The French are famous for always having the ability to center their outfits around the color black. Many people have remarked that once you finally have the chance to visit
This unfortunately, is very indicative of French nature. They are, at least from what I have witnessed, a very inward people. Passing smiles and inadvertent friendliness is taken as either a proposition or harassment. It’s hard to not slip into the mindset that there is an overall lack of joy in this frosty environment.
However, as I have learned time and time again – God works best, and most thoroughly, through our brokenness. Kindness and sociability has been something that I have taken a familiarity (and craving) to, something which I have found as integral in my ability to function as I normally do. It has been easy for me to slip under the lies of the enemy – that no one cares for me, that it will be impossible to have joyful moments in the semester to come, that God has deserted me in a fruitless land.
What an utter LIE that is. God is faithful! He is encouraging me through the Gospel of Matthew right now: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
This was not exactly an update to events, but more an update of my heart in its current place. Thank you, beyond words, to those who have been encouraging me in wall posts and emails. These are the things that you can be praying for:
*An ease about my host family, and an awakening-God-placed-passion within myself to want to see them in a better place.
*That I can find comfort and peace in God’s love, and not depend on others, but only Him, for my source of joy.
*That fear and loneliness will be recognized for what it is, and rebuked in the same manner.
I love you all, and miss you even more. I will write in a couple days with an update on events, as this has not been one of my more comical posts!
2 comments:
You are a very smart girl, and as you go through lifes challenges, you will see how true it is... Our Lord is there for us ALWAYS! He will never leave our side! Mankind, will let us down and challenge us on a daily basis, but our Lord is our rock and salvation forever. Keep the faith!It will keep you strong! Love you, ann w
Chels, You are fortunate to have God strip you down to show you that we can gain nothing by those around us and His glory is what sustains us. Be His instrument and shine. Joy and contentment come only from Him. Praise God that you see it there in the demeanor of the people...
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