INVISIBLE

I grew up like a lot of kids.  Maybe not like you, but many kids like me made every effort to be invisible.  We went to great lengths to not ‘make waves.’  To be ‘seen and not heard’ was even a big risk to us.  For me, home was a dangerous place.  I believe my parents did their best, but it was not very high on the charts.

The best news is that I lived.  I used various coping mechanisms the escape and numb the pain for many years.  I believe they reserved my sanity. More than that, I believe that God pulled me through because His plan was not for me to be invisible.  Instead, in the midst of my abuse He clearly called me, as I remember it, to ‘be a leader in the church.’  Twenty-three years ago He saved me from my most self-destructive habits as well as my sin.

With the help of others I began to recover and serve as a way to give back and spread the Good News.  That service has placed me in some of the finest institutions: jails, prisons, half-way houses, mental institutions, detox units in hospitals and, of course churches.  In these places I have tried to serve while remaining invisible.  It has been fairly easy to do, but now God has changed that practice for me.

In Matthew 5:15,16 it says “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  

Recently I am made aware that I am safe enough not to have to be invisible.  Instead I need to step out and take a few more risks.  This is challenging, but my obedience pleases my Father in Heaven.  So, in big ways and small ways I will begin to practice this.  And yes, beginning to blog again has been part of that.  Thanks for joining me on another great adventure sponsored by God.