Fall

It is the season where leaves fall off trees in our neck of the woods. For most of us, this season is pure bliss, and we go to great lengths to scramble up mountains and walk through forests, looking to see what glorious painting the Lord offers us with each passing day. I admit that this season has never actually been my favorite though. I mean, am I the only one who ever thought that the word “Fall” sounds foreboding? That said, what I know is that history can forcefully counter our deep knowing when it serves our idolatry. You know the idols I mean, those insidious little goblins that present themselves every time we decide that autumn is indeed a wonderful season, that surrender is actually life. They are named things such as fear of hoping, failing, falling…. or worse, bitterness, anger and un-forgiveness at what was despite what is. When we listen to them, we are blind again, only seeing the gloom of no hope.

Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the holy spirit, through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in His eyes. Romans 12:2

I did not arrive at my reticence over embracing all of the beauty of this season haphazardly. It was more like I earned it. There was a particular fall season that felt very much like being forcefully ripped off my tree by some Tasmanian style storm gale and then being sucked down the nearest sewer guard gasping for air desperately hoping that I would end up in a nice lazy river soon. Yes.

Thankfully, after a lot of help from a lot of people, I eventually healed from the darkness of those years, and now I believe that letting go is the most precious gift. I am no victim. Neither are you. I think it is so fascinating that leaves go through such a quick metamorphosis, and that they are most beautiful when they finally detach from all they have ever known. Do we look that beautiful to Jesus when we finally loose our grip on what is familiar to us, and agree to trust Him with each and every detail of our lives, no matter the end? I think so.

Now, if anyone is enfolded in Christ, he has become an entirely new creation. All that is related to the old order has vanished. Behold, everything is fresh and new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Uganda doesn’t have a fall season. In fact, I don’t know of any African country that does. There is rainy season, and dry season. Leaves don’t turn colors, pumpkins don’t abound, and there aren’t fire pits and twinkly lights lighting up cozy nights in our flannels. In the comfort of this kind of living, it feels a bit easier to say yes to just about anything. I mean, ease certainly helps us relax and enjoy life doesn’t it? Don’t get me wrong, I am not disparaging comfort, rather revealing the inner workings of my own heart to you so that you will know that I am just a human, leaving America for a bit to love the people He is sending me to and to learn who love truly is. I believe that there is coming a season in which I will be daily confronted with what it really means to let go, live life for Him, and trust Him with the outcome. For now, I will admire the graceful dance of the leaves and the wind in this gorgeous season, and hope I can learn to dance as well.

There may not be an actual fall in Uganda, but surrender is everywhere. In so many lives, surrender has yielded its very lifeblood to hopelessness, fear and the like. It is certainly no wonder. But, what if everyone learned whose hands they were falling into and how wonderful He is? I believe the children of God are in a season filled with grace, hope and fantastic possibilities. What if what I have walked through shouts of His faithfulness, goodness and wonderful plans to the suffering? I want to share of the joyous mercies spoken of below with the ones He is sending me to.

Drink deeply of the pleasures of this God. Experience for yourself the joyous mercies He gives to all who turn to hide themselves in Him. Psalm 34:8

That said, it is hard to believe that In about 12 or so more Fridays, I will head back to Uganda and embrace the new season. Can I ask you to join me in prayer, invite me to your fire pit, and maybe even sip a pumpkin latte with me in a cozy corner? With the holidays quickly approaching, I am hopeful that there is plenty of space for celebrating and dreaming with me about all that is happening with BraveAfrica. I can’t do this without you guys, nor do I want to. Let’s dance together through this changing season, shall we?

Looking forward to being with you soon!

love to you all….

Enjoy this song that is strong on my heart these days. We can trust the one who made us in whatever season we find ourselves because His love remains. Embrace change, take a risk and let go, you never know where you will land but I guarantee He has beautiful plans for you and you can trust Him completely.