I’ve been reading this incredible book, Kisses from Katie. I’m sure many of you have heard of it. I’ll admit, I was reluctant to open the cover and commit after receiving it as a birthday gift from one of my best friends. She couldn’t say enough about how it would change my life but I was sure it would only make me feel like a loser for not giving my life to help orphans in a foreign land. But alas, it was time to start another book for my pre-lights out reading ritual and this one kept staring at me from my nightstand. The first night I read it, I couldn’t put it down. Surprisingly, instead of guilt, I felt an amazing rush of joy and peace as I closed the book that first night. I laid my head upon my pillow feeling inspired instead of accused and lighthearted instead of guilty.

If you haven’t picked up the book, I urge you to get it and open your heart to Katie’s inspiring story. What a remarkable young woman. A modern day Mother Theresa. I thought her story would make me feel guilty for not choosing a similar path but the way in which she honestly shares her journey made me feel encouraged instead. I am in awe of her choices and her strength yet I know that is not the path the Lord chooses for every one of us. Her story does, however, put in me a passion to do what I can from the place God has called me. I may not abandon every Western comfort to live in Africa and mother 13 children, but I can share the blessings he’s given me (both financial and spiritual) with those in need.

If I am convicted of one thing it’s that we have not brought enough attention to the cause he did lay on our hearts before we started the blog and released the book. My heart connected to Compassion International’s Child Survival Program the moment I heard about it. How could I care so much about the women around me getting the chance to have healthy, happy babies when women all over the world are robbed of this blessing due to poverty and lack of proper medical care? I quickly signed up for the program and for a mere $20 a month, I have the blessing of helping 38 mothers and their 40 children in Lenchani, Kenya. Through the program, these women receive food, medical care and training from pregnancy and through the early stages of motherhood until their children are eligible for Compassion’s Child Sponsorship program.

I urge you to read more about this program and ask the Lord if he would have you partner with us. Katie’s book truly opened my heart and mind to the numbers of children and families around the globe who are in need. Of course I knew this was the case but reading her detailed account of life in Uganda brought faces and personalities to those numbers which makes the reality of the need more personal.

I do not ever want to be so wrapped up in my stuff that I forget about the needs of those around me – near and far. I pray we will all open our hearts to ask him to reveal our part in being his hands and feet to the world.

Knowing I’m called to compassion,

Jessica

Last week I received my insurance statement from my ER visit and surgery. I don’t know if I hadn’t really dealt with this fully but seeing that piece of paper with all of those charges and credits and balances triggered something in me. I was angry. Although I am very thankful to have insurance, it seemed unfair to have to shell out $1500 for nothing. I suppose the reality of my loss hit me harder when there was a dollar sign attached to it. What does that say about me? As I processed my emotions I realized that part of what I was feeling was foolishness for thinking that I could get pregnant without the measures we had to take for Hope. And if I’m completely honest, I felt foolish that I ever thought I could be healed of infertility like my other girlfriends who walked the road with me. Both of my infertility companions have conceived and delivered very healthy babies by surprise. I figured that would not be my story but I had hoped that maybe, just maybe this time at least we wouldn’t need to go to the fertility clinic. Don’t get me wrong, I am thrilled for my girlfriends who have this testimony to tell. Those surprise, miracle babies are precious and I love them dearly. I secretly hoped I would join them with my own story. Obviously, I will not.

I am very aware that the Lord writes a different story for the journey of each one of us. If I’ve done anything foolish it’s compare myself to others along the way. I will pay the hospital bills when they come in and I’ll move on, trusting that He will provide the way for our next baby.

A few days after coming to terms with what I was feeling I had lunch with my dear friend who works for Compassion International. She shared with me about their child survival program. This program offers expectant mothers in developing countries support through prenatal, postnatal and infant care. The sponsorship covers these mothers and babies until the child is 4 years old or eligible for Compassion’s child sponsorship program. I had no idea this existed. I immediately became excited to support this effort. Here I am complaining that I had to pay $1500 to have my life saved and these mothers are desperate for the minimal care it would take to save their life and the life of their baby. I plan to talk more about this effort on the blog and maybe even in the book. Now more than ever I am very passionate about expectant mothers and babies being given the best care possible. I encourage you to read more about this program at www.rescuebabiesnow.org

I received quite a kick in the butt from the Lord after this encounter. I am so thankful that He showed me this opportunity because it caused me to quickly put things in perspective. He is forever trying to push us to look beyond ourselves to the many needs around us.

Will you stop and ask Him what He wants to show you through all you are experiencing right now? You might be surprised at what He reveals. Are you ready to look beyond yourself?