Humbling Experiences

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.  James 4:10 NLT

I went from a furnished (albeit my college furniture) 2 bedroom apartment in 2012 before I left Charleston to a one bedroom room at my uncles then to a spacious 1 bedroom apartment but only my bedroom furniture, a folding card table, a desk and some book shelves in New Orleans.  God told me not to get furniture in New Orleans because I wasn't staying there.  I then went from my large apartment and plethora of junk, knick knacks, and expansive closet full of clothes and shoes to a bedroom I rent from one of my friends, a large suitcase filled with clothes for the summer, a carry on with other things and a loaded down truck of stuff, which included no winter clothes, back to South Carolina where I am now.  It just dawned on me that all the things that I once took comfort in no longer are important.  It also taught me to trust and listen keenly to the voice of God because He has only given me little pieces of the vision and the plan as the day goes by.  God has made sure to provide my every need throughout this period of time by making sure I had money to provide for those needs,and making sure that I am able to come and go as I please.  

I must be honest though, it has truly been humbling.  I had to buy a new coat (I got a beautiful coat last Christmas from my mom that I miss dearly and I have my sequin Uggs that I love - judge me if you must) and winter clothes...but I have to truly say I am grateful to God that I have been in a position to do all of this.  I have been in a place of transition for the last 6 months but I have learned to listen more closely to God's voice.  Some of the things I have had to do make no sense to anyone else, not even to me, but I am grateful because He is working everything out so that I understand.  

At some point in all of our lives the things we experience will make absolutely no sense.  We can talk to our prayer partners and family members to gain clarity, but we still cannot see the big picture yet.  It is at these moments that God is humbling us and positioning us for His greatest use.  But if we are afraid and fearful, we won't take that first step.  

I had this grandiose plan about returning here.  I also had a plan for the next three years.  That plan has gone completely out of the window.  But its so beautiful to see and be living in God's plan, will and purpose for my life.  I took the first step of trusting Him and allowing Him to lead me, and I am so excited for what lies ahead.  I encourage you to embrace your humbling experiences.  Allow God to have His way.  It will truly change how you look at life.  Let the adventure begin!

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.  1 Peter 5:6 NLT

A Reason to Say Thank You

**I wrote this last week and it's still relevant to share.  Hope it blesses you!**

I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.  Psalm 34:4

God felt it necessary to show me just how blessed I am these last few weeks of this year.  It served many purposes, but most importantly it restored and renewed my faith.  But last night was the greatest of those experiences.

A week from today, it will be 6 years to the day that God gave me a second chance at life. Everything about my kidney transplant was miraculous.  My surgery went fairly quick with no complications -- miracle #1, within 30 minutes of their removing my brother's kidney and putting it in my body, it was already making urine, and a whole lot of it -- miracle #2, I was up and moving around on schedule --  miracle #3.  There were a host of other miracles, namely how I didn't have to go on dialysis, how every diagnosis that came thereafter was reversed.  I didn't find out the biggest of those miracles until about a year or two later.  I found out from the doctors during my annual checkup in 2011 or 2012 that my brother's kidney, outside of us being blood related, was not a perfect match for me. And here I am, 6 years later, better than I have ever been.

But today God dropped it into my spirit all the things He kept me from despite what I have endured.  And I am truly grateful to God for loving me so much and knowing what I could handle and bear.  Sometimes we get caught in the storm and stay there complaining.  I admit, I have definitely complained and asked God why me.  I'm grateful to say though, that for many things that I have encountered and gone through, I know God is faithful and that He loves me.  I am stronger, better and wiser because of it.  So today, as we close out 2014, find a reason to thank God.  You are alive aren't you?