Thursday, March 19, 2009

Ugandan dreams......

I have carried a bracelet with me today, I even wore it this afternoon. Now that may not sound shocking to hear from a woman, but you would have to know me and you would have to see the bracelet. I barely wear any jewelry, and when I do it is usually pretty small and not very bold. This bracelet though, is an inch and a half wide white bangle. On it is the word "dream" printed in black ink, it is very noticeable. Why did I wear it? I don't really know. I just felt touching it, and maybe connecting with the message behind it.

I bought it about a month ago when I went to hear Priscilla Shirer speak in San Jose. I had seen some people wearing the bangle, and I did not think it was a fashion statement that I wanted to make, until I knew the reason behind it. There was a woman who was the featured singer at the conference. Her name is Vicki Yohe. I enjoyed the music, even though it was not the style I usually listened to, it reminded me of how they sing on American Idol. She then told her story and I was transfixed...She had been unable to have a child and eventually adopted a son. To make a long story short, she has started a home for children in Uganda, and the proceeds from the bracelet goes to support the home. After that, I of course bought one. I love the idea that in this home, they are giving a handful of children a normal life. The prayer is that this next generation, will be the leaders who will effect change in this troubled country. For some reason I could not let go of it today.

I had a short lunch today, my head hurt so badly, that I did not even read. So tonight, as I sat here thinking about what to write, I scanned my bible, then opened my book to read. I did not get through the first paragraph. As soon as I read it, I knew that God was working on my heart. The author makes the statement that we spend so much of our lives looking at individual "trees" that we miss the "forest". Now to give credit where due...The book is "The Hole in our Gospel" by Richard Stearns. But...that is something that God was saying to me at this conference, on February 22, 2009. I went back to my notes, and there it was, just like I wrote it. "see the forest through the trees".

So what is the connection between these two unrelated people? Richard Stearns first visit as President of World Vision is to where else? Uganda. I do not know what God is trying to teach me, but He is weaving together a tapestry of people, events and scripture. At this point the tapestry looks like of jumble of different colored threads with no rhyme or reason. Step by step, images emerge, colors combine to make shapes and eventually a clear picture will be presented. What will that picture be? I don't know, but I am sure that He will present it at the right time and in the right way. Till then I just have to try and enjoy the process. Easier said than done.....

No comments: