Determination is an excellent characteristic or personality trait to have, as it leaves the world of opportunities at your feet. Determination can be fueled by good or bad intentions, by faith or lack of...but mostly determination is part of the drive that gives every living being the desire to move beyond perceived limitations or opportunity.
Telling a child that they can't do something and nine out ten times, that kid is going to be bound and determined to do the exact opposite of what you tell them. Tell an athlete that they can't achieve some athletic marker of success and I am am certain they will turn around and prove you wrong. Determination is part of what makes or breaks failure or success. And sometimes, determination that brings a successful outcome, one that may not be the most honorable or bearing fruit, can destroy you.
As I prayed for months over the decision to move here to NYC, I was determined to not stop praying for God's will and divine plan to reveal itself. I had no idea what or how I would pull it off much less not have a nervous breakdown in the process. There were so many hurdles that would need to be overcome, obstacles that could potentially arise, and of course, what If I didn't hear correctly God's plan. But through determination and sacrifice, prayer and courage that I can only say came from God, I pulled off something truly amazing. Was I determined to walk by Faith, with great Hope in my heart and the kind of determined Love for others to dare to make a difference? To all the above I say Yes!
What if we could demonstrate that kind of faithful determination of Faith, Hope and Love to kids everywhere simply through the determination to them give more than empty words and false promises. How would that look? What would be the fruit of such an act or actions? Where do we need to look to find that within ourselves to give unconditionally to others? Last I checked there is only one place I have ever found that kind of strength and courage, through Jesus Christ. I can guarantee you, in no uncertain terms, that I could not have achieved this most recent goal without Him and His hand in every moment of it. Through the determined prayers of friends and family, I believe that God opened every door on every leg of the this new journey.
He took away one job and the very next day replaced with something better! Now I got a lot of experience in a lot of arena's but frankly this singular event could be nothing more than a determined God to provide for His faithful child. My intentions, while always for the right reasons, with no malice or hurt intended ever, are determined to bring the glory and attention to God..as it should be. As I sit here writing, I am determined to see it through no what the sacrifice or the price tag it carries. Because I am determined to serve these kids, the youth of today with the passion and fervor that comes from the knowledge that it is because of God's determination to Love us unconditionally, giving us eternal grace and mercy, new everyday...that we Will succeed at BFF International. We are determined and in that determination we will watch and wait for God's leading to light our way and clear the path so that His Vision for this foundation will be achieved.
Everyone keeps telling me that what I have done is amazing or how brave and courageous I have been along he way...but the truth be told, while this type of transition is fraught with hardships, challenges and intense moments of fear...all that means nothing when I look into the eyes of a child who has received, is receiving Christ's Love through me.
Pebble out...Hebrews 11:1
The Journey for Breiter Futures Foundation....Transforming the lives of our youth through Faith, Hope & Love...
2 comments:
My dear Marebear Girl, I have had you on my mind, thinking of you and missing you. As I lay here tonight God put you on my heart to pray for you. I prayed awhile and decided to sign onto your blog to check for any new post. I like this one on determination. It's interesting how as I was reading and feeling the determination and passion you have to reach these hurting kids in much need of God's love and provision for their lives, I thought of Mother Teresa. (I know you never know where my thoughts are going to wander of to.lol)
I think of a quote by Mother Teresa, " I never doubted that I've done the right thing. It was the will of God. It was His choice."
She had a passionate determination to dedicate her life to serving God.
Though Mother Teresa began her service to God as a teacher, her mission eventually took her to the poverty-ridden streets of Calcutta, giving food, clothing, and dignity to society's discards, "the poorest of the poor."
In outlining the duties of her newly formed order, she set simple guidelines: Go to the poorest of the poor, visit them continuously, show Christ's love for them and awaken their response to His great love by feeding, clothing and loving them.
She lived in the belief that the moment we give something to God in prayer it becomes infinite. Today her work continues. Though she has gone on to her eternal reward, her mission continues because she gave herself and her ministry to God.
Mary, Remember the same is true of your mission. Every single young life you touch for Jesus becomes an eternal reward.
I haven't known you very long, but I feel blessed to have known you. I truly believe God had a plan in connecting our lives those past few months you were here.
I love you and miss your gracious hearts and hugs,
Your Friend Donna
Dear Precious Sister, it feels like ages since I have heard from you or listened with my heart at your words of wisdom and encouragement - I was desperately afraid I had offended you in some way with my comment regarding Hanging with God - but in essence I was not contradiction or disagreeing but actually agreeing and sharing this exact same perspective you have shared about Mother Theresa and the way her ministry was shaped, formed, created and nurtured by God and her love and faithfulness to Him, However in my wording perhaps it sounded not like that and so I plead for forgiveness if in any way I hurt you, or if my response was misinterpreted. I love you so much and have been worried about you as I understand you have hurt your back and now with Kyle home, I am sure you are tirelessly serving not just God and your family but the WOW ministry,
I know my prior three blogs were much more defeatist sounding and perhaps that introspection on my part was reflected keenly. As things have come to settle in I find God has graciously revitalized my hopes and goals that are being shaped by Him.
You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers and am also quite concerned for Carolyn as I have not heard a word from her and I sent her an email about 3 weeks ago, maybe 2. I hope she is ok and all is well? Please write me soon and let me know a good time to call I would be blessed tremendously to have a chat with one of my new most favoritest people. :)
Thank you for your inspiring words, wisdom and discernment and it means so much that you care so much for me that you might take time from the hectic pace of your life to come into mine, if only to spend a few moments.
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