Africa Love // ::be you::

People joke sometimes about Christians assuming that if they're "called to the nations" they're automatically going to Africa.

I dated a guy who grew up as a missionary kid in Nigeria.  He and his roommates had a house with African art and photos on the walls.  In America, there's something trendy about decor from other world cultures, specifically Africa and Asia.  See:  Pier 1.  World Market.  As a young professional, it says, "I care about the world."  "I'm well-traveled."  "I enjoy not being ignorant, but instead being educated about how other people think and live, and I accept that my way is not the only way."

It's easy to see something trendy, and resist just for the sake of resisting the trendy thing.  I know from experience.  Maybe its an over-acted version of "walking to the beat of your own drummer," ie., being yourself.  Which, ironically, results in not being yourself, because the trend is still controlling your behavior.  But in light of the joke I heard the other day, implying that Africa was something of a "trendy" place to go be a missionary, I wanted to just stop a moment.

True, not everyone is called to go to Africa to spread the Good News.  But I would hate to see those who are actually called to Africa, resist for fear of just doing what's trending in Christian America.  Could it be, that in this hour, so many are drawn to be missionaries in Africa because God is actually calling them, in a beautiful way, in this time and season, and He has great plans for this continent?  Could it be that there is more there He wants to do than just convert believers?  Could it be that Africa is ready for more of something we haven't even imagined yet?



. . . What could it be?



In summary:  There's no shame in loving Africa, even if lots of other people do.  Love what you love, be you, and give Africa a kiss for me.

WWJD...revisited

Today a friend pointed out to me that asking the question, "What would Jesus do if he were living my life?" has limitations in that Jesus' role on earth was-let's face it- a little greater than that of the rest of us. It was his responsibility to be not only a good, sinless person, but also to fulfill a purpose that was unique to Him alone. Jesus Christ was living his life on earth to be obedient to HIs Father, Yes; and being obedient, for Him, entailed following through with a completely unique and Tall order...answering a calling that God would not ever give to me or to any other human being to walk the earth. In light of this unique calling, it's hard to ask myself "What would Jesus do?" and answer with a course of action that I would expect to emulate exactly!

So maybe, in seeking life direction, a more appropriate question would be: "With Jesus' heart for people, what would I be doing with my gifts, resources, and time?"...or..."What would Jesus encourage me to do?"

What would Jesus encourage me to do? Seek out broken spirits and look to heal/restore with music, a listening ear and open heart, companionship, and God's Word.

That's my initial thought.

Also, with humor.


*Uplift*


And stuff and things. It's 3am, I'm out of here!