baggage.
baggage//we all have it. We might try to hide behind it, or we might try to dress it up. The hurt, the guilt, the shame, the anger…we all come with it. we aren’t perfect people.
but what would happen if we waited until we were perfect to come to the table?
what if we decided instead, to simply come? flaws and all, knowing the ONLY good thing in us is JESUS.
over the years, I’ve had a lot of people ask me why I go. Why do I raise thousands of dollars, get countless rounds of painful shots, say goodbye to our families for a week+ and fly to the other side of the world? Why do I do that when I could simply send money and the supplies they need and stay home? am I really making a difference?
sure, we could have sent 8 tubs + countless other bags full of shoe uppers, donations and supplies for Sole Hope and simply stayed home.
but why would we do that?
why would we NOT want to be a part of the bigger story God is writing?
I was looking through some of my old “Africa” posts a few nights before this trip, and I came across this post.
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That through our love for GOD, we will love the nations. But our foundation has to be in our love for our creator. I’ve been convicted a few times as well. The work is not mine, it’s God’s. In fact God doesn’t even need me but he chooses to let us share in His work. My work for the kingdom should be rooted in my passionate love for God!
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We go because we are in love with our creator. We bring our whole selves so we can give ourselves away. for the sake of the gospel! We go because Jesus has done great things for us, and we must declare those things to those who don’t yet know Him. we go to bring the good news + share in this hope we have in Christ.
Numbers 10:28 Moses says, “Hereby you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these works, and that is has not been of my own accord”
God sends us. He equips up, He empowers us by His holy spirit and He uses us to be HIS hands and feet! Sure, we can decide to simply send the goods, but it’s in the sending of OURSELVES that we are truly pulled into the story.
I think that every Christ follower should at some point, pack up and GO. Don’t wait until you are “perfect” or until you are ready, or have enough funds, or even until your kids are older and grown. God says clearly in His word to VISIT orphans and widows in their distress and to keep ONESELF unstained from the world! [James 1:27]
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“We can either see our mission as a series of need-meeting projects, energized by an awareness of the problems of the world. OR we can frame our understanding of mission as an invitation to join with God as He pursues His purpose in the world.” – Tim Dearborn
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so here we are, baggage and all.
saying YES to the story God has invited us into.
Gods inviting YOU to join him too…will you say YES?!
Hey, I'm Wynne!
Hi, friend! First, I truly am so giddy that you are here. I want you to know I believe in you and all the ways you are growing towards living a more intentional life. I genuinely hope you are encouraged from our time together here.
A little about me, I’m a type 7 on the enneagram, a total extrovert + people lover, entrepreneur, connector, storyteller, people gatherer, and passionate wife, mama + friend. I feel most alive when I’m exploring new places and surrounded by people I love. Give me a day in the outdoors disconnected from wifi, and I am a happy girl. I run on oat milk lattes, Jesus, gratitude journaling and kitchen dance parties with my four kids.
Welcome, come on in!
Beautiful words Wynne! I have always wondered why some people go & others prefer to stay. It has been an increasing desire of mine to GO! I am still waiting on the Lord to provide the right opportunity & to work it into my husband’s heart too. I know that He will provide the way in His timing. Have fun in Africa! I’m enjoying seeing all the photos on IG!
i love this. i love you. wept this morning as i looked through the flickr images. man. greater love my friend!!! you’re doing it!! praying over you DAILY!!!!!