When I Grow Up...

How many times do you remember saying that as a kid? Countless I am sure.

And now that I have kids of my own I hear it countless times still. The thing is I didn't think I would be 38 years old and still saying if of myself (haha!).

Almost 20 years ago my dad brought a book home that someone left at his work. He read it and told me it was a good story so I picked up it up and read it also. It was a great story and it was the book that made me a fan of Liz Curtis Higgs. The book, just for the record, is Bookends. But the book itself is not what really grabbed my attention it was the jacket cover, her bio. I don't remember exactly the layout or verbatim text but there was a subtitle to her name that just stopped me in my tracks. It read,

"Liz Curtis Higgs, An Encourager."

An encourager. And that was it. I knew right then that no matter what line of ministry or work I would be led to do that my prayer above all was to be an encourager. To be able to help people feel better, see the best, find the good, or even just smile in the midst of life became my heart's desire. I would pray about it every day, "Lord. I want to do that. Make me an encourager."

While this is never far from my heart even today, as I was reading my bible the other night a verse just seemed to leap off the page and remind me of this and how God really has answered my prayer.

1 Thessalonians 5:14, The Passion Translation

We appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, to instruct those who are not in their place of battle. Be skilled at gently encouraging those who feel themselves inadequate. Be faithful to stand your ground. Help the weak to stand again. Be quick to demonstrate patience with everyone.

It's funny. I have had so many verses that ran through my mind that I have felt really speak to my heart for ministry but when I read this one again, it's it! Back on the home page if you scroll to the bottom you will read just a brief little bio and a line that substantiates this claim.

...her heart and passion is to help people find their identity and purpose in Christ. 

To me, this is the epitome of an encourager and I realize that God answered my prayers from years ago and I am seeing the evidence of that even today. It really is true that God will give you the desires of your heart. You just need to be sure that HE is the center of your heart and that you desire to be who he wants you to be, to go where he wants you to go, and love who he wants you to love and those pure desires will be answered with opportunities to live them out.