I am them
Marie’s Reflections
There’s a Christian band called “I am they”. I thought the title
rather strange until its meaning was explained. The band
understood that our lives are really about others, not about
“self”.
But we live in a very “self” centered world that clamors for
individual rights, believing that freedom is when they can do
and have exactly what they want, even at the expense of other
people’s rights and freedoms.
Exactly seven years ago from today, I boarded a plane bound to
Africa. After being stuck in a sort of emotional nightmare for
over two years, I wanted to be “shaken” out of my surreal
world and into the world of people who knew pain and
hardship on a daily basis.
Beyond Broken
“Dora was different from the other Kenyan women that I met
that day. She appeared reserved as her eyes made frequent
contact with her friends but otherwise focused on the floor.
She didn’t smile or speak quite as readily as the others, and
when she spoke, her voice was deep and her words
disconnected. Yet, her eyes spoke and told me of a woman who
had deep longings and pain.
As I stared at the jumble of rooftops clumped together, trying
to imagine life there, my thoughts were suddenly interrupted
by squeals of laughter. My eyes lowered slightly to the dirt trail
that stretched between the track and the slum where I saw a
handful of small children helping each other through a small
wooden gate. The children, ranging in age from about two to
five years old, came running up the path with sounds of
laughter and glee.
Despite what most of us would consider deplorable conditions
and a place of despair, Kenyans seemed to recognize that life
itself was to be celebrated.
Reflecting on my experience in Africa, I see that life steals from
us only what we allow. What if God places people and
experiences in our lives to prepare us for a greater purpose?”
(Beyond Broken)
Daily Application
After Julia’s death, I felt like a jar that had been smashed on the
floor and broke into a million pieces. How would I ever be put
back together again?
Going to Africa was one piece of the puzzle on my journey to
wholeness. Although it didn’t bring radical transformation, it
planted a seed.
My challenge to you is, “To whom and on what do you rely for
your self-worth?” Are your children or your career or your
status the defining factors in your self-worth? What if you lose
you job, your position or your child? Then what?
“The best antidote I’ve ever found for personal insecurity is to
think about helping other people and putting them first.” (John
Maxwell)
I encourage you to get out of your “safe inner circle” and reach
out to those around you. It is in reaching out that you will find
a growing inner strength and, ultimately, yourself.
Living for others,
Marie
