Over the past year, Jesus has instilled a few main things in my heart. I would say the biggest one is freedom. Freedom in every sense of the word. I understand more and more the freedom I have in a life with Jesus and I want to spend my whole life showing people just what they are missing. I understand more and more how much spiritual bondage there is in the world, and I also understand more and more the literal bondage in the world. I have walked through daily life with a close friend who is in bondage to another human being. Slavery is ugly and destructive.
One main thing that is more and more and more and more being brought to my mind, and stirring up my heart, is the bondage that many women are in all around the world. I am doing a research paper this semester on aspects being a woman missionary in patriarchal societies. (I am focusing on Afghanistan). My stance on the matter based off of 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 and the surrounding passages.
I am scared to say, yet I am thankful to say... that the more time I spend on this paper.. it is becoming less and less of a project.. and starting to become a passion that is burning deep inside.
I know that culturally things are very different around the world and that I have a naive western mind. I also recognize that fact that many of the terrible crimes and restrictions being placed on these innocent women are being enforced by the Taliban and other terrorist groups (not just everyday men). So I guess all I am trying to say is One.... lets realize what we have and not be so self centered. Some people go through a living hell every single day. Its a shame how much I think about myself and all of the petty little things of this world. Two... I cannot ignore this growing passion from the Lord. More and more... I could honestly see myself (by the will and grace of God) spending my life focusing on oppressed women around the world... especially in the middle east. I have no idea how I could help them at all... but I want to. and Three... lets be a praying people. Praying for the oppressed around the world, and praying for the women of Afghanistan (and other similar places around the world.) Not just the women though, for everyone who is in bondage anywhere. Physically or spiritually. That is my growing passion.. (not from me... I'm selfish and self centered all by my self... but from Jesus in me) .. to proclaim freedom... and to help bring freedom in anyway I can. There are many caged birds singing and crying out in this dark world.. but there is only one possibility of freedom.. and that is found entirely in Jesus Christ. Lets be a people of prayer and ask the Lord to bring justice to the oppressed around the world.
To God be all glory.
P.s. Please check out these links for more information and for a wake up call
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