The Desire of Dignity

 How do you define poverty? This is the question we have been asked over the last couple of weeks with Love Thy Neighborhood.  For me  the first thought or picture I  would have is low income people, lack of education, health or even finances. Yet, what if we looked at it differently?

 I would like to share this definition with  you that was shared me  today. 

Poverty is  the result of relationships that do not work, that are not just, that are not for life nor harmonious or enjoyable. Poverty is the absence of shalom in all its meanings.

 What a profound way to look at poverty? What words you see missing? I really want us to think about it as a whole because to honest I never considered myself poor but in reality we have all been poor in some aspect. Especially when you think about our relationship with God. At one point if were truly going to accept God we must accept we are spiritually poor.

Matthew 5:3

Blessed are those who recognize they are spiritually helpless.
    The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

 I've heard this verse many times but reading it now I understand it better because  the richest gift mankind could have is a relationship with God. This concept is important to accept if were not doing work on our souls we have very little to offer. It becomes difficult to help others unless acknowledge our need. There has to be a connection point some how because our help means nothing if we don't meet people where they are.

 

No matter the level were on we all want to have dignity.  As Christ followers our help must go beyond identification.  People don't need just a quick fix. We're called to go into the trenches! There is nothing wrong to help materially but take account the aftermath. For example: Don't just give someone groceries.  Do an inventory of life with them.  Teach them the things you know but most of all meet them where they are too!

 Remember they are people too!  Don't treat them as projects!  Be willing to live with them. Treat them like you want to be treated!   Show people your serious!  That's something I want to end with above all! I don't know how many of you have seen the Second Chance movie but I do think it helps paint some of the picture. Here is a small clip!

 I would encourage you to watch this movie because it reminds us don't just show up! Get to know the people! May this empower us to take heart of our surroundings.

God Is

 God Is

At age 5,
 He is curiosity
 At age 6,
He is my friend and I own I need Him
At age 13-18,
He is my peace giver & healer
At age 20,
He is my Father
At age 22 to 25,
He is the one who holds pen
At age 26-27,
He is who I am with palms up. He is the driver in the seat. He is the hand that walks me into the unknown. He is the ultimate listener. He is the one I dance with. I could call Him many things but today I call Him dreamer with great expectations of is next. He is my Abba and I love Him!

God's The Perfect Listener

Listening  is hard but it's a lost art that doesn't  happen as often as it should. It's easy to give more advice thinking people want a solution  but really they just need a voice. It can be testing when perhaps that is all we have heard but perhaps it's a reminder be more of a listener. Sure the person may not need to dwell on the topic but we can encourage  one another in listening  even if it seems  like the same story.  Think about  what matters  to you and how much you want to be heard? Don't assume they expect  change or advice like I said. Perhaps they just needed to be heard.
Same time humans need to take note humans will fail one another but God has the perfect ears. Don't forget the one who knows you most Psalm 139.

Act Now & Not Latter

 My life is very whimsical or so it feels! Perhaps that isn't the right term but if you ask someone who is a planner like me that's the term I would use!  Sometimes I really honestly just feel like a nomad. Every time I feel I have found my groove God puts a new twist on it! I wouldn't of dreamed I would be here with Love Thy Neighborhood but God did! I thought I would of been at my job longer as a preschool teacher but my season was up. I honestly didn't know what I was going to do next. I simply saw Love Thy Neighborhood and knew I wanted to be apart of restoring identities as well the innocence of those hurting.

I was particularly drawn to Scarlet Hope. I remember talking about prostitution as well sex trafficking when I attended Passion and I knew I wanted to do something about. Maybe it's for a season. I don't know but now I am here! I have really enjoyed partnering with this organization because they really value others! I want to love on these women! I want them to know the same Jesus I do! That  His grace is greater then our past! We're on the same playing field no matter where we have been! We all need this Jesus!

Unfortunately we live in a world that has tainted what love really means. Love is much more then emotions. It's who God is! God values us!

Benner says, "  Creation not only declares  the inventiveness and the resourcefulness of God but reveals the abundance of His love.  Creation declares that humans are born of love and for love, created in the image of God who is love. Love is our source and love is to be fulfillment."

 That's is what I pray to share with the ones I cross at Scarlet Hope but as well  others in my path in Louisville.  I also wanted to share a few articles that I think are must reads because in order to pray for those who  are in the struggle we need to understand how real the struggle is:

https://scarlethope.org/we-are-family/
http://fightthenewdrug.org/gq-magazine-10-reasons-why-you-should-quit-watching-porn/


 Both articles I recommend because I think it will help you understand for who your praying for but I also think we need a reality that porn kills.  This isn't the only avenue we have but this needs to be awareness we have the ability to be the light. Therefore as your continue to pray for me with my time here please know what an impact we as Christians can have!

Longing

 Longing ...  If we were to sit and pause for  a moment we all have a longing but one we all have in common is to be known and truly loved. Yesterday my team & I listed some words that were special to us. This word of course wasn't mine but it stuck with me. I decided to look up the word for its true definition. Longing means a yearning and desire. After thinking about that word I wrote down the things I longed for as an individual. Here are just a few:

* To go long term into ministry
*  To possibly attend seminary
* To be a wife
* To  have kids
* To feel important and be loved

What would be on your list? (Go)  The truth is we all have our ambitions and dreams!  Yet, what if we took it a step further  to long for the One who longs for us in a relationship?  What practical ways can that be applied? For me I am not an early riser but I do admire one of my roommates that is. I want to get there! As I reflect for myself I have decided to challenge myself to get up early!  That's so not me because believe me I like my sleep!

 Any one up for the challenge with me? For you it may look different but on the same token I wonder how to apply this?  The passage I read this morning was Psalm 63. I encourage you to read and as you read pick a word that paints the picture of longing. For me the words rich food really stand out in verse 5:
 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips

I love the words rich food because when we long for Jesus our hearts & soul will be satisfied.  That's a beautiful picture my friends! May this encourage you!