Real Life Answers

 

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

• speak a different language
• live thousands of miles from what I grew up knowing
• be a wife and a mom in a foreign country
• share Christ through cultural barriers

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  2 Corinthians 12:9

• when I speak like a 2 year old
• when I do not resemble the Proverbs 31 woman
• when I raise my voice out of anger/frustration
• when I am the opposite of a gentle and quiet spirit

"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!"  Philippians 4:4

• when the electricity is out...again
• when it's 100 + degrees outside
• when nap time is no where in sight
• when this season looks nothing like I'd imagined

Reflections part 2

I struggled before I left Mada with what I would say when people in MS asked me about our time on the field.  How do you put almost 2 years worth in a few short phrases?  I knew by heart the verse in Scripture I would go to because I had continually run to it over and over during our time so far in Mada - 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you".  And as always, even in giving responses to questions, His grace was there.

Questions and comments such as, "How on earth do you do it?  I could never live over there!"  "What's it like in Mada?"  "We pray for you daily, because we can't imagine living anywhere else."  "You are inspiring, I could never leave my family and travel over there."

In some form or fashion these were the most likely phrases that were brought up in conversation.  Some made me want to laugh and I often did because "inspiring" should never be a word used to describe us. Trust me, if you had a window into our home every day you'd see that we stumble, fall, and sin just like anyone else if not more than.  Others made me just shake my head because I totally understood - ha- there are days that even I can't imagine living where I do!  Oh, and leaving family?  Yeah, it's hard - guaranteed.  We do love them and are not purposefully trying to get as far away as possible.

But overall, my answer was and will always be - because of His grace.
It is sufficient.
He is my portion.
He is our refuge, our salvation, His ways are higher than our own.
After listening to myself a few times I realized that my answers would definitely be considered "Sunday School" answers.  It was in that moment that I understood that Sunday School answers should actually be called "Real Life" answers.  Those answers that we memorized as children are His TRUTHS.  They should not be dismissed or thought of as cliche "go to" answers.  They have become the things I cling to when everything or nothing makes sense.  I know for a fact that I could not do it on my own.  So, I didn't change my answers - why should I?  The Author of language wrote those answers and they are unchanging.
Those steadfast words are the beautiful whispered phrases from my Anchor to my heart.

Reflections part 1

We're home.  After almost 26 years in the States, it's slightly odd to refer to somewhere else as home.  While with our families in MS, I felt "at home"...we were around people who have known us for many different seasons in our lives instead of just this one.  It felt good to tell old stories, laugh at old jokes, and just love and be loved on (all in English might I add).  At the same time, there was this part of our hearts that was longing to be back in Tulear (if you've been here you might understand what an odd statement that is!).  We were a little homesick.  Now that we're back in Tulear, our hearts are still a little "homesick" for the family that we left behind.

A few months ago, my mom said this to me, "Nickolee, we're always going to be homesick no matter where we live, because our hearts are ready for our true Home".  I loved that.  From that God has shown me that my "home" is wherever He leads me at that moment...because ultimately He is in control and one day He will lead me to my final Home in glory.  So, if He's taking me there one day, I think trusting Him to show me where temporary homes are here on this earth is a good decision.

K Roberts Photography

I do, however, need to be honest.  While I know this is true - it didn't stop the tears.  It didn't stop me from grieving the losses (however worldly or temporary they are).  Thankfully, I can grieve and still have Hope.  Hope Eternal - Praise the Lord!  I can cry and know that His grace is sufficient.  I can rest in knowing that my emotions are temporary and He is my Everlasting Refuge.