possessions, grieves the heart of the One who created us.
And I am broken by the reflection in the mirror.
I am the problem.
So for 40 days, I am purging myself.
It's merely a grain of sand in what God wants to do. but it's a start.
The focus? On giving possessions.
Clothing.
Jewelry.
Books. (my heart. stops.)
Houseware.
Stuff.
For 40 Days, I will examine every crevice of waste, abuse, negligence, self-indulgence, materialism.
I will change the way my family does things. I will no longer remain trapped in this hamster wheel that defines success by what we have. I will look at my brothers and sisters and give whatever possible to meet whatever needs I can.
What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.
Saint Augustine
So in the next 40 days, I am believing for the chance to give away 1000 possessions. My prayer is that my eyes would be opened to the various opportunities to give and that I would make haste to meet the needs I see.
I may not be able to change everything.
But I can change something.
2 comments:
Oh friend- I am SO challenged as well! Trace and I are praying about what God is calling us to do to make the changes He wants to see in us. Thankful to have a friend like you that is pursuing the Lord more than the American dream!
Randee
I just ordered 7 today...am anxious to read it...and a little scared too. Thought of you today...God opened my eyes and I saw a man sitting in a grassy area outside when I was on my way into Walmart for groceries. Grabbed a few extra items for him praying he would still be there on my way out and he was...made my whole day.
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