What would you do for love? part 2

In a previous post I asked the question: "what would you do for love?" At the time, we were making a sacrificial choice for family born of the heart. I deeply love this family, they are still an important part of my life.

Some folks questioned this choice, asking why any of this was my responsibility. They often told me the responsibility should belong to someone else. I wrote about this in a post titled, who's responsible?

I am facing a similar situation today. There has been a young woman who recently entered our lives. She is experiencing a tough time. In recent months we have provided food, shelter, rides, and companionship. It doesn't matter that we are not related and, frankly, didn't know one another a couple of months ago.

I believe when someone is in need we should do what we can to help them. I am trying to live out that belief. Is it easy? Not at all. Is it rewarding? Rarely. Is it important? I believe it is of the utmost importance -a matter of life and death - and of eternal value.

I write this post, not to brag on myself - but to encourage others to do what they can for another. It matters a LOT. Be there for someone. They need you.

just Sheri, attempting to be there for another

Kindness Boomerang video

What church are you with?

In November, a few friends and I participated in a random act of kindness. We made some welcome home baskets for families who had been displaced by flooding last year and are now returning to their renovated homes. During the delivery of these baskets to homes, one of the families asked: "what church are you with?"

Well, we weren't with any one church. My two friends each attend different church buildings on Sunday, I myself am currently in what I call a "displaced" state (not feeling at home in any one place).

I have contemplated this question quite a bit in the weeks that followed - what church are you with?

Isn't the church made up of people? My friends and I - we ARE the church. 

Why does it matter that we don't have a clearly defined institution to affiliate with? We are Christ's ambassadors; not marketing agents for a particular building/denomination/pastor. The glory (or credit) should be attributed to Christ alone.

I think the next time I am asked this question, I will smile and say, "we are here because God loves you and He asked us to show you that love today."

We, you and me, ARE the church. God isn't interested in a building, or titles, but the condition of our hearts. 

What have you done recently to show Christ's love to another?

just Sheri, ambassador for Christ

Quotable Quotes: Gandalf the Grey

I agree with Gandalf:

Image: by Cynthia Blair via Creative Commons

"Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love."

 ~ Gandalf the Grey in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"

Need to know basis only

When I used to lead teams on international trips I would tell them they are on a "need to know basis." To me that meant, I would tell them what they needed to know just before they needed the information - usually the morning of.

I think God is doing that to me now. There was a time when I used to have a clear end destination - a defined calling: international work with women and children affected by HIV and AIDS. This calling followed a predictable path; I caught a vision, worked toward it for a period of years, knowing this would be my future and I wanted to be ready when the opportunity presented itself; the opportunity presented itself and I was ALL in, loving every minute of the adventure and the people I was serving with.

Then God asked me to give it up for the unknown. That was in 2009. I have tried to make other things that interest me fit - that didn't work. I have tried to settle in to normal and forget there was ever anything more - that didn't work either. Instead, I am more like the Israelites wandering in the dessert; following a cloud and unsure where the final destination will be, or when I might get there.

Apparently, I have been put on a "need to know" basis. I get marching orders for the day and then it is up to me to carry them out. I much prefer a clearly defined destination, but I trust the One who is higher than I to lead me.

just Sheri, wandering in the dessert