Why.

"I, well, my brother and I, we sponsor a little girl in Tanzania."

I smile, I take out my wallet, I show them the photo of her sad but oh-so-cute face that's currently halfway around the globe.

They smile. "That's so great!" They say. But it's the kind of smile that doesn't quite reach their eyes; it didn't come from their heart. It's the kind of "That's so great!" that means that's so great, for you. But not for them.

It's the kind of "That's so great!" that was followed by a "But" in their head.

But how does she know her money is actually getting there?

But doesn't she know she's crazy, naive, weird?

But isn't it dangerous, risky?

But... Why?

I know the way my family and I live our lives is not normal. That's kind of my goal in life, really.

I also know people wonder why I live the way I live. Why do I try my hardest to radically love? Why do I spend my time and money on other people? Why do I care if someone I've never met, halfway around the world is starving?

Here's why.

Because it says to do so in the Bible.

"You're not trying to earn your way to heaven, are you?"

No, I'm not.

I don't do it to be saved, I do it because I am saved.

"Do you love me?" Jesus asked Peter.

He was offended; this was the third time Jesus had asked him. "Lord, you know all things, you know that I love you!"

And Jesus' reply: "Feed my lambs." {John 21:15-19}

It is impossible to love Jesus without loving others, it's impossible to truly love others without loving Jesus.

When Jesus was asked what the single greatest commandment was, he couldn't pick just one.

"Love God, love others." {Mark 12:28-31}

It's impossible to do one without the other.

"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." -Jesus {Matthew 25:40}

The questioning stare lingers for a bit after the "That's so great!" and I wish they would just say it: "Why?! Are you crazy? Naive? Stupid? Why?"

So I could tell them.

Because I think hopelessness is sad. Because I've found the solution to hopelessness and I want to share it with as many people as possible. Because I hate injustice. Because everyone deserves enough. Because one day, I want to receive a picture of Happyness with a smile spread across her face, a smile of hope.

And all those reasons boil down to one:

Because I love Jesus, and this gives me a joy that I want - I need - to share with everybody, including the "least of these".

Even If I Had to Stand Alone

I love this song.

It's a great reminder and it leads to a challenging question to ask ourselves:

If you were the only one left standing up for hope, for justice, for Jesus, would you? 

Even if you had to stand alone?

"By standing firm you will gain life." Luke 21:19

PS Look what I found when I tried to find Naima on compassion.com today! :D

God is so good. Hopefully this means she's really, for real sponsored and they didn't just remove her for some other random reason.

And if you're Naima's sponsor and you ever happen to stumble upon this: THANK YOU! You made my night, AND perhaps our two little girls are playing together RIGHT NOW. ;)

Me, The Blogger Who Forgot to Blog.

Well, I didn't forget {I really do love you guys}, life just got in the way.
But, I really can't complain about life getting in the way because life has been sweet {not that it's not always sweet.}.

Anyways, I haven't done one of those hodge-podge, random lists in awhile, so here's one, entitled "Things I Meant to Share on My Blog in the Past 11 Days, But Never Got Around To."

1. "Through Jesus, God redefines "glory". Success means to sacrifice. Victory is to die. To shine is to serve. Fame is to quietly, secretly love. "Hot" is to be modest. Exultation comes through humility. Strength is shown through weakness. Glory is often seen best in suffering." -Bruxy Cavey {teaching pastor at my church}, teaching series: Jesus by John

I LOVE that. It's been a great reminder for me this past week. To shine is to serve. Fame is to quietly, secretly love. Strength is shown in weakness. And glory is often seen best in suffering. 

Jesus defies everything the world tells me. And since the world is so. utterly. screwed up. I am SO glad that there is something bigger, better, more wonderful and powerful, more graceful and forgiving to believe in. I'm so thankful that since the world won't take my ashes, Jesus will. I'm ever grateful that even though there's so much suffering in the world, that's where God's glory shines brightest.

2. I've not blogged much about the playoffs, but you could bet money I'm watching them. No offence to the NHL or anything, but I'm finding the NBA way more exciting. I'm calling Kings for the Cup {Why couldn't the Leafs pull one like they did?!} and a Spurs-Celtics NBA final with Spurs taking it home. {I'm so upset that we didn't see Linsanity again this year, and also that the Pacers couldn't get through the Heat, but I'm optimistic for round 3 and 4. :)} 

3. Compassion letter-writing for the win!

How many people/laptops does it take...? ;)

I LOVE this quote from Rochelle, out LDP student: "Morning is a divine gift from God after a night of restful sleep. It's a new chance to do better than before. Inhale God's love today!"

4. Compassion again! I got to hang-out as a Compassion Advocate at the PlanetShakers concert on Thursday night. Seventeen beautiful kids got sponsored! And get this! We found twins! Both girls' child packs ended up at the concert, and BOTH girls got sponsored by two cousins! How sweet, eh? :)

Me and a fellow advocate with the twins. :)

So anyways, that's pretty much me right now. :)

Thanks for reading and have a great {rest of the} weekend! :)

Two More Tanzania Favourites

The Compassion Bloggers are home, but please let me share two more must-reads with you? :)

Decorating Truths from A 15-Year-Old Tanzanian Boy via The Nesting Place: The Nester meets her 15-year-old sponsored child, Topiwo, or as she puts it, Topo. Definitely a must-read - super cute and super inspiring! :)

In Defense of Jesus via Shaun Groves: Why the slogan doesn't just end at "Releasing Children from Poverty". Oh yeah, and meet a super inspiring teenager, Sunari, and his family. :)

I think I found these posts so inspiring because both those boys are about the same age as me... Yet they live a life that is such a stark contrast to mine.

I realize how easily my life could've been "switched" with Sunari or Topiwo's. How easily I could've been born into poverty. I mean, I didn't choose to be rich. They didn't choose to be poor.

And I realize how abundantly, sickeningly privileged I am.

And I wonder, if I have too much, and they have too little, how come it won't even itself out?

Because I'm still selfish. Because maybe I was the unlucky one, born into privilege.

Yet God's grace remains, and slowly. painfully. but beautifully, He will mend my life, Topiwo's life and Sunari's life.

And that's why I have hope.

Give Hope. To a child in need, but also to yourself... You need it just as much.

Mother's Day Mania

Well, they day after Mother's Day.

I hope that you all gave your mom an extra big and long hug yesterday and told her how much you love her and how thankful you are for her! {Not that you shouldn't do that EVERYDAY. ;)}

Anyways, I just wanted to highlight Justin Bieber's Mother's Day Tribute.

Yes, yes. Justin Bieber. {Whoa, I think he's almost tied with TSwift for appearances on my blog?! :O}

This is a super amazing {and cute} song that he put out recently for his mom. It tells the story of his mom's journey and how she made so many sacrifices for him.

If you don't know this already, Justin's childhood wasn't exactly a fairytale. His mom was young and single when she gave birth to Justin, and she says she doesn't know where she and Justin would be if it weren't for the help and hope they received from The Bethesda House. Unfortunately, Bethesda going to have to close down at the end of this month if they don't raise enough money. Click here to find out more.

So... Here's the deal.

All the proceeds from Justing's song, Turn to You, goes to save Bethesda.

Take a listen, and then maybe consider buying the song? :)

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. -Proverbs 31:20

A Mistake, A Closet and A Really, Really Great Mama

I might've been three years old. Maybe four.

I was at my aunts' house, and my parents were having Bible study upstairs. Since this house was like a second home to me, I was free to roam around until they were done.

Being me, ever curious, ever adventurous and ever exploring the unknown {Even at 4-years-old, apparently}, I was wandering around everywhere, opening closets, looking behind doors, etc.

I got to the basement and there was this huge Ikea-like wardrobe/closet thing. And being me, I just HAD to know what was inside.

So I reached my short, 4-year-old arms up to the handles made for adults.

And I pulled.

And I must've leaned backwards while still holding onto the handles, because before I knew it, the top of the closet was disconnecting from the wall.

11 years later, I still so clearly remember looking up, and going, "Dangit, it's falling."

I should've stepped to the side and just let it fall beside me, but of course, spur-of-the-moment, 4-year-old decision: I turned on my heel and ran.

And the closet was faster than me.

And BOOM, all light around went out, and I was stuck under this closet. I didn't go unconscious, so I was just laying there, flat on my face, in the dark, for what felt like forever, just wondering what on earth to do now.

And then suddenly, WHOOSH, all light came back, the closet was flipped beside me, and my mom's comforting arms were around me.

The Bible study had been going on at the top of the stairs, and my mom heard the crash, turned her head, then just flew down the stairs, and with one hand, flipped the closet off of me.

She tried to lift the closet to put it back up later on. She couldn't even get it off the floor.

There have been so many times in my life where I've done something stupid or totally unnecessary, or just simply found myself flat on my face in total darkness, and my mom always somehow finds the strength to help me find my way back to "light", again.

And I honestly couldn't be more thankful that God made her my mommy.

My mom is at every one of my basketball games, music performances, contests and school events cheering me on. And when I lose the ball, hit the wrong note, fumble my words or trip up, I look up and see her encouraging smile and I just keep on going.

My mom taught me that no matter what, God is always faithful and he always has a perfect plan. My mom taught how to find joy, even in the hard times, even in the times where all that is visible is sorrow.

My mom has a beautiful heart that breaks for the things that breaks God's heart. I'm so thankful that I have a mom that wouldn't let me live in the worst possible type of poverty - spiritual poverty.

My mom has taught me some of the most important lessons I've ever learned, and given me some of the most valuable gifts I've ever received.

I guess sometimes I forget how many sacrifices my mom has made for me, and how much she does for me. And I forget to say thank you.

But, Mommy, please know that I'll forever and ever and ever be thankful for you, you heart, your sacrifices, your strength, and your guidance. I love you!!! ♥

I don't know what I'd do if you left me/So please don't go away./Everything that you are is who I am, who I am today./So when you're lost and you're tired/When you're broken in two/Let my love take you higher/Cause I, I still turn to you. -Turn to You, Justin Beiber

People always say/I have a laugh like my Mother does./Guess that makes sense/She taught me how to smile when things get rough./I've got her spirit, she's always got my back./When I look at her I think/I wanna be just like that. -Like My Mother Does, Lauren Alaina

Tanzania Highlights

If you haven't been following the Compassion Bloggers in Tanzania, you're seriously missing out.

Seriously.

So... To help you out, this is a "highlights" post. Like sports highlights, kinda. {but more exciting. ;)}

They're personal highlights, so you might not find them as exciting, moving, touching as I do, but trust me, they are quite worth the read:

{letting your dirty feet rub against the dirty feet of your neighbour.} via Gussy Sews - "Life is SO not about how clean your clothes are, or what your house looks like, or whether you have to share a car with someone else in your family. Life is about loving on each other - all the time - in the name of Jesus."

So much is held in those eyes...

Hope is Slow via Minivans Are Hot [A MUST READ!!!] - I mean it when I say a "must read". Kelli {the mind behind Minivans are Hot} is super gifted with words. God is speaking right through her this week, so if you wanna hear from God, click over there! ;)

Snapshot via Shaun Groves - The cutest. post. ever. Oh, yeah, and a very clever metaphor that will just MAKE you sponsor a child. ;) "There's no rest for those who hold on. Let go."

Check out that smile! :)

Then God Showed Up... via Big Is The New Small - This post reminded me so much of... me. In the weeks when I came home from Wilmington, I caught myself referring to that week as "the week God showed up" or "the week God spoke to me". But I've come to realize this: God was always there, always speaking to me. I just didn't look hard enough. Or I was going too fast and I totally missed Him. But always, he was and is there.

What's Your Plan for Tomorrow? via The Nesting Place - A great story of how Compassion provides hope. Oh, and by the way, do you have a toddler in your life? Yes? Would you ever leave them alone for hours at a time to fend for themselves? No? Well, what if, as a mother, your choice was feed them or stay with them? ...Yes, that is a real, everyday choice for many, many mothers living in poverty.

Isn't she a cutie? :)

Miracles So Great via Minivans Are Hot [Yes, again.] - Hope is slow? Yes. And you know where it's the slowest? In the first world. Do you live in the first world? Then that means you have to fight that much harder for hope. "Live simply so others can simply live." -Mother Teresa

So... Please continue to follow along with the bloggers and keep them in your prayers!

And, well, SPONSOR A CHILD from Tanzania! :) No better time to! Naima is STILL waiting... Will you give her the gift of hope?

All photo creds to Keely Scott! :)

Compassion Bloggers in Tanzania?! :D

Mt. Kilimanjaro
Photo Creds: @keelymarie, www.keelymariescott.com

So obviously, being me, I didn't hear that the Compassion Bloggers were in Tanzania until they were pretty much leaving, cuz I'm always the last to hear everything... (I'm the wide-eyed one going "She's pregnant?!" when everyone's already planning the baby shower... Or she's giving birth.)

So here's the thing. Most of you know I love Tanzania. It's the country that stole my heart through a little girl named Happyness. So I was super excited when I finally did get around to hearing about the trip. I will definitely be following along.

I'd encourage you to, as well! This is like, the closest you can get to experiencing Compassion first-hand, without actually going to the country and the projects. You can follow along here.

And I'll leave it to the bloggers this week to do most of the convincing, but if you feel so led, will you sponsor a child from Tanzania? And more specifically, one little girl from Picha Ya Ndege Student Centre {Happyness' centre} is still waiting on compassion.com. Would you seriously consider sponsoring Naima? I know it would mean the world to her. :)

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ... And over all the virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. -Colossians 3:12&14