This is post is odd because I am so used to revealing my deepest heart in the form of poetry only understood by those who can relate. I come to you tonight with my heart wide-open to all that is contained within.
Not to quote a country song, but "Life, Love and the Lack of" has been consuming my heart and strangling my soul with great strength. I realized that I am a useless human. I am useless because I am sinful and because Karma is much at work. However, I am not ONLY human, I am also a child of God and because of that, I am useful to the One who counts. Any effort I ever put in to my life, and anytime I try to further myself in this labyrinth of life, I fail miserably, the world won't let me accomplish anything. The world looks for me to fail and IT has the homefield advantage. I get flag after foul after fumble called on me constantly and I can never score. Then I realize the reason I am here and it's not to make my own decisions but to rely on Christ to show me the answer to the obstacle at hand.
As most of you know, I went to London for a month and spent 30 days with some of the most amazing people I have ever had the pleasure of ministering with. I had no idea what to expect and it's a good thing because God showed me and taught me more than I could ever imagine. These students have a life that none of us can fully understand. Most people write off England as a country in need because it's so rich and civilized just like the United States. It's so different. There's one reason I fell in love with London. There is an open hole that cannot be overlooked in the eyes of Christ. There is a lack of love and community that breaks my heart. The people in London only see bodies around them. When I walk through that city, I see 12 millions hearts that are bleeding because they are so hard. They are losing love and purpose and they don't even realize it. I love being there because there is a love there, that if released, would revolutionize the country completely. Regeneration is possible with love. There is no speech, no slideshow, no movie, and no emotion that could deliver the accurate level of pure unhindered PASSION that I have for this place and the people there. The 10 hour flight feels like DAYS because I can't wait to get there and on my flight home, I can only try to think about when God will bring me back to the place where my work is commissioned, where I can spend my days delivering His message and love so that one day I may see all of London in Heaven singing "My God, How Great thou ART" and that one day Christ may look upon my tear covered face and say "Well done, Shane, my faithful servant". How majestic will the face of God be as I approach the throne to see Him in all of his sovereignty!
To Chris, Angie, Matt, Armond, Kristy, Channing, Emily, Sarah, & Tim,
Thank you so much for your love and your passion for these people and for their country. It is so encouraging to see my brothers and sisters in Christ working hand in hand and side by side to fulfill the calling that we have as Christians to spread a love, hope, message, and wisdom that is far beyond any worldly scholar. I truly enjoyed getting to know each and every one of you. My return is inevitable and my work is not done. It is my true hearts desire to continue my endeavors in London and to never give up on the lack of hope in that city. I pray for your ministry and I pray that God protect your family and enable you to do His work so that all may taste His sweet love.
To Doran, Marfa, Lois, & Justin,
You are the youth of London. You are a vital part of the future of your city, your country, and the areas surrounding you. God has an outstretched hand that He holds open to you as a never-closing invitation to fall into His arms, and to surrender your soul to His will, love, mercy, and grace. The people around you have a love so strong, and a bond so tight with Christ that no evil can destroy it. You have such a great opportunity, if you're willing to see it, to reach out to those whom you call your classmates and show them what the Love of Christ looks like. You have to let Christ in to enable you to do His work. I sincerely Love each one of you and I pray nothing but love and blessings on every aspect of your lives. Christ's will for your life is perfect and righteous and flawless and it has the power to prevail any obstacle that stands in it's way. I urge you to call out to God, and pray that He uses you in every way possible and that He abounds a love in your heart so great that you can't do anything else but share it with everyone around you. God Bless You.
To Iona,
I hope you don't feel as though I am singling you out, but your situation is unique. God is preparing you for a great work, a marvelous impact, and a widespread regeneration of Love throughout London. As an independent musician, you live a much different lifestyle daily. your heart is huge and your faith in Christ is even larger. There is much to be said about a person who loves people enough that she will not rely on money and wealth to make a difference, but that she relies solely on Love and the power that is instilled in that by Christ. I have enjoyed getting to know you and I hope to continue a long-lasting friendship with you and a further supporting role in the Music Community. I pray that God holds you in His hand and guides your heart where love does no reside so that you may plant it and help it grow.
TO ALL WHO HAVE READ THIS POST,
WHAT DIFFERENCE HAS BEEN MADE BECAUSE OF YOUR OUSTANDING LOVE FOR CHRIST AND FAITH IN HIS RELENTLESS WILL AND MERCY?
I pray this encourages you all to follow Christ whole-heartedly and without a 2nd thought because you have not experienced true life and love until you have surrendered your life to God.
