burn the ships

I sat in a group interview and declared "change of career" as a reason for pursuing the job.      

I have never considered myself a career oriented person.   

Leaving my job of the past 13 years is a huge decision and I guess it IS a career change.    

I went to school, ages ago, and obtained that early childhood development degree so that I could work with kids.  That's all I've known for....forever.

The past 13 years I haven't logged many hours in a building but I have logged countless hours of planning, thinking, preparing, and bearing the weight of emotionally supporting children and families.   

I've been teased for "not working" because of my easy schedule, but I am also fully aware that I worked harder during my 18-20 hours in the building than some people work all week at other jobs.

My co-workers were fabulous.  Every day.   Best group of ladies that anyone could ask for.    

After my resignation I came to terms with just how important these ladies have been to me.     These ladies have been a part of my entire story.    They grieved with me and supported me following Thayer's death, they encouraged me during my years of solo parenting, they celebrated with me upon my new love and marriage.   My co-workers- friends-  have been a steady force through all of my big life changes.

It was a huge decision to leave my job and my co-workers.  To leave the comfort and predictability of everything I've known.  However, I have a complete peace about it.
God has been playing the song, "Burn the Ships" by For King and Country, in my mind for weeks.   It has been such an encouragement as I move forward.

The song is based upon the artist's personal experience as well as the histoical incident during the Spanish conquest of Mexio in 1519 AD, where a Spanish commander landed his ships on enemy shores unaware of what awaited his arrival.  To ensure that the men were committed to their mission, he proclaimed, "Burn the ships!".   This song is "very much dedicated to the whole concept of no retreat, to very aggressively leave the past in the past and move forward." *

So....here I am...."burning the ships" and starting a new adventure.   I'm thankful for where I have been but I'm looking forward to my next chapter!

*song background from Wikipedia :)

fear or faith

Over the past few months, I have used the phrase "fear over faith" on countless occassions.   I have used it when referring to religious organizations, friends, and even family members.  

I have watched people who claim to be Christ followers cower silently in our current social climate; Bowing to the propaganda and not to the Creator.  

I recently realized, in the wee hours of the night, that I too have been caught up in a fear. 
Not fear of a virus, not fear of racism, not fear of unruly streets, not fear of our political climate.... but a fear of being called "ignorant, small minded, selfish, inconsiderate".     I am NOT those things.... but it appears that people who share their opinion, ANY opinion, are basically crucified for having thier own thoughts.  Even in silence, people are being judged.  There are no winners.
So...  I have basically kept quiet, except ranting to the ears of close friends.

I've said all along that Satan is doing his best to divide us.  No doubt.  It's not about black/white or masks/no masks or school/no school or cops/no cops....It's about good and evil.  There is a spiritual battle going on and Satan is sitting back with a big ol' grin on his face.  I'm sure he's thinking.... "That was easy."    I'm stunned at how Christians fell right into the plan.    

 I'm just as guilty as the next guy.   For months I grumbled and complained.... but upon recent study of 2 Timothy, I was reminded to avoid quarrels and to love, as Chirst loves us.  That was such a simple reminder!.... but an excellent re-set for me after months of uncertainty.

I don't have fear, or worry, about our current climate.  None of this is a surprise to God.  I rest knowing that all of this mess is His plan.  Somehow for our benefit.  That's the entire purpose of our faith.   Having trust and confidence in God....even when we can't see Him, or understand His ways.

 Knowing that many people would say, a "loving" God would not let this happen in America or across our globe... I say, "why not?"   We are no different than the tribes and cities that God destroyed in Bible times....brazen with our idolatry and sin.   
Christians are aware that things will get crazier before Christ returns.    We need to walk boldly in to what Christ calls us to do. 

A friend recently wrote to me, "Satan would want nothing more than you to sit idol."   That was a kick in the butt for me.   I instantly felt the need to get back to writing.   Share my thoughts.  Remind believers to be the light.     We, as a faith community need to stop with the devisive speech.    We need to love our neighbors.... all of them.    We are the only Jesus that many people will ever see.  Are we standing bold in our faith and pointing others to Christ?  

Or are we cowering in our bubbles... and simply hoping to make it out alive.   That's not really our mission, is it?

I have been so focused on saying the phrase "fear over faith" these past few months.
How about considering "faith over fear"?!

Let's choose that.

A friend shared this last night on Facebook.    How perfect!