I've been going to an incredible Mom's Group here in South Africa. I absolutely love it, and to be honest, it's been "church" to me in so many ways since coming here. The teacher, Sara is an older woman whose SIX!! kids are adults now. She basically just pours into us for a couple hours every other week and opens it up for some great discussion. The group is for mom's of all ages, and I've learned so much from being in the same group with moms of teenagers and babies alike!
I went to my last group today, and the leader asked me to share a little about what my husband and I have been doing here in South Africa, and also about what we plan to do when we return to the States. I was honestly surprised by the fluidness of my own words as I spoke them. As I shared with that group of moms what I feel God has for us back "home", I felt moved in my heart! I truly do believe that God is opening up a path for us that is even more a fulfillment of my calling than being here was/is. I shared with the women how Bryan and I truly believe that God desires us to have a big family. I shared how Bryan has always been grieved by the state of fathers in general in our world today, and how he sees the best way to reverse that problem is to be a godly father and also to raise a generation of godly parents. I shared my heart, and then each woman in the group individually prayed over me! It was so encouraging, and really showed me that this indeed is from God.
After we prayed, Sara (the teacher) looked at me and said, "You know, Claire, I have often had seasons in my life that came and went so quickly that I thought they were a waste. Only now as I look back do I see that nothing is wasted. When you think of a spice cupboard, there are so many spices you might think some of them aren't useful--but in the end they all get used. What you have done here, and the lives you have touched are not wasted." I can't even tell you how life-giving that was to me!!!
We have had so many people encourage us through this process.. THANK YOU! We are so blessed.
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7 comments:
Praise God! The spice analogy is beauuutiful :) Bless you, Claire! You are an inspiration!
I love how she put that...with the spices :)
SO glad you're feeling encouraged. Enjoy your last days there and know God has even more in store for you!
Krystle
Oh! She speaks TRUTH!!! I have tears...God speaks and works through his children, Blessed be the name of the Lord.
So happy that "call" is being reaffirmed and strengthened to YOU!! Praying for you to be the Godly mother you are called to be. How knows maybe you will be like Susanna Wesley :)
So happy that "call" is being reaffirmed and strengthened to YOU!! Praying for you to be the Godly mother you are called to be. How knows maybe you will be like Susanna Wesley :)
The biggest smile came to my face when Sara told you how your time there is not a waste. I believe someone else said the same thing to you ;) and I love when God does stuff like that for us as confirmation to our spirit! Love you girl and am excited to see what God has for your family back home...and praise God that you got the place you wanted also!! Yay! You are blessed my dear. Hugs from afar.
Hi Claire :) Was thinking about you and Leigh after seeing you at church last week and wondered whether your stories would be online somewhere...and here you are! So glad that you had a good last-mom's-group. I totally agree with what Sara told you...you'll never ever know how you have impacted our country by being here. Thank you again. Lots of love, and prayers for the last little while to go smoothly. Karen
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