I’ve taken a lot of detours on my walks…

Written on September 17th, 2024.

I’ve taken a lot of detours on my walks to places…also just gotten completely lost in the wandering haha. Sometimes it's a weary walk of “why can’t I already be there, other times it’s a constant state of awe.

I see a lot. I see brokenness. So much brokenness. A deep yearning for Jesus that is too deep for words. Humans that struggle to have their basic needs met, lack of nutrition and hydration, inability to maintain hygiene, abuse of substances or worldly ways to fill the void caused by sorrow, exhaustion from work, hurting souls from the ways the world has failed them.

I also see beauty. God’s creation declaring his majesty to great for words. Smiling faces towards a loving community, cheerful greetings at every passing, sacrificial offerings of care to loved ones, indigenous attire created with skill through generations, joy for another day that their life is sustained.

I will never truly know or understand their struggles as locals of this town. I can sympathize and do what I can to alleviate their suffering without causing more hurt, but only Jesus can mend the brokenness and see every sacrifice made through the generations.

Having an American citizenship is not to be taken for granted. It is a gift. Although I am called to be among the nations, I am privileged to have grown up in freedom. I didn’t grow up with money and most likely won’t ever have much, but I’ve always had more than enough, even when I couldn’t see it then. I’ve faced low valleys, I hurt with those that have lost loved ones, have physical illness, generational curses, temptations, rare situations, high trauma events. Even still, I haven’t walked their road. Yet, I can still declare the faithfulness of the Lord in my life through my testimony.

Without Jesus, I am nothing. This world doesn’t matter, everything is spiritual and I know that makes me “weird” but I’ll be a Jesus freak. I’m not perfect, I sin, but the blood of the lamb as made me a new creation in Christ. I have the hope of the kingdom of heaven and that is what fuels my passion to share the Gospel. Jesus changes everything. When you surrender everything to him…I mean everything…blessings will flow. As you follow him, you will look more like him, be filled with him, and produce fruit.

Keep walking, the road isn’t finished. It has unexpected turns, may be harder but worth the price. Don’t judge others' paths, instead sharpen each other in truth. Find community. Talk about Jesus. Pray, worship, read the word. As long as you’ve got your foundation in Him, Jesus will be your shepherd, by your side every step. I promise His will is better than anything this world can give you.

Psalm 23 AMP

"The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], [Ezek 34:11-31]

I shall not want.

He lets me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. [Rev 7:17]

He refreshes and restores my soul (life);

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

for His name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life,

And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord."

Blessings in Christ Jesus | Bendiciones en Cristo Jesus,

Harper Foriest