I used to make fun of bloggers. They always seemed a little bit out there to me, of course, now that I have become one that is no longer an issue. I recently got back from a mission trip to my city, Atlanta, where I received a list of ways to "get involved in the homeless cause."Starting a blog about homelessness in my area was one of the ideas on the list and I decided that it was definitely doable. I love Atlanta. I love the people there, I love the dedication that the inner-city outreaches and ministries have towards reaching the people, but most of all, I love what God is doing in Atlanta. I love to see how He works in and among His people. I love being able to see hope offered to the hopeless. It is truly incredible.
Last Spring I felt God calling me specifically to Atlanta. I wasn't sure what exactly that meant or what to do but God is sovereign and He knew. One of my friends caught the vision and pretty soon, along with the help of our youth pastor, we were able to begin planning a mission trip to inner city Atlanta. The planning process was difficult but God it taught me so many things. I learned that God's will is always the best way and that He does everything for a specific reason. Before I knew it we had planned a week long trip at the end of July 2008 with Safehouse Outreach.
That week changed my life on so many different levels. The people I would have ignored a few months earlier had become some of my closest friends. God taught me that loving Him and loving people would change your viewpoints on everything. He me that He is so much larger and more powerful than I can ever imagine. He taught me that even though I am insignificant according to worldly standards, I can make a difference. He taught me that He created these people who where ignored and pushed to the side and that He loved them just as much as He loves me. Those five days in Atlanta completely turned life as I knew it upside down and left me with the only option of putting all of my trust completely in God and His will for my life. That was exactly what I did and although it certainly isn't easy, I know that beyond a shadow of a doubt it was and still is the right choice.
I cried myself to sleep for weeks after that trip. The thought that my dear friends were sleeping under the stars rain or shine still brings tears to my eyes. My heart was completely broken for the beautiful people of Atlanta and God had given me a burden for them that I could barely understand much less explain. One of my closest friends had felt the same burden and had invited me to join her and her family as they faithfully returned to Safehouse Outreach in downtown Atlanta. I always looked forward to these trips and prayed about them as far ahead of time as I had known about them. My heart was still broken for the people in Atlanta and I clearly felt God's calling to reach out to them. A month and a half ago, I felt God leading me to plan another trip to Atlanta. Thankfully I had a big support team this time and with their help we figured out the details to plan a trip for the weekend after Thanksgiving.
I got back from the Thanksgiving Atlanta Trip three days ago and I have never felt more sure that God is in control ever in my life. Over the trip I realized that God is specifically calling me to Atlanta right now. I realized that no matter how hard I try I will never be able to convey what I feel for the people in Atlanta or make anyone feel the same way I do. I also realized that God had given me some of the closest friends I will ever have who share the burden and calling that I do. God is such an awesome God!!!
I don't fit in at my school anymore. I hope and pray that I never will. After seeing how alive God is in the city in Atlanta and realizing that the same God who holds the world in His hands and created the world in 6 (rested on the 7th :)) days has a plan for my life, it's hard to be "normal." A friend pointed out that it was hard to adjust back to normal life and that was when it hit me. We aren't supposed to! This world is NOT our home! Why would we want to try hard to fit in inside a world where we don't belong. As Christians, eternity is our home. Our home is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. No worries, I'm not planning on dropping out of school and selling everything I own unless God specifically tells me to :). But I am planning on living radically. Why not? You can have all this world, give me Jesus!
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