Alex in a Nutshell...

The four of us, John, Tammy, Perry and I, have talked at length about what we’re taking away from the past twelve days. It’s hard to reach conclusions on the end of something so big. So, I’m sitting here, pen in hand, the third flight in two days, and I’m determined to figure some of it out.

I spent years of my youth globe hopping, chasing God’s movement across parts of Asia and more of South America than I can truly remember. From quite a young age, missions stole my heart. What I love about that now as a 31 year old, suburban wife, and mother of two is that all that traveling, all that heart tugging, the draw to share God’s heart to the nations, was preparation for where I am today. I’m coming home confident, beyond any shadow that my little white house on Cedar Mill Lane holds just as powerful a pull as a Buddhist monastery in Thailand once did. This is revolutionary for me.

See, for years, after I left the study and pursuit of world missions, I harbored some resentment that God would call me away from something I loved so dearly. But I obeyed. Even if it left an ache in my heart and a lump in my throat. And on occasion, an angry conversation with God.

As my girls were born, my world began to open up. Not only was God growing them but He was growing me. And sometimes in really painful and difficult ways. In 2007 and after years of vocal study, I felt God saying it was time for something new. And it was then that I dove head first into counseling and Psychology at Liberty, where my heart is to minister to children and families…mommies in particular.

Then there was a day in the fall, two years ago. Sitting in traffic with my girls and I had been battling my worth and purpose for days. I had been dwelling on how God wasn’t allowing me to be used the way I wanted to be used…why am I here God when there are millions who don’t know you over there? Then over the afternoon traffic on Star 94 and giggles from two brown heads in the back seat, God told me to turn around and take a good look. Because here’s what I called you home for, Danielle. They are that important. And that was the beginning of some major heart change in me.

God’s continued to challenge my heart and perspective. But, I feel as if these days away turned my heart even further. In a place of the fatherless, a place where women have no voice and very little influence, I realized what a powerful gift I’ve been given. God trusted me with two precious hearts to love, encourage, strengthen, and grow. The most effective thing I can give them is my love for their Heavenly Father. An example of a flawed heart that follows hard after Him and loves them passionately from that place.

I’m convinced that they will be my greatest calling. And I’m saying this and meaning it, whole heartedly, for the first time in my life.

I’ve always loved that verse that talks about our children standing on our shoulders and doing greater things than we. I have a new respect for it. I see it as a challenge. God I want to devote them to you. I’m going to make mistakes. Big ones. But be there in a real way to meet them, when I’m enough and when I’m not. You are my goal for them.

Can you imagine the power in the years ahead of them? Imagine the things God’s going to do with them? New doors. Roads unexplored. Challenges I can’t fathom. But isn’t it exciting to be a part of something with as much worth and potential as a child’s heart?

Do you have children? Do you see them? Maybe you struggle with finding real value in parenthood, like me? Ask God about it! This is big! It should be the call of our hearts as Christians…how are we tending God’s children? They are your legacy and your mission field. What are you leaving behind?