I'm sure you have all heard about the movie Courageous that is now in theaters. Obviously, I won't be seeing that anytime soon. ;) However, I've loved the song by Casting Crowns... that coupled with Dennis Rainey's newest book, Stepping Up, has gotten me to thinking.
When I married Shane, I knew for sure I was getting "the real deal." I often joked that he was the loaded Lexus SUV... only God added things that I LOVE but didn't even know I desired beforehand. You know that feeling? You know, when you buy something and then discover something hidden or super awesome about it that you didn't know beforehand? SWEET!
Well, Shane has turned out to be quite the courageous man. Many would look and think that it may be irresponsible to move your family to a land of malaria and deadly snakes. Some would say that it is not wise to live as we do financially, dependent on a team of other believers to partner with us.
This isn't where we thought we would be. Shane thought we were going to live out our Christian lives in a nice little suburb dubbed as "one of the best places to raise a family." Great schools. Great food. Great sports. Great church.
Over time, though, I saw Shane and his plan for our family decrease. I saw him struggle to loosen the grip of control and give his most valuable possession: us... to His Father. I saw him wrestle with trusting God to provide over his own ability. I see his self reliance decrease and his dependence on God increase.
This takes courage. It takes courage to depend on something you cannot see, trust something so powerful, and walk your family into a place you do not fully know... all because God says "Go." My husband is a man of courage.
What I thought I wanted was a man who could provide me with security, provisions, and a safe life. But what God provided me with was a man who was full of courage... not of his own accord, but of Gods... courage that flows only from a full trust of the Father. I'm so unbelievably grateful that my man is willing to live out what He was created for. And so I say... SWEET! Who knew he was loaded with courage? That all along that was what he was MADE for... and what I DESIRED?
I can't imagine life any other way...
I've been praying for Shane since he was born, and all I can say is that God has answered "exceedingly abundantly beyond anything I could have hoped, imagined or dreamed." And I was praying for his future spouse also, and the answer was also "exceedingly abundantly beyond anything I could have hoped, imagined or dreamed."
ReplyDelete--a godly woman with a heart full of love, who "loves like crazy" and is a Tennessee pioneer woman who knows how to use a shotgun! What a team! God is so-o-o good and so-o-o wise. Love & miss you all. "Praying like crazy", Grammie
Amazing how God knows exactly what we desire, even if we don't know it!
ReplyDeleteI so admire the courage of your husband...to step up and trust the unknown to a God who KNOWS, SEES, and PROVIDES! You're are all such an encouragment to me!
ReplyDeleteLove the blog!
ReplyDeleteYes, that is courage! And you my friend are a courageous partner - God really knows what He is doing ;)
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written, Mitzi. You are blessed. And, how thought provoking..."Best places to raise a family". Who decides these things? I think you guys are raising your kids in the perfect place, the will of God! Good job. Prayers for you all.
ReplyDeleteIndeed....Shaney Shane is a good man. I'm grateful to have gotten to know him these last couple of years.
ReplyDeleteThis post brought tears to my eyes. It's evident that you all make a great team--and Shane's blessed to have a wife that celebrates who he is. You all are in my prayers
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