3 stops that changed my life.

It was about this time last year where I chose a word for the year. It was a crazy word God had running through my soul. It was stop!

You can read about the stop here, but basically I was going to stretch myself to be in the moment. To see people and to STOP FOR THE ONE who needed help. When I started out I was scared and afraid! I wondered how this suburban girl was going to find ways to serve others that were broken, down and out?

Looking back over the last 12 months, I truly am amazed by what God did in my heart.

3 stops that changed my life.

Each time I was intentional at stopping for others, God showed up big. Like scary big!

Stops I made last year, despite my fear, have led me to where I am today — leading a street ministry, teaching on the inner city, and blogging for rescue with Exodus Road.

1. The first time I hit the streets I didn’t think I had anything to offer. How was I going to provide anything that could be beneficial? I soon realized the homeless just want to be seen, noticed, and loved. I quickly learned about a homeless man’s food and socks. What I’ve learned is that sometimes God teaches you what you need to know as you follow, which is what I did at Christmas. My heart now beats as to how to help those needing necessities.

2. I remember walking into a strip club and being aghast. It was dark, void of life. I truly felt as if I had just walked in on a human trafficking ring. Daddy’s were bringing their girls (baby girls) to dance. Husbands dropped off their wives. No one was allowed to leave until they had reached their money quota. My heart couldn’t take it! I realized the human trafficking comes in many forms and fashions — it can be in your home town, as well as in Asia.

3. As my heart couldn’t take what I was learning about human trafficking, I stepped out and joined some friends at a shelter here in my home town that houses girls that have been rescued out of trafficking rings. It was a day my lift changed and what led me to become a voice for the Exodus Road. The story will stir your heart — check it out here.

My heart cries and my fists pound.

I can’t believe I spent so much of my life uninformed. I lived a comfortable life, caring for myself and family, striving for more, focused on the dream!

An all illusive dream that kept my eyes narrowly focused on myself. Being the “good” Christian that I am – I taught studies, spoke, and attended every service. Then I quickly ran home, put my eyes back on myself, and lived for me. Me, Me, Me!

I’m glad I woke up.

I’m better about seeing. Oh I still get focused on things that do not matter and fix my eyes on myself, but I’ve learned to see more this past year. And for that I’m so thankful.

When was the last time you saw a need and stopped?

Did it change your life? Oh how I’d love to hear.