Because I'm grateful, grateful, so grateful.

Every year in Zambia we are able to give tennis shoes to all the kids in our groups. It's been such a blessing to my boys who will come back the next year wearing the same shoes I gave them the year before. These shoes mean the world to them. They may be the only pair they've ever had in their entire lives. Most of them wear these plastic slip on sandals instead because they are more affordable.

Week 7 of camp this year, we were finding that there was a shortage of the middle aged boys shoes. Exactly the sizes I would be needing. We had a back up plan though, somebody had donated thousands upon thousands of crocs. Now, to Zambians, crocs are considered cheap. They are made of plastic, just like the shoes they wear because they can't get anything better. Because we didn't have enough tennis shoes, we had to mix the crocs and shoes that week. Meaning, one kid in your group may get air forces and the next get a nice pair of bright blue crocs. This caused a lot of grumbling, crying, pouting, arguing, and flat out bad attitudes. The kids had forgotten that these shoes were a GIFT from God. They began to expect the shoes rather than be thankful for something that was given to them.

Finally, it was my turn to give shoes. My boys were so excited and one by one I was able to give them ALL air force ones. It was amazing. Until Alick. He unfortunately had the smallest feet of my group and they didn't have his size. When I gave him the crocs, he smiled from ear to ear and ran to go show off his new shoes. What a relief. Only one boy had to get crocs, but it seemed to be turning out just fine.

When we went outside and everybody was inspecting each others shoes, Alick realized he was the only one with the plastic shoes. All of a sudden he began to complain that his shoes didn't fit him and he needed a new pair. My heart broke for him because I wanted so badly to give him what he wanted, but I knew that I couldn't do that. So I reminded him that these shoes were hand picked for him and that they are the perfect fit.

Right before we loaded the buses to head into the communities, Alick came up to me and apologized for not liking his shoes. He said, "I love them! God gave me shoes and they were a gift. They are good to me!" I hugged him so tightly and praised Jesus for Alick's amazing attitude. We spent the rest of the afternoon evangelizing to the people of their communities and when we were done, again Alick came to tell me something. He said, "My friends made fun of me for having plastic shoes today, but I told them that I loved them! They may not be good for them, but they are so good for me. God gave me these shoes and so I love them!"


What an example. He may not have gotten the "best" shoes according to the standards of others, but he knew that his were absolutely meant for him. I know God gave them to Alick for a reason. He humbly accepted his gift and appreciated his shoes for the blessing that they were. In turn, every single one of my boys were taught a lesson of gratitude.


Hezekiah Walker says it well:

I am grateful for the things that You have done
I am grateful for the victories we've won
I could go on and on about your works
Because I'm grateful, grateful, so grateful just to praise You Lord.

This little light of mine.

This weekend I was inspired.

On Thursday, I was inspired by Chuck Madden. I've known Chuck since June and from day 1 I knew God had ordained us to meet. He has taught me so much more about what our relationship with Christ should look like than any other person. I am inspired through his actions. Yearly, he reads through the entire Bible. Daily, he memorizes scripture. He taught me that it isn't a matter of if you can or cannot, but rather if you do or do not want to. So, I choose to do it. I choose to push myself to know more about God because I want to and because I can.

On Friday, I was inspired by a man from Liberia, Olu Menjay. He said everyday his mission is to try. Olu has overcome obstacles far more terrifying than neither you nor I could ever imagine. The fate of his life rested on his answer to one question. Was he related to Harrison Menjay? As divine intervention would have it, the guard knew his father and was set free because of the good man his father was. He has gone back to Liberia after getting an education in the states and has helped get Ricks Institute to be the brightest light in primary and secondary education in all of Liberia.

Saturday morning, I was inspired by the yellow and orange trees, I was inspired by the crisp November air, and I was inspired by the peacefulness of the lake. That morning I was able to rest and relax in presence of God's beauty. It was an overwhelming thought that God planned that exact morning just for me. He ordered His most vibrant colors and the most perfect temperature just for me. I didn't have my camera with me, but I'm convinced that a photo wouldn't have done it justice at all.

Saturday evening, I was inspired by a woman named Georgia. I spoke to her about Zambia and the precious little babies that are just yearning to know the love of Jesus by His faithful servants who heard the calling and accepted. She listened to my whole speech and I could see in her eyes that she got it. But then she surprised me. She told me that she wished she could go, but she knew that God had already called her to take care of her parents who need 24/7 attention. As we talked, I reminded her that God will reward her for her obedience and what she is doing is very much a mission. She then went on to reveal to me that she can never be a mom, but that she works for a daycare and has 15 little 3 year olds in her class. How obvious it was, God has already made her a mom! She has 15 little cuties that she gets to take care of everyday! I told her I had 15 kids too, in Zambia. I was inspired by Georgia's faithfulness and obedience.

Later last night, I was blessed to see Addison Road and Shane and Shane perform. I was inspired by the harmony of Shane and Shane's voices. How perfectly they fit together. I was inspired by the LIGHT that Addison Road so brightly shines as they spoke about their belief that we are all called to reach out and do something.


All of these people are following God's plan. They shined their lights out to others and I know for a fact that I am not the only one who has been impacted by them. That is what it's all about.

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden...In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14,16


This Little Light by Addison Road. Listen and be inspired too.