“Let’s forgive everyone, everywhere, everything, all the time…” – mewithoutYou
I write this note to you all not to preach to you but to ask that you would hold me accountable to not only what I say but to what Jesus says as well.
I have only been here a few days and in those few days I have heard from others and myself lots of criticizing and putting down of others. The white community here is something I really can’t figure out. We tear down others work because we “know what’s best” for this country. We are constantly talking about “empowering” Ugandans but strip all power away from those who are trying to do the same thing. We roll our eyes because someone is treating someone else with such disrespect. We run around showing friends our enemies planks in their eyes while ours just keep getting bigger.
By saying these things and by thinking these thoughts – I believe we are denying our “enemies” of a gift that we freely received and should be freely given. FORGIVENESS and LOVE.
Last night I cried all over my dear husband because I felt so guilty for the false image I and others were portraying of God. We refused to show love to our enemies but get glorified for loving the least of these. Jesus did not die on the cross JUST to save the least of these. We have become “celebrities” for taking the road less travelled and think that gives us the right to not grow or learn or to treat others with respect.
I no longer want to deny others of LIFE, LOVE, and FORGIVENESS through my words and my thoughts. I kindly ask that everyone will extend large amounts of grace to me as I know it takes the place of all I owe and for that I am EXTREMELY grateful.
"He has told you what is good - and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly with you God" Micah 6:8
I wonder if we really believe in what Jesus said sometimes…
here’s to reaping what we sow…
Love you! Praying for your heart constantly.
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ReplyDeleteCan I tell you, that God has broken my heart as he has yours and many others for people in Africa. My husband and I were going to try and take a trip this summer and to be honest, I started to feel exactly what you are saying. As a newcomer, I felt the opinions from others there and became insecure in my own ablities, or lack there of, because I don't understand all the politics and social aspects. But what I was reminded of at church yesterday was my simple job right now is to be His hands and feet. So I want to thank you for your sincere honesty because it really put into words what I was feeling about coming to Uganda, and I now understand why I was hesitant. We are all sinful, even the ones that really love God. I think I forgot that. Thank you. Forgiveness all around! peace...
ReplyDeleteoh how I hope we do get to adopt from Uganda so I can come meet you!
ReplyDeleteI am not in Uganda, but I feel that there is a lot of that going on in the adoption blog world. This convicted me of realizing I need to forgive those that are being prideful about "adopting" and preaching to those who do not feel called to adopt. I have been frustrated about their pride, but not realizing I am not forgiving them and praying for them. God is the one who changes hearts. If it weren't for God opening my eyes to my own sin, I would be just as prideful as them. To God be the glory, not me.
ReplyDeleteYour post makes me think of John 3:30, where John the Baptist says, "He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease." For me, that equals everything I do bearing God's mark and not my own. And, when I tend to look at others with a critical eye it's usually because I am doing the opposite; increasing me and decreasing Him. Honestly, living that verse out is one of the hardest things for me.
ReplyDeleteI love your heart, Melissa. You are reminding me of good things. :)
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