Miraculous Love
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
1 John 4:10-12 NIV
I am a questions person. Everyone that knows me, knows that to spend time with me = me asking questions that take us below the surface and into meaningful conversation. I’m definitely not the friend you want to meet for coffee if you are wanting to talk about the weather – I’m a depth girl. I want to know you – what drives you, what you love, what brings you joy, and even what your trials look like in this season. One of the very best gifts I’ve ever been given is a book of 5,000 questions to get to know anyone. If you come to my house, chances are good… that I’m bringing that baby out. One of my favorite things to ask others is, “If you could sum up what you want your life and legacy to be in two words, what would it be?”
My answer: Miraculous love. That is my life calling, my purpose, my why, my inspiration and the passion and force that drives me.
Who I am today and how I love is a miracle.
I grew up on the mission field, my family moved almost every two years and change became my life norm. I was constantly starting over relationally, in school, in churches and in life in general. For most people that would have been a challenge but for me – it was (mostly) a grand adventure. I am an eternal optimist and always focused on the good in my life without giving much of the negatives a thought. Through the years, I grew to love different cultures, and people everywhere we lived. Those changes were so beautiful and life giving, but being a ministry kid was difficult almost everywhere – that is one thing that didn’t change. I was expected to be perfect and felt constant pressure to be the very best representation of Christ – everywhere and always. That is a lot of weight and for any child to carry – but especially for this people pleasing, strong willed, free spirit who LOVED to have fun. I found myself developing a coping mechanism to handle being a ministry kid. I learned to live behind walls of protection. I was put together, poised, always had my best face on, and only let a select few behind the walls, into the fortress that protected my heart.
When David and I felt certain we were being called into full time ministry the Lord slowly and gently began dismantling my fortress. As we raised our support to go on the mission field He grew in me a desire to do ministry in a vulnerable and authentic way. That desire drew me out of my fortress of self protection, togetherness and poise. It brought me to a place where being real and honest was relatable and life-giving. It wasn’t just freeing for me – it beautifully ministered to others and drew them in. By the time we landed in England, God had done so much work in my heart that when I walked through the doors of our church, my life purpose and calling was evident and effortlessly began to flow from me. It was to LOVE – To love lavishly, to love grandly and to love miraculously.
That is the gift He gave me as we entered into full time ministry. A capacity to love in a way that I had never known or experienced, that flowed straight from Him. I knew it was greater than myself, and it is. Over and over again I remind myself, especially in the most difficult of moments – when choosing to love is gut wrenching and sacrificial – that Jesus, the Savior of the world, who is the ultimate example of the truest love – LIVES IN ME. His love is miraculous. When His love is flowing out of my life that makes my love miraculous too.
That love is what propels me, drives me and inspires me every day to extravagantly love whomever He puts in front of me. Whether I’m at a coffee shop, in line at the grocery store, getting my oil changed, welcoming my church family into His presence on Sunday morning, loving on the broken hearted, going on missions trips or writing you – it is all because of His miraculous love.
Friend, I would love to hear from you! If you could sum up what you want your life and legacy to be in two words, what would they be? Comment below! I love that God made each of us uniquely and purposefully! It would be such an honor to know what makes you…YOU!
Yours truly, Rachel
If I were to pick two words it would have to be “Love Children.” Growing up I was called “mother duck” as you could always find me playing and loving on little ones. I was always drawn to loving and mentoring those younger than me. With this God given passion of loving on kiddos, I was called into teaching. I love my job as I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.
Thank you so much for sharing!!!! I love this! What a beautiful life calling! Blessings on you as you shape generations to come with your gifts and Calling! -Rachel
Well written as always my sweet daughter.
I am so proud of you, your love for life, your love for family and most important your love for Jesus!
Thank you Mama! Love you so much.