Exposing the Lies of Fear

Today, I came face to face with beauty - hard, mucky beauty.

This weekend we were invited to a round of four birthday parties. No, we are not popular; we simply have six kids.

My favorite party - no offense - was our new friend *Buddy's* party.

Buddy has the precious gift of being cared for my new fostering friend Erin. Little Buddy and my Daniel turn five only days apart.

It was a laid back affair at the park, and my boys broke just about every toy. But, this party was different.

You see, Erin invited Buddy's Momma.

If you could have seen the moment when Momma walked through the parking lot...if you could have seen her face; his face as he ran and threw those little brown hands around her neck; if you could had seen Erin's face.

It was sacred.

Erin could have chosen to fear, and not a soul on earth would have blamed her.

But Erin knew, fear is a lie. And the only way to expose that lie of darkness is with the light of truth...

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. - John 8:32

I sat and talked with Momma for a bit. Her face glowed. No, things aren't perfectly smooth. I can only imagine how her heart was heaving...and, I know from experience the lump that most likely clutched Erin's throat.

But, they did it. 

Erin extended the hand of the gospel and danced with a Momma who had lost hope, who had thought her story was over.

Her response when I asked her; she said she now knows there's a God watching out for her. She said Erin is the greatest gift God could have ever given her and her family in this moment because for the first time in a long time, they have hope.

Erin could have claimed this day for herself, and no one would have asked.

But, she chose the mess; the beautiful mess. She exposed light to the lie of fear.

And the fighting dance of the gospel continues...

You fought

but you were just too weak

so you lost

all the things you try to keep

now you're on your knees, you're on your knees

But wait,

everything can change,

in a moment's time 

you don't have to be afraid,

cause fear is just a lie

open up your eyes

And He'll break

open the skies to save

those who cry out his name

the one the winds and waves obey

He's strong enough to save you

Look

now is not too late

lift up your head

let the rain fall on your face

you're not far from grace, your not too far from grace

And he'll break

open the skies to save

those who cry out his name

the one the wind and waves obey

He's strong enough to save you

I know the weight of this world can take you down like 

gravity and I know the current of yourself can take you 

out, out to sea but hold on, hold on

And he'll break

open the stars to save

those who cry out his name

the one the wind and waves obey

He's strong enough to save you.

- Strong Enough to Save, Third Avenue North