lifewithomg

Once again, I promise there is a reason why I chose this title, but first you must know why. With that, a story.

If you’ve been following my journey over the last several months, then you’re aware that I have no clue what I’m doing with my life. Last year was rough. I was out of control like a wildfire in a forest full of dead trees. I decided I needed a vacation. My birthday is always during spring break and I was graduating shortly after that, so it made sense to celebrate both at the same time. It was perfect! While taking a semester off to focus on Me, I saved up everything I could for the best spring break a college student could afford. Little did I know, God had other plans in store..

Last December. That’s when everything changed. I saw the flyer at church and thought, “Wow, Mexico. I love tacos..” That was it! There was no vision, an angel didn’t appear to tell me my life was about to change, and Jesus certainly didn’t meet me at my job and tell me to drop everything and follow Him. I thought about food. But then that small thought turned into hope, and that hope turned into a dream. “What if,” I thought. “What if I was called to go to Mexico? What if, through Christ, I could lead someone into a growing relationship with their Creator?” I had to try. So, if you didn’t guess it already, I used my vacation money to go to a country that probably had strong feelings against not only my nationality, but my religious beliefs.

I don’t know what I was thinking at the time. Honestly, I really didn’t. I knew that my heart was being tugged towards the trip, but I had no clue as to why. I’m a scaredy-cat, so it didn’t help that my country didn’t have the strongest relationship with theirs. I really had to humble myself and realize that it didn’t matter where I went, as long as I continued to put my faith and trust in God, I was set. Two years ago, I probably would’ve never even considered something so daring. Whenever I shared my plans with others, they were shocked that I, OMG, would even consider going out of the country, let alone a missions trip! It’s amazing how one can change when they allow God to guide their steps.

I was no longer this timid, shy girl who was afraid of leaving her comfortable, suburban lifestyle. I was a strong, fearless woman who awaited adventure. I was ready and willing to be used by God and work for His Kingdom. I put on the full armor of God and became a solider.

So, the reason you should not do missions? You’re deceased. The ONLY excuse you have for not being a part of something greater than yourself is because you’re dead. It doesn’t matter if you’re juggling 3 jobs, trying to survive junior high, or paralyzed from the neck down. Anyone -and I mean anyone- can be used to change the hearts and lives of others. Now, I’m not saying that means you drop everything and move to a third world country. That’s not for everyone. Your next door neighbor needs to know Christ just as much as someone 5,000 miles away. You have to listen to what God has called you to do, not your annoying co-worker who swears you’re supposed to get married and adopt 7 cats together.

The day you invited Christ into your heart, you made a commitment. You accepted the challenge to be different. Jesus wasn’t talking to a rock when He said “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” That wasn’t a suggestion for what you should do, it was a commandment for what you were called to do. We were called to be different. We were called to show just how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. We were called to be an example, so that whoever shall call on the name of Jesus will not perish, but have eternal life. We were called! It’s time to get up off the couch, put on that armor, and fight for the Kingdom of God. In the world today, someone dies approximately every .5 seconds. I want to  be able to say that I at least tried to lead them to Christ. Don’t you?

Rocking my armor with sass and class,

OMG