Many of you often ask what I am learning in this journey called life, so I wanted to share with you what I have been processing lately. I have started reading the book 'Stand Against the Wind' by Erwin McManus and I feel like Erwin sums up pretty well in the first page where I am at mentally right now. (He begins with the story of Peter stepping out of the boat and walking on water)
"The TRANSFORMATION of our character is more REVOLUTION than reformation. It is forged from battles fought far more than by beliefs held. It emerges out of crisis, not out of classroom. It doesn't just come to you; you must run to it. It is like a gauntlet waiting to be conquered. Character is like a hero asleep within you waiting to be awakened. It's power sweeps through you in waves of transformation. In pursuing a life that is not about yourself, you find yourself living the life you've always longed for. And with each challenge faced, with each victory won, you suddenly come to the realization that you are a different person than the one who began the journey. Simply attempting the gauntlet has changed you forever. Peter saw the wind, was gripped by fear, and began to sink. But don't miss the point - he stepped into the storm and walked on water!
Being here in China has not been without its challenges. It's hard for me to see the people here so oppressed by the laws under which they are governed, to see statues of people / things being idolized, or just hearing about certain traditions that would make most of us cringe. Erwin's book has reminded me that the fight for others to experience the same freedom we have is often hard and tedious, but that it is something I must run to and being willing to fight for. And along the way allow Someone to transform me into the best person that I can be to love on the people I come in contact with.
May you all experience the abundance of joy this week and be filled beyond measure. You all are in my heart as well as my thoughts!
Being here in China has not been without its challenges. It's hard for me to see the people here so oppressed by the laws under which they are governed, to see statues of people / things being idolized, or just hearing about certain traditions that would make most of us cringe. Erwin's book has reminded me that the fight for others to experience the same freedom we have is often hard and tedious, but that it is something I must run to and being willing to fight for. And along the way allow Someone to transform me into the best person that I can be to love on the people I come in contact with.
May you all experience the abundance of joy this week and be filled beyond measure. You all are in my heart as well as my thoughts!
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