Sunday best

I am “giving the Word” this morning but I have been too exhausted to even be open to another divine inspiration. So, I got up this morning to tweak my graduation speech – which was basically a sermon anyway. I tweaked and added to it and drank coffee. I love mornings. I have not seen anyone from the guest house since Friday sometime – except the guard who sits outside round the clock. Guarding me and the building, I guess. He can at least see the ocean.
I put on the infamous green dress again. The church shares the building with the school – though “Covenant House” Church is also in two other locations (one being Pastor’s home). As we are walking in, Dejoy stops me to introduce me to a woman, though I am not sure I caught her name, who is pregnant. “You will lay a hand on her and pray for her?” So, I did and it left me feeling a little like they put too much stock in me. And yet, I think this is just how things are in Liberia, in Africa. We pray on the spot, we pray over everyone, we pay attention and yield to the Holy Spirit moving in the moment. They say I am already Liberian, that I have adapted quickly. For me, it is more about jumping in with faith that God will help me embrace whatever comes (clearly I struggle more at some times than others – see “Getting “there” from here”).
The church has lots of small children, many from the school. They peak back at me with friendly waves. I feel like I belong. There is no electric fan to sit in front of, and so I wave the plastic fan furiously while moving to the music and reading Scripture aloud with my brothers and sisters. Then I am up! When you deliver a speech a second time, there is much comfort with the material. I felt peace and humbled to be asked. It is even more affirming and encouraging when my “sermon” is sprinkled with “amens” now and then.
My message was about the three wise men (God worked through my friend Cody for inspiration!), the journey they took, and what their gifts mean to me today. I was sharing about the gold being a gift for a king and while I do not have gold to give, I have possessions, I have my life. In the words of Jennifer Knapp, “…hold out with an open hand, this frail life of mine and pray that You can make it stand…” Can I hold out with an open hand all that I have as an offering to God? God can do something with "my stuff" if I let Him.
After I was finished, I sat down, and honestly, the tears came. Slowly and quietly, I marveled at this

message and how it applies to me, on this day. Is this where God is calling me? What sacrifice is God calling me to make? I have waited and prayed for this opportunity but am I truly ready to lay down my own life, my comforts, for what God has for me? Sometimes, it is easier to say “yes” during the hard moment and this was one of sorts – I am a hot, sweaty mess, far from home, but challenged and satisfied. Whatever the outcome, I know this was a pivotal moment in my life.
Prayers;
* Encouragement in the faith for the people of this community
* Dejoy's truck - leaking something
* Luggage has still not arrived
* Continued discernment as I process and listen