A New Way

From the heart of one of our current students, Amy, who is leaving tomorrow for her outreach to the Solomon Islands...

When I stepped onto my plane in Chicago to embark on this new life journey, I was anxious, depressed, and angry. Those weren’t just my emotions, those are the words I would use to describe myself as a whole. I was a ball of bitterness, something I didn’t expect to ever change and in one way or another I didn’t particularly want it to change. I was comfortable, set in my ways.

As soon as I placed my bare foot onto the base, it didn’t matter who I was. I was wrapped up in a famous Ally hug, and immediately felt love glistening off the smiles of the staff surrounding me. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that this would be a place of family and love and redemption.

Through the trials and the hugs, the heart surgery and the tears, I can feel the change radiating off of my skin, glowing like a woman about to be married. I love myself, but more importantly I have fallen into deep deep love with Jesus. I finally accept the love I will never deserve. For the first time in my life I truly believe that I am beautiful and I have started walking in it. Since being here, my joy is not only on the outside, but I feel it in my spirit, seeping out of my pores in such a tangible way that I can feel it reaching other people. I have demolished walls I never knew where there, forgiven people I have always needed to forgive, and found a new way to love myself through God.

There are so many stories and so many ways I could tell you of how God has been working His way through my tattered being, but the best way to tell you is for me to show you. If you could see the way I glow in delight of Him, the way Jesus is in my eyes, then you would see His works. If you could see the way I walk, shoulders back, head held high, mouth curved in pure joy that only He could create, then you would know His love.

These are all truly things I don’t believe I would have if it wasn’t for this YWAM base, the people surrounding me, and an everlasting God who wraps His arms of redeeming love around me every single day. I am so blessed by this place, these people, my God.

As I embark on this next leg of the journey, anxiety swells in the deepest pit of my belly. But, pounding through every beat of my heart is the peace of my Lord and Savior. I know He will be my strength, my guidance and my protection in the Solomon Islands. Prayers are appreciated!

To God be the glory.

Click here to read more from this lovely lady.