You keep coming close! (3 more stories)
You’re not seeing double! I just finished Eugene Peterson’s book and he speaks to all that we’re growing into that I had to share another piece of his wisdom. And I’ve got 3 new stories to share.
“God is out to win the world in love and each person has been selected in the same way that Jeremiah was, to be set apart to do it with him. He doesn’t wait to see how we turn out to decide to choose or not to choose us. Before we were born he chose us for his side - consecrated us.” - Eugene Peterson, Run With The Horses
Throwback to kindergarten with Mrs. Cobb
“I’m all in tears over here,” I texted Elijah’s kindergarten teacher from the Midwest. “Thank you so much for sharing this. I want others to know your story. May I share your exact words in my upcoming post?”
We first met in 2009 and in 2021, we’re still connected!
“Absolutely,” typed Mrs. Cobb.
“Living sent is recognizing God’s intimate involvement in our lives, whether we are in a new zip code or have been in the same one for years. Living sent aligns our uniqueness to His activity so that He becomes visible to our community.'' This takes me back to that precious note you sent to me on Elijah’s first day of school, my first at North Elementary. You helped me make God a presence in my teaching, find my purpose in a move I didn’t understand but came to love.
We’ve been writing notes to our school teachers since Elijah started kindergarten in 2009. You never know how it will be received. That part isn’t up to us!
Living Sent on the East Coast
I've been thinking of spiritual genealogy since you published that email last week. My husband and I have talked about those who have influenced us. And it is not only those in the early years of formation, but the years of formation that have brought me to today. Thinking through our spiritual journeys, and how God has moved and worked in the past 62 years. So - emails went out to two women in my life - women who have influenced me in huge ways to bring healing in my own life, and causing me to think differently, beyond myself.
And today, as I read "I’m praying God crosses your path and my path this week with someone we NEED to come close to in order to better understand His love for our world," I thought of my neighbor, who told me her stories of growing up in rural South Carolina, of the gentrification of her old neighborhood, of losing her best friend last month to cancer. Of a teammate at work, who responded to my text of "how are you doing?" as she hadn't been in work for two weeks. "Thanks for checking on me - you made my day." Of the non-English speaking mom who needs a breast pump, as she has a baby in the hospital, and couldn't figure out which number to call to get that pump so she didn't have to hand express milk for the next ten weeks as her child grows. My heart is torn and broken and mending all at the same time.
Life with Christ is an adventure. If the first month of intentionally thinking through and praying about "living sent" is an example of the rest of the year 2021 - I can expect a year full of challenges, surprises, and blessings, following His leading, one nudge at a time.
How amazing that this reader has made “living sent” her word for the year!
He’s 80 with a cane
John had every reason not to help Minnie out. But what about the girl jogging on the opposite side of the street when she fell? John first made sure she was okay, then he went and got his mask and cane. His plan was to walk her home just a few blocks away. Minnie knew she wasn’t feeling well and was making her way back home when she experienced a concussion. Days later John left a note with Minnie asking for an update on her health. She decided to walk over to his house and convey her thanks. Minnie learned more of his story as they visited outside. He had a cane because he got a blood infection from back surgery. She believes his empathy and compassion come from his own personal pain, not old age. He might not share the same faith or same beliefs but that didn’t get in the way of John helping Minnie out in a time of need. Since this happened early January 2021, Minnie and John see one another around the neighborhood.
Sometimes God brings us the Good Samaritan and He invites us to tell His story through our personal pain.
Tune into our Epic Story LIVE
Ben and I share our story on Epic’s 10th Birthday