#Empowered

I'm so thankful that God's grace has allowed me and my family to be rooted so strongly in His word. I see and hear of tragedies that occur weekly and daily to others, however this week was my families turn. I used to say raising boys would be hard in the world today, so many acceptable temptations from immodesty not only in person but plastered all over the T.V. and more. I have been put in my place as I have 2 girls and now realized protecting their innocence is just as hard, if not harder.

This week satan attempted to turn our world upside down by taking innocence away. He finds the weakest link in situations and people and devours them. Through this are consequences that destroy many and become a huge ripple effect which leaves him dancing. Sure he succeeded to take down a few of us, and has broken several relationships apart, but oh how most of us are standing strong because we are equipped (#empowered) by the Lord our God! We have a long road ahead but rest assure that we are not alone! We even look back and see how He protected a situation we were too blind to see. He WAS there the entire time!

Some may walk away from tragedies being angry at God, wondering why He allows such things to happen. My family will walk away stronger and seeing the many ways we can use this tragedy for His glory leaving us EMPOWERED!

My Favorite Scripture

"But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in your weakness" Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

I was a Christian for about 10 years before I finally found a verse that I claimed as my "life verse." I guess you can say I took this decision pretty seriously. However, I think it also took those years to grow spiritually before I could really understand and relate to how God's word spoke to me.

In 2012, God called me to the mission field and as part of our assignments we were to each prepare our testimonies. We knew we would be sharing them during our outings to different villages and churches in Tanzania. At that time I prayed and asked God to show me 1) how to select one verse among many 2) how to understand the verse and know it spoke to me an my life. My youngest daughters middle name is Grace and I also am so humble to receive God's grace for me in my life. Therefore I searched specifically for the word grace. When my research brought me to this verse I knew immediately it was mine. He had called me to completely step out of my comfort zone in so many ways by going on this mission trip.

1) I'm not a public speaker and literally shake while attempting to be one.
2) I've never left the country
3) I brought my 16 year-old daughter along who had never even been on a plane, less out of the country.
4) I was leaving my husband and youngest daughter behind.
5) I was going with 16 other people I did not know.
6) I had no idea what to expect on this trip; accommodations, food (and I'm a picky eater), people, travel, and more.
7) I'm not a strong evangelist.
8) I only knew "survival Swahili", basic greetings, where's the bathroom, etc...

Oh boy did I have weaknesses...this is why I found this verse to be perfect! So this is when I memorized it and kept it with me for the 2 week trip. I knew I was not strong enough on my own if I wanted to boldly walk in His will. I had no idea this verse was going to be the one to keep me focused on following Him even after the trip. About 1 year later I was asked to join our church staff as Children's Ministry Director. This was an answered prayer of mine due to some upcoming job changes (a whole other testimony). I reflected on this verse once again because I knew I was not equipped from my perspective. However, He is the one who has equipped me in so many ways!!

So when it comes to admitting when I'm wrong or weak I'm the first to admit it! I'm so thankful to have His grace every hour and day! I'm looking forward to this Bible Study and learning everyone (well as much as I can out of 30,000 people).