The Journey
Thanks to our dear friend Nicole, I've been following the blog of a Southern California [correction: Tennessee] teenager turned missionary/adoptive mother of about 10 children in Uganda. Perhaps you've already found her blog on our Favorites page, but I've been meaning to point you in her direction for a long time.
After reading today's post, I could wait no more.
http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/2009/04/well-since-you-asked.html
As Katie answers some frequently asked questions, she presents a great intro to her story. Get ready to be blown away by 20-year-old in body, but a senior citizen in spirit and wisdom.
Her answer to this particular question has rocked my soul:
"As a young single woman, don't you think living in Africa is dangerous? Are you afraid?"
I am more afraid of America. Matthew 10:28 tells us not to fear things that can destroy the body but to fear things that can destroy the soul. I can literally feel my soul suffocating in the safety of Brentwood and all it's numbness, complacency and comfort. Scary.
Too often I catch myself feeling good about a "wonderful" lesson I taught or a tiny donation I gave to Catholic Charities... then I think of Katie... and I realize that I haven't done jack.
After reading today's post, I could wait no more.
http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/2009/04/well-since-you-asked.html
As Katie answers some frequently asked questions, she presents a great intro to her story. Get ready to be blown away by 20-year-old in body, but a senior citizen in spirit and wisdom.
Her answer to this particular question has rocked my soul:
"As a young single woman, don't you think living in Africa is dangerous? Are you afraid?"
I am more afraid of America. Matthew 10:28 tells us not to fear things that can destroy the body but to fear things that can destroy the soul. I can literally feel my soul suffocating in the safety of Brentwood and all it's numbness, complacency and comfort. Scary.
Too often I catch myself feeling good about a "wonderful" lesson I taught or a tiny donation I gave to Catholic Charities... then I think of Katie... and I realize that I haven't done jack.
thanks for sharing her story ryan!
but i have to say-- don't discredit what you and sarah are doing daily for the Lord. Mother Teresa herself said that the greatest poverty she ever encountered was in the US-- a poverty she often wasn't sure how to touch-- spiritual poverty. you are the hands and feet, the smile, the mind and the heart of Christ right where you are right now. and that's not a cop-out or a nice thing to say to make you feel better. katie's right that we are all called to love in such a way that makes people wonder why we do. i think she's also right in saying that from her experience she finds that harder to do that in the US because it can be so easy to become complacent and lukewarm.
it's such a paradox how the poverty she lives within frees her soul to love. just living proof that whoever wishes to gain her life must lose it for the sake of Christ.
it is the paradox of the Gospel, and a reality that we face very real challenges of doing this as citizens of one of the materially wealthiest nations in the world.
but don't be discouraged... you are on the same journey.
keep shining the light!
nicole
Reply to this