HOLY SMILES

This morning I was browsing through some notes that I had taken while reading Mark Batterson's book PRIMAL.

I do that often with things that have particularly challenged me so that I can keep my passion fresh and in line with God's work in my life.

Anyway, I came across a paragraph that I think is significant to share with you.  It was one of those that caused me to reflect and answer some vital questions in my life.  Here is what Mark wrote on Page 28:

"What makes you glad or sad or mad?  What puts a holy smile on your face?  What causes your spirit to sob uncontrollably?  What make you pound your fist on the table out of righteous indignation? Somewhere in the mixture of that gladness, sadness, and madness is your God-ordained passion."

These were not hard questions for me to answer!  I know what God has given to me as a passion.  The problem lies with the answers...there are too many.  Let me share just a few:

SAD...to name a few:
*Families and children who suffer and feel alone; without hope.
*People who need a little help to get back on their feet, but nobody will give it to them without a ton of paperwork.
*A world that has the ability to meet needs, but appears too selfish to work on them.
*People who suffer and need assistance because of things that are outside their control.

FIST POUNDING MAD...to name a few:
*People dying of diseases for which there are cures and simple answers!
*Refugees, orphans, widows who are displaced because of the selfishness and madness of war!
*Hunger in a world that has food enough for everyone, but we pay farmers not to plant crops because of price fixing!
*People in need because of events (disasters, death, war, etc) that have affected their ability to have the basics of life and people with plenty who hoard! 
*Followers of Jesus who are too busy to serve others, give generously and sacrificially so that people can see the hope that lies in Him.  


HOLY SMILES...to name a few:
*Smiles from orphans, widows and families who have been given hope and encouragement by a meal, or water, or a helping hand of some kind.
*Hugs given for the same reasons!
*Giving sacrificially of yourself and your resources; and the unbelievable joy that comes from that. 
*Organizations like Convoy of Hope, Medical Teams International, Christian Missions in Africa, Two Feet Project, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Food for the Hungry, International Teams, The Galileo School...and many, many others who are serving faithfully the poor, the disenfranchised, the needy, the hurting and the hungry. 
*Followers of Christ who are obedient to GO and DO, and the resulting Life Change that takes place. 

Mark finishes his statement with this:
"Somewhere in the mixture...is your God-ordained passion.  Or maybe I should say COMPASSION, because you are feeling what God feels.  And once you identify it, doing something about it isn't optional.  You can't not do something about it."

I sincerely hope you take time to answer the questions Mark asks.  Because, like me, once you do, you won't rest because you have to do something about it.

Wishing you an unrestful period of life until you discover the passion/compassion God has given you!

A Humble Servant!
Greg