All I have....Part 2

Recap.....All I have (part 1) was about emptying out of my sin, which was all I had to give to God when I came to Christ; and how He wonderful took my sin and in return gave me a life of joy and peace and hope.

Part 2...
A friend of mine recently went on a missions trip to Cuba. As he shared stories of the airport inquisitions of his intent in that country, and the meager living status of its citizens he made one statement that has remained with me....."All they have is Jesus". What a powerful statement. It pricked my heart and made me wonder, what if we lived like all we had was Jesus. Not about how big our home is, or what year vehicle we drive, or how entitled we are to a shopping spree since it has been 6 long months. To live life with the only thing to hold onto being Jesus Christ and to live in the joy, peace, and hope that we would live a life pleasing to Him. And that's not to say that life in Christ cannot include those things I mentioned before, but when He comes first those earthly things begin to not matter as much.
I am on a journey to take on the attitude of my brothers and sisters in Cuba. One that rejoices, not in what I don't have, but rejoices in the life He has given me in return for my junk. If we really think about it, what do we really have? I have been so deceived by my haughtiness, my sense of entitlement, and my ungratefulness, that I really began to believe that I have something.....that house in mine, I own that car, MY kids, MY job, MY money.....is everything not the Lord's?
We may look down on or feel sorry for the disposition of our Cuban (or any third world country) brothers and sisters, but I would dare to say today that they may be more enlightened than we will ever be. You see they have figured it out.....as I hope to do as well.....all I have.... is Jesus Christ!....and that's enough for me.

All I have....Part 1

Anyone who knows me, undoubtedly knows that my favorite artist is CeCe Winans. Beauty, radiance,and let's not even get into her vocals.....those are just a few of the reasons I like CeCe, but the main reason is Jesus Christ. She exudes Christ and I dig that. I desire to exude Christ as well. This post isn't about CeCe, but one of my favorite songs by her "In Return". The lyrics state: "All I had to give was a broken heart, torn apart....All I had to give was an empty hope and promises". Well when I came to Christ I don't know if I even had that. I was broken, I was used, and I was hopeless. I knew God had more for me but I didn't quite know how to fully surrender to him so that I could live the way He had intended for me to live and be who He had intended for me to be.

My life was a raging storm, but as I surrendered to Jesus and allowed Him to be my Lord, He calmed the sea within me. True life and love were revealed to me through His word and others. I traded in my sorrow, my deceit, and my sin.....and in return......the Lord gave me joy and hope, He healed my brokenness and turned my mourning into dancing. Sometimes I wonder how He could take nothing, and that was all I had to give, and make Godz Girl. But He did it for me and I know that He can do it for you.......so what do you have to give?