Man! we just landed in Fort Lauderdale, USA. It feels good to be back. Something about arriving to the states this time is different. We’re not just here for a fun layover we’re here to stay this time. This country is were my life is. I think I’m experiencing a little culture shock or maybe just seeing home through a different lens. The first thing I noticed was the parking garage filled with luxurious cars. Every one of them with shiny tires straight out of a Hollywood movie. I noticed the ground, how clean it was when I sat down and stood up without dirt on my butt. People are dressed in all kinds of clothes, from nice brands to cultural clothing. There is so much diversity. The water is free and tasty. I feel like I am in a movie and I can’t lie, I’ve missed these comfortable things. Some of them basic necessities. But I can’t look around without wondering what Jesus sees. All the things in the US that make our world go round or fulfill our lives, we don’t actually need. They do not give life. I overhear conversations about work, shopping, gossip, most of these conversation just pass the time. Not much laughter or joy. Just bland people with Starbucks in their hands staring at a phone. I’m not here to say that I’m better than anyone or don’t fall into these categories or say because I’ve been out of the country I can come back and criticize this one but come on!!! something is missing in today’s church. I didn’t even realize how tightly this first world country holds onto worldly possessions. I was reading the words written on our passport and I couldn’t help but think what BS it is. One of the pages says “May God continue the unity of our country as the railroad unites the great oceans of the world”. I look around and see a country of people who can’t stand united because we can’t find the right foundation. I see entitled people yelling at the airport employees like their problem is the employees fault. How are we so entitled? Seriously? what makes us think that we matter the most. Is it our status? our car? our job? 65% of US citizens claim to be Christians. But how can this be. If over half the population follows Christ, this shouldn’t be what we see. If Christ is our example we must be the least of thee. Every one of us who attends a church, wears a cross on their neck, proclaims the name of Jesus represents Christ and His body. If you are not all in, get out.
Philippians chapter 2: 3-11 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasp, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant. Being born in the likeness of men. And being found in a human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross.
Jesus, the creator of all with the power to end all, ate with lowly. He took no offense when he was rejected. Man how easily offended are we? The king of the universe came to serve me and you. More than an example he is the giver of life. the way, the truth, and the life. Shouldn’t we live to serve others also?
2 Corinthians 1:3-4”Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ the father of mercies and God of all comfort who comforts us in our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God”.
This reminds me how we are funnels. A funnel has a bigger hole at the top then the bottom. If the funnel doesn’t drain out the bottom it overflows. It can take in a lot but it come out the bottom slowly and controlled. We are receiving and receiving in abundance but we must be giving away at the same rate. Shouldn’t I look around and see joy and laughter. I should see no one weighed down. I should see people talking, not staring at your phone. We should see revival.
I don’t even know how to tackle this one. It’s so hidden. Things like TV and phones have become distractions. The best kind of distractions are the ones we don’t even realize are distracting. I have no idea how to handle this I can’t do it alone. This country and world will not get brighter if we don’t step out in faith.
Philippians 2:14-15 “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the mists of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
I pray we don’t grow comfortable in this world. I thank you this is not our home, thank you that we get to be in this world but not of it. I pray for revival in our hearts. That we would come alive through you. I thank you for the fire you have started in my heart. I thank you that we never fight these battles alone. I pray our grow heavy for the suffering of others. I pray we don’t let distractions stop us from thinking. I pray we live our lives on the alter.
Thanks for reading!
Love,
Liz
Liz!
So happy to hear your feet are planted back on US soil!! A bit of a culture shock to return, right?
So many contradictions to what you experienced yourself in the last eight months. Makes you wonder where we Americans place our values. Try to remember that most have not walked in your shoes. Most have not seen what you have seen. You have weathered elements that most could not even imagine. Those eight months have matured you to a whole other level. And, with that maturity, an even closer bond with Jesus and our Most Heavenly Father.
I’m sure you feel some pettiness of some of the conversations you’re overhearing. I can still feel all those feelings from over 45 years ago when i returned from my year-long stay in Bolivia. I almost disliked Americans for awhile!! Maybe you won’t get to that point, but if you do—remember they haven’t walked in your shoes, seen what you’ve seen, experienced what you’ve experienced.
Keep a patient heart. Keep a kind heart. Jesus loves all of us, no matter where in the world we find ourselves. God has us exactly where He wants us to be and when He wants us to be here. We are His vessels. His Love will flow through you.
You are amazing!!! And, I am thrilled you are back!
Love you, Lizzie.
Monica Hall
Great Advice Monica and Katie, thank you.
Hi sweet Liz, Welcome back. I feel that I can breath again, thank you for trusting our Father and be willing to follow and take the challenge. AIM told us that the biggest adjustment was coming back to US. Is so good you have this new perspective now, you will have a better foundation to find and give joy in the simple things of life and mostly in His great Love.
Love you so much, Can’t wait to huge you my love.
Mom
goodness wow liz! so so good. blessed to know you.
Liz, You are taking in a lot. The culture shock coming back into the States is very real, even before you ever step foot out of the airport. You are processing it all with a strong foundation – the Word that gives life, the Creator and Sustainer of the entire world, and the Savior who dwells within your heart. Keep running back to truth as your ask the Lord what to do with the wide array of thoughts and emotions right now. Truly, He is worthy of our whole lives, our full hearts, our every moment, no matter where we find our feet planted. Praying for you and all of squad H this week of debrief.