Taking My Stairs

Today has been a day of blessing and inspiration. God knows we need days like this, and as our Provider, He obliges. It’s not that I felt I needed to be encouraged. It’s not that I even felt I needed to be inspired. But I did need to hear from God. Specifically regarding direction. Direction on what is next and what a few things might look like. Like a warm breeze, He breathed life into mine, through the lives of others.

My Friday was spent in the presence of my eighth grade daughter’s peers. We were part of their Survivor day field trip and helped out with the mile hike portion of

the day. I loved it. I loved seeing the kids working together. I loved seeing them being challenged. I loved being a part of their day and sharing with other parents choosing to do the same. Yesterday was spent with my brothers and their children. It was filled with laughter and joy. Something we needed to do for some time now. This morning, our girls were up and ready, and we headed out for church.

By the end of the service, I was bawling. A gal shared her testimony, and how she came from horrific circumstances as a child, onto the military as a young woman, into practicing Wicca and finally surrendering her life to Christ – forever, 100% serving Him with her life. The service ended with fourteen (I believe) baptisms and my heart was elated. I love seeing Christ in the lives of others. I love seeing Him compelling little children to follow Him. I love seeing adults surrender to Him. I love to see His endless passion for His people – in action.

As if all of this wasn’t enough, I made my way to a homecoming event for a family in our community who has been through so much in the past several weeks. About seven weeks ago their family was in an accident on their way to family vacation, when their vehicle collided with another. Each member of the family survived. However, their daughter was paralyzed from the waist down. The weeks that followed have been filled with rehabilitation for both mother and daughter, and countless trips for father and son.

I don’t know the family personally, but I have met them. We first met Amy J several years ago when searching for the church home we were supposed to be in. She welcomed my daughters with open arms and always made them feel very welcome. I knew my daughters were in good hands. Even though we settled into a different church home within our community, I still felt like Amy J and I were friends, because of her articles in our county paper. I loved reading what she had to share and was so inspired about her open love for and relationship with the Lord. She was, and still is, a beautiful example for me as a woman, wife, mother, and member of our community.

She spoke boldly today, and I could identify with her as she expressed the big things become little and the little become big, following a life changing event. I couldn’t agree more. Through her body language I could see how she adores and honors her husband. Through her words I could see the love for her daughter and son. Through her testimony and the passion to which she shared with those who gathered to greet them this warm, holiday, Sunday afternoon – I knew her community means the world to her.

And it was obvious their family means the world to our community. It was almost surreal. I kept thinking it was like watching a Christian film that everyone WANTS to believe can be true, but because life has been so tough, it just isn’t realistic (maybe even naïve) to think it could be. But it is. I witnessed it. I witnessed many different people, from different backgrounds come together to support this family. My heart was full. The more time I spend in this small, Midwestern town, the more I feel blessed.

Blessed to know God has me right where He needs me and will move through me as well, to have an impact on those around me. Through the past year, He has already been doing so, unbeknownst to me. He has been speaking to the hearts of people (who have just now begun to share with me) and touching lives as a result of what I have experienced. He is already increasing His circle of influence in my life and it brings me joy. It makes me nervous, but it brings me joy. Nervous? Yes. Because I am human. I make mistakes. I don’t always “get it right”. I disappoint people. I get disappointed by people. I still have judgments and I get concerned by the judgments of others.

But, as I was reminded in this morning’s devotions, He already knows my weaknesses and He STILL DESIRES I COME TO HIS THRONEROOM TO BE BLESSED WITH GRACE AND MERCY. My only job is to go there and then to take it back out again to those around me, as He instructs. This is living a life Designed by the Master Engineer. Alissa, this is me beginning to take my stairs J

If moved to do so, please support the Jagger family here. I know they will appreciate it!