As I look in the mirror, I recognize God did not make a mistake. I have learned that who I am in Christ is exactly who I am supposed to be. It’s time to stop being ashamed and uncomfortable with my character.
You want to know who I am? I am a strong, creative, compassionate and sensitive woman. I take on the pressures of other people and wear my heart on my sleeve. I have also been purposed to make a huge difference in this world and refuse to let fear stop me. That would make the devil’s job too easy.
God will bring my calling
I can’t say I know my specific calling at this point, but I am certain God will bring it to. I am doing the right thing and God is well pleased. I’m so grateful that I am not made righteous by my acts but by God’s Spirit.
In Savannah, apart from serving the girls at the Living Vine Maternity Home, I ate overpriced Italian food, roamed downtown, played checkers in an old but beautiful inn, took a random trip to South Carolina, was in the midst of a lightning storm, and ate way too much frozen yogurt. And that was all just yesterday! But really, it was harder than I had anticipated, leaving those girls and the women who had become like family.
One very valuable thing I learned was that we are all on the same journey. We are all trying to get closer to God while becoming OK with the fact that we are severely flawed, and yet God uses us anyhow. I have also come to terms with the fact that this world is broken. And the only way to become whole is through the Savior.
Need to pray
Let us pray not only for our brothers and sisters in the faith, but also for all those who have no clue that they even need a savior. Let us take on the burden with them so that maybe we can stop looking upon them with a judging eye but rather with a heart of real compassion.
I’ve also learned that Satan isn’t dumb. In fact, he strategically plans his attacks so that we will question our purpose. But you know what, he will not win. In Jesus’ name, we will grow and blossom into trees of righteousness and change everything we know as “normal.”
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All my girls, my beautiful, hilarious, strong girls, are going to be the catalysts that we so are in need of. They are going to be role models. They are going to surprise their offenders. And God will get the glory.
DeEdra Branch, a student at the University of Houston, is serving this summer at The Living Vine Maternity Home in Savannah, Ga., with Go Now Missions.
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