This is for the Church.

Ever have so much on your mind that you don't even know where to start? At the top of the list, I question how it could already be three weeks since being in the land of Dr. Pepper and delicious Tex-Mex! I thought I was prepared for returning as much as I could be, but it's insane how many mixed emotions one could have when you have been away for awhile and you come back for just a visit/work trip. It is so nice to see your people when you have not seen them other than their lovely  faces on a phone screen. I absolutely love technology. I've also missed our home in Cebu some. Driving is so fast here. I'm cold EVERY where I go. For the love of all things Christmas, I am missing those "ber" months. 

Living in the Philippines, I pretty much steer clear of the news. I don't really pay much attention to it, if I'm being honest. By the end of the first week of being here, I knew why I did not like the news. I think media is so important. It has the ability to really keep people informed with what is going on in the world. It has great potential to be great on bringing awareness. It also has the potential and is currently living up to the potential of dividing our country, churches, and families etc. I have gone back and forth on whether or not I should put my opinions and thoughts out there on the issue of Kavanaugh vs. Ford or other current issues going on. Don't worry friends, this is not that kind of post.   It is also not the type of post that is going to condemn you or judge you if you did post your thoughts or opinions. I just want to give a different perspective and hopefully be an encouragement to those who may feel unheard on either side. 

What we need to realize, as the 'Church', is that satan is really using the media these days. He has targeted children with it through cyberbullying and cybersex. He is targeting marriages with pornography. He is targeting the "Church' and dividing us as the Body of Christ because we are all different and carry different thoughts on politics. Do you think that this issue between Kavanaugh and Ford caught God by a surprise? Nope. It didn't. It's just really sad. Our allegiance should be to Jesus. Yes, we absolutely need to have pride for our country. There are so many beautiful aspects about America. I'm so grateful to call it home.  

Here's what I know: God is in control. He is still on the throne. We have to trust that He is for us and not against us. 

We also need not be against one another. If I'm being honest, I was offended and frustrated to come home to this. Before you start firing your ammo, hear me out. I know the sting of not being believed...it's not really a sting. It hurts like hell. I also know enough about trauma from personal experience and knowing others who have experienced trauma to know it is ENTIRELY possible and COMMON to not remember when or what takes place. Years later when memories come back, you are left to pick up the pieces and make sense of it all. Again, this is not up for debate because I have something to say on the other side as well. I have also heard from very close friends who have been falsely accused before. I can imagine that must be equally hurtful and devastating. False accusations are not okay. I have prayed extensively for both sides of this situation. I have experienced heartache for both and for our country, but ultimately for those who don't know Jesus. Why? They are watching us, Church. 

Heres my point: Satan has us right where he wants us and we should feel convicted by this and unite as One, focusing on THE One who matters. 

There are so many injustices around the world. Recently, I went to a conference where countries from every continent were there. It was incredible to see and hear those who are taking a stand for the least of these. We heard how people were rescuing people from all kinds of slavery. Anywhere from children living as slaves, prosititutes, or being sold online to thousands of pedophiles online. In one of the messages given, Louie Giglio shared that whatever we do for the least of these we do to Jesus. This hit me like a ton of bricks. Are we being Jesus to those who don't know Him?? I'm guilty for wanting things to go my way. I get upset when things take place in our country that I don't think should happen. However, we should not be shocked. This is not heaven. 

Church, 

Let's be Jesus to people. Let's sacrifice our opinions and our political points in exchange for showing love to the lost and the needy. There's not much time. I believe satan is using the issues lately to sidetrack us from what we are really called to do. Let's be the Church. We can do this. Know that this event triggered people who have experienced trauma before and also those who have been falsely accused before. Let's be sensitive to that and remember we have no idea who is sitting in the room before us. Instead of acting on temptation to share our opinion or next best point, let's pay attention and look around the room and rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us to who we need to share the love of Jesus to next. 

Church, I believe in us. Without the Church, I would not be the redeemed, daughter of the King that I am. There are more little girls and boys, teenagers and adults out there that need us. Let's be peacemakers and lead them to the peace giver! 

 

Hillary 

Isaiah 58:12 

An your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.