My Battle Cry

In my last post I spoke about being the Foot-Soldiers of Christ.  I talked about the war that we as Christians are facing.  I have found that the enemy enjoys making me doubt myself and the abilities the Lord has blessed me with.  It would be really easy for me to fall back and retreat into the person I was before I had a personal relationship with Christ - That would be taking me back to a very dark place, but we don't defeat darkness with more darkness...we bring light.  I don't want to even humor my thoughts with the "what ifs" anymore.  I'm finished dwelling on the past hurts that so strongly want to weigh me down and drown the woman that's been made anew through the blood of Jesus.  I'm making a public declaration of this new season in my life.  My battle cry: laughter, joy, and the promises of my Savior.  I will be a light.

Since I've been here I've met so many wonderful people.  There is one person I just can't help but laugh and smile when I'm in her presence, and that's Madalina.  Her English isn't the greatest and my Romanian isn't the greatest, but we still find ways to understand and communicate with each other when we don't have a translator around.  She has this inner joy that overflows from within her and you can't help but be happy when you're around her.  The fire that she has for the Lord burns like a wildfire seen from miles away, yet has the embers that stay burning long after the flames subside.  Amid my internal struggles I spoke of in my last blog post, she was one of the people I looked so forward to seeing and would bring such a reminder to why God called me to Romania.  The inner peace the enemy was trying to rob me of, has since returned, and as soon as I begin to struggle, I look at the pictures of Madalina and her contagious smile and think of Job 8:21 "He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy."  I continue to run to The Word and on every page I'm reminded of the Love the Savior has for me and the promises He has made.

Here's an update on my health:  My cough has subsided and whatever kind of sickness I've had with my throat and body aches has gone.  My joints still have issues, but have greatly improved since my last post.  I neglected to tell you about my struggle with fleas in my last post, but in short they have been attacking me since the moment I first stepped into the Hope Center back in March.  I may have found a solution and last week I only ended up with 3(ish) new bites (which is a HUGE improvement), Praise the Lord! 

On Friday I was informed of a family crisis and on Sunday I was given the news that my Uncle had passed away.  When I first heard the news on Friday, guilt began to consume my entire being.  On Sunday, the sorrow of not being there to support my family, not being able to say my goodbyes weighed heavy on my heart, and still does.  I was reminded today about this scripture: "This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9  The best part about this scripture is "This is my command..."  He's not saying you should try to be strong and courageous rather commanding us and then reminding us that He's with us every step of the way.  Through my sorrow and my grief I will be strong and courageous.  My heart still quietly aches that I wasn't able to be with my family this last week and the thought of me not being by their sides on Saturday for the funeral makes me choke up a bit.  Despite all of the sorrow and grief, I take heart in knowing my Uncle is with Jesus.  There is no longer defeat in death as Jesus has Victory over the grave...this makes my heart happy.  

I'm so encouraged by all of your comments on my blog posts, facebook posts and messages - Keep 'em coming!  Thank you for your support and continued prayers for my journey.  If you could also add some extra prayers for my family during this time I would appreciate it.  Don't forget to check out handsofromania.org to stay up-to-date with the Organization I'm working with.  Also if you're new to my blog check out the "About" Tab and my fundraising site http://www.youcaring.com/mission-trip-fundraiser/the-bigger-picture/71741 to watch my video.  I hope everyone enjoys Easter!  Love you all and God Bless! :)

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ps...Enjoy this song by Rend Collective.  I find the lyrics as well as the melody to be very encouraging to me at this time :)