The Greatest Gifts

How I wish we could talk over a cup of coffee. To just exchange life experiences and encourage each other in this walk of faith. There are days I am so filled with doubt and feel unable to meet the tasks ahead with anything more than a whimper. Those moments when fear's voice is louder than faith. I know we have all been there.

One of the greatest gifts God gives to us beyond our salvation is our spiritual family. In His perfect timing, the phone will ring or a letter will arrive in our inbox. Remind us. Pushing us on. Toward victory and hope. Those messages are like an echo in our soul. A love letter God keeps sending out - over and over.

"I'm for you."

"I love you."

"I am investing in you!"

"Take Courage!!!"

On Tuesday night I almost always hear the echo of God's message ringing in my ears while I serve the women at the Tennessee prison. After all, they are the group of ladies that placed their hands on me to send me out as a missionary from them. I am humbled.

Now just picture this- I am standing in front of the women at choir practice. I have just finished talking about how God has a plan for all of us and how I believe in them so much. I have faith in all they can be. I've wrapped it up and the newest song we will be working on is about to begin.

Then Nancy speaks:
"Mrs. Tina?"
"Yes, Nancy."
"I've still been missing 3 or 4 meals a week for you."
"What did you just say, Nancy? What do you mean?"
"Well, you know when we fasted?"
"Yeah. That was over a year ago."
"Well, I still do without my meals and I take that time to pray for you. Cause I believe in you. I gots faith in your ministry. I gots faith in you."

I tried to find the words. Thank you's were all I could muster. I fought back tears. I don't have that kind of committment in me. I don't have that kind of obedience that would deny myself food for over a year to pray for someone else. But I have that kind of family member who will stand in the gap for me. From the broken lives of pain and suffering will come the most beautiful harvest. People need to hear about Nancy and her faith! She is the same woman who lost her grandson to sudden infant death syndrome in December. Faith. In the place of pain. These women put a vice grip on my heart that refuses to let go until I am willing to let God have His way in my life.

Then Rhonda *(name has been changed) speaks.

I met with Rhonda for a time of prayer. She has had one of the hardest childhoods. Hers has been a suffereing of the most violent kind. Rape, incest, starvation, prostituted by her mother... beaten, abandoned. She has many scars from so many suicide attempts. She is in tears infront of me. She is talking about how her mind needs healing. How she sees God as the One who can never be proud of her. Never fully accept her because she is so unworthy. I am seeking to encourage her. To build her up. And then in the same breath she tells me that is was recently her birthday and her check to Holding Out Hope Ministries will be bigger this month. She tithes to our ministry. Ususally $4.20 per month. Now she is going to tithe out of her birthday money. Unbelieveable faith!

Do you see what I mean? Do you hear the echo of God's love coming back to your ears?

How can I do anything less than strive to KNOW HIM more. I get to carry the voices of these amazing women. I have the honor of sharing their stories with all who will listen. It is the voice of Jesus speaking.
Mark 12:41-44
"Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins,worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

Let's learn from the inmates who are serving and giving sacrifically. Let's put in EVERYTHING... that is when we recieve the greatest gifts!