••••••• INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS •••••••

How Does God Hold You?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV).

In my travels with the American Baptist Xtreme team to Bolivia, I witnessed that the people with the greatest need in this country are the children. In a country where birth control is frowned upon or unavailable, there are an overwhelming number of children who cannot be cared for, a staggering number of children who must live and work on the streets.

On July 17, 2006 my team visited a ministry called Casa de la Amistad (The Friendship House). In Bolivia those who are in prison must pay rent. Most families cannot afford to pay rent for two dwellings; therefore, the prison becomes the family home. Many of these prison-dwelling families have children. The Amistad ministry picks up these children at their home/jail and brings them to the Amistad school where they are educated, fed, and cared for throughout the day. Some of the children who are enrolled in public school come for part of the day for tutoring.

This particular day began with our running and playing in the little courtyard area. One boy ran up and started jumping on me and grabbing at me. I sat down on the ground and began to play hand games with him. Soon he had scooted into my lap where he rested his head in my arms. As I stroked his hair, I felt his giddy energy subside and a sense of peace came over both of us. The world stopped. I sat there with this boy in my arms and loved. This was all he needed in that moment. Just to be held and loved. Soon he was up and smiling as he went to go play with his friends.

When and how do you go to God just to be held and loved and then return to life feeling refreshed and replenished?

Prayer: Dear gracious Creator, hold me. I need to feel the safety and love that is found in your arms. My life is heavy, and I am burdened. Help me to remember that you are always present in me and with me. Renew me. Replenish my spirit with the empowering energy to go and be Christ-like in all my actions.

Help me to love as you love. Help me to extend my arms as yours are always extended to me. Thank you for being present in my burdens. Thank you for loving me and holding me into safety. Be with me in my journey that I may be open to your other children in their journeys. I love you and praise you for you are ever present in my life. Thank you, dear Lord. In your beautiful name, Amen.

              -Read past thoughts-