Believing in God's promises for you

Book review of “Without Rival” by Lisa Bevere

One of my new favorite books! I follow Lisa on facebook and she always drops truth bombs and nuggets of encouragement. In March and April I finally got around to reading one of her books, "Without Rival." She reminded me that, as women of faith, we each have a unique identity and an incomparable promise, an imperishable inheritance from God our Father. She discusses the dangers of comparing and competing, even as far as the question of gender equality. It was very enlightening to read Paul’s letters in light of the culture of his Greek audience; they had traditionally assigned important religious roles, such as oracles, to women, who were revered as almost demi-gods. It took on a different tone when I then read, “Let women be silent in public meetings and submit themselves to religious authority” (1 Timothy 2:11). She also explored fear vs. love in our relationships; where do we expect disappointment? Are we throwing wishes into a wishing well but are too paralyzed by fear to act upon these desires?

One of the most interesting revelations in this book, for me, was the story of Photina. She was the Samaritan woman at the well, who talked with Jesus about the Living Water. She believed He was the Messiah and she was saved that day…but her story doesn’t end there. What an inspiration!

In short, I needed to hear this just now: “Your life and all of its potential is a God-given entrustment. It would be a shame if all that is in you were like so much treasure and talents buried under the opinions and expectations of strangers” (p. 231). For all of these reasons, I highly recommend this book.

(Note: there are teaching videos available if you want to read this book as a group study)

The dark side of self-care

Taking care of yourself. If you’re a caregiver, healthcare worker, or missionary, you may have already been introduced to the idea of self-care. Wikipedia defines the concept as “the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.” It’s really important for mental health and holistic well-being. All of that sounds really positive, even essential, right? But…what if it becomes an unhealthy practice? What if I’ve twisted self-care into self-indulgence?

                

Here’s my confession: I just** went on a short overseas trip, from Niger to London, for 5 days. The primary purpose was to attend an occupational therapy course on treating pediatric hands. During that time, I read my Bible once, didn’t attend or listen to any worship services, and didn’t even listen to worship music. I prayed a couple times a day but they were what we in the Family call “fly-by” prayers. I was completely self-absorbed, totally focused on my agenda for this long-anticipated respite from the heat, dust, noise and stress of Niger, in full “self-care mode.” I was going to do everything that I wanted to do, without anyone else asking me to do anything, and I was going to enjoy the cold temperatures and the public amenities and the tourist attractions and every gluten-free thing I could find. (All accomplished, by the way.)

I find myself struggling to remember to make space for God when I go on trips, or during times of transition, when I’m out of my routine and/or in a new place, because I’m incredibly devoted to habits. I’m also a spazz who multi-tasks at all times (example: while I’m getting dressed I’m probably also making coffee, feeding the dogs, checking messages, and gathering the therapy supplies I need to take with me that morning…maybe even starting laundry or the crockpot). I want to want to spend time with God, and if I don’t there’s something off-balance or missing, but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of space in my head for sitting down with Him. I just forget to do it.

I was thankful that even if I seemingly forgot Him, wrapped up as I was in 5 days of self-indulgence, He didn’t forget me. I had faith-centered conversations with my Airbnb hostess, my London airport driver, a fellow overseas worker, a lady in a gluten-free café, and a fellow traveler returning to Niger. I pray that more opportunities for such conversations will occur naturally during my work in Niamey.

One idea that I came up with to combat my lack of attention to Grace was to download more worship music and listen to it more often (especially in the car). And I’m also spending more time writing in my journal, developing a habit of bringing it with me in case I find myself with downtime somewhere. Please keep me in your prayers as I seek refreshment and renewal for this season of life: living in the desert of Niger, finishing French language school** and transitioning to working full-time as the only occupational therapist in this country of 21 million people. If my cup is spiritually empty, I’m truly lost.

**note: I drafted this on Jan 29 and it's taken a few weeks to upload pics and get it published, due to internet struggles...since then, I've passed my French placement exam into Advanced level and I'm no longer in school. I've transitioned to full-time ministry. I also questioned myself several times over these weeks if I should actually publish something confessing that my spiritual practices wax and wane...after all, I'm a missionary. One of God's elite super-soldiers, right? Um, no. I'm just as flawed as anyone else. In case anyone thinks God has a ranking system, you should listen to my pastor's sermon on "A Hidden Ancestry" (Dec 16th), in which he reminds us that we are all rebels and rejects. "It's not about your goodness, it's about His grace." Thank you, Lord.

Wearing many hats

 Occupational therapist by day… high school teacher by afternoon… receptionist/cooking class instructor by night...

 I seem to have become a teacher overnight (my father’s mother would be proud, as she was an English teacher). I originally agreed, back in the fall, to help fill in the gap being left by a retiring reading resource specialist at Sahel Academy. This is a wonderful school here in Niamey with a Christ-centered mission,

to develop students through a holistic education of the highest quality while nurturing a Christ-like character and a heart of service.

 I originally planned that I would volunteer two afternoons per week, after seeing my therapy clients in the mornings, to assist 2 students in the Phonics First literacy program. Then, the bottom fell out for a dear couple who both teach at Sahel, forcing them to leave Niger during the first week of the new semester in order to pursue medical attention. And voila! I am now teaching three secondary school (high school) students, four afternoons per week: one in physics, one in biology, and one in reading/Phonics First. The curricula/syllabi are already laid out for the semester, so at least I don’t have to do an excessive amount of prep work, but I do need to prepare for each science lab, grade all the papers and tests, and juggle 2-3 students sharing my time during any given class period. It helps that I loved school, I’ve taught ESL so the phonics stuff is at least a little familiar, and I majored in biology in undergrad. The kids are also very willing to work. 

 Please pray that we can honor God and honor the Academy’s faith in me as we complete this semester together! Please pray for the couple on medical leave, that their doctors will swiftly determine the best course of action. As they just wrote in an update, "the more people praying, the better!"

 My "night job" started as a receptionist position at the Foyer Evangélique Universitaire (FEU) on Tuesdays, and I've also agreed to help on two Thursdays this semester with teaching the cooking class. I don't know anything about teaching cooking, but I do love to eat, and I like to think that I'm a good cook!! I will be brushing up on my kitchen vocabulary in French before my first class, February 7th! (Did I mention I have to teach in French??) There will be other instructors, my friends, there with me, to lend a hand if needed. Please pray that this goes well and that the women (up to 10) enjoy my recipes.