Not that long ago, I watched a movie called Lion, based on a true story about a young boy from India who was separated from his parents, and after a harrowing few months on the streets, was adopted by a couple in Australia. Although the child escaped the worst of potential nightmares that could have marked his life, my heart broke for all the children who do not.
In fact, I spent most of that evening crying out to God for all the injustice in the world, particularly violence against children. This past weekend, I had the honor of serving as guest speaker for a pregnancy center banquet in Washington (watch clip). It is both a heavy burden and a great joy to speak the truth in love regarding those created in the image of God. Just like human trafficking, the horror of abortion is another sorrow that deeply grieves my heart – as it should.
Entrusted With a Mission
When Jesus departed this world, He left two things to carry on His mission: His Spirit and His Church. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are His church as His Spirit lives within us. You and I have been set apart to rescue, restore, and share the glorious Good News to lost and hurting souls.
With these burdens on my heart, I wrote this poem:
Heaven’s Tears
Children begging on the corners, children dying in the womb, children purchased in the darkness, children lying in the tomb. Innocence traded for silver, a girl, for a scrap of gold, each crying out to Heaven, “Please, come take me home.” Heaven surveys every eye, drowning in their fears— Grieving every cry, He bottles all their tears. Heaven cries out to His Church, “Please, come lead them home.” But we traded our Calling for silver, our Mission, for a scrap of gold.Lord, as we consider Your many blessings and the incalculable gift of your Son, grant us courage to follow You. Courage to respond to Your love with a holy passion to re-claim our calling. May we boldly seek to rescue the perishing, restore the broken, and proclaim the Good News to the very ends of the earth—until the day you call us home.
Truly, we cannot ask, “Lord guide my steps,” while allowing fear to keep us from taking any.
“For unto whom much is given, much will be required.” (Luke 12:48)
Shadia is a passionate Bible teacher, award-winning author and speaker who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. She holds a master’s in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary and is author of several books and Bible studies, including LEGION: Rediscovering the God Who Rescues Me.
Oh Shadia; this is so beautiful and such a good reminder to re-claim our calling. Thank you so much for using your gift of writing; I always look forward to your messages! God bless.
Thank you, Deb, for your encouragement 🙂 you can also click share to share the link with others 🙂
What a beautiful post Shadia.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post 🙂