Love A Lot

Your love is deeper than my view of grace…

It was our first full day of ministry at the orphanage in Jeremie, Haiti. The Spirit greeted us early as team members found quiet places to pray, reflect on Psalm 121, and gather the day’s allotment of new mercies. The grace received came only to be given away.  A sweet time of prayer and team devotions aligned our hearts in preparation for all God had ordered. With great anticipation, we entered joyfully into the exceedingly abundant day set before us.

Higher than this worldly place…

While the children attended their scheduled classes, the nine “mommas” assembled in the sanctuary of the church and The Holy Spirit used 15 women ready to be His hands and feet. Women loving women under the anionting of a holy God ushers in a power no man can measure. First came the outpouring of heart-felt affirmation and gratitude. The swell of thanks changed their countenance and unlocked the needs and pain deep within their hearts.The gifts of shoes and dresses delighted them, but nothing was more treasured than the personalized Bible each received. Breaking through the barriers of langauge and culture we found common ground in a fierce hunger for the truth and the Words of life that transport us all to heavenly places. At the throne of grace, prayers were whispered, tears released, and burdens lifted. All the love given splashed back on each of us and we were soaked in His presence. 

Longer than this road I travel…

There’s something about children eager and aching to be with you that wrecks a heart with crazy love. It makes you wonder why you had to travel so far in life to find them and question how you will possibly live another day without them in it. 

Spontaneous and familiar songs started with a small group and the rest instantly joined in the chorus. It was different than we ‘planned,’ but that’s to be expected when one person obeys God and makes a moment sacred. A melody accompanied with words we all knew and could easily share, united us. 

He has the whole world in His hands. 

Yes He does.

Our God is full of mercy, always worthy, everlasting, great and mighty. 

Yes He is.

Our God is Beautiful – Bondye Bell.

Oh, Yes He is.

How do you describe the gift that falls with a crescendo of worship and prepares young hearts to receive the good news of Jesus Christ?

You can’t.

Instead, you let it take your breath away and savor it so fully that it’s memorized and stored within your soul. The sight, sound, and smell of it are sealed deep within – forever.

Wider than the gap you’ve filled…

The video from Orphan Sunday reminded us there are 147 million orphans. Today we held all we could in our arms. We comforted and were comforted. In the one-on-one moments, the langauge of our hearts supersedes the difference in our words. By the grace of God He allowed us to fill a gap. In it we discovered big smiles, silly laughter, long looks, and yes, even unexpected tears. Good-bye arrived far too soon. It was only accepted because we knew this time it came with the promise of a tomorrow. We left all we brought and returned with more than we could comprehend.

His love is deep.

His love is high.

His love is long.

Hislove is wide.

Nothing will separate us from His love.