To whom much is given...

I haven't updated in quite some time because I felt like I didn't have a major event marking my journey. Then I realized...a LOT has been going on in my head. And I've come to conclude that those thoughts are just as important as any other updates I'd give. So, almost a month after my first post, here's a follow up :)

The month after my decision to join Teach for America has been an interesting one. I've discovered an even greater number of fears, learned about the feelings of others and daydreamed about what will be. Though *uncertainty* is the word of choice playing Pinball in my head, God has shown Himself supreme through each bump into the wall or flashing light in the arcade game going about my brain.

On Wednesday, I participated in a "Webinar" with TFA's Faith Community Relations Team. These corps members are responsible for reaching out to other members who have expressed an interest in learning about how the TFA experience and faith may go hand-in-hand. I listened to three different people share how their faith was challenged, questioned and (ultimately) strengthened. Pretty encouraging!

At the end of the chat, someone mentioned Luke 12:48..."...To whom much is given, much will be demanded..." I spent some time reading Luke after that. You should too! In this particular book of the Gospel, Luke described many accounts regarding the oppressed; whether that be the poor, women or those who were socially unethical. Also in this book were the stories of the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan. (Seriously, read the book of Luke again...and focus on the stories he tells. You'll be blessed!) There are so many things in chapter 12, in particular, that basically "knocked me upside the head" this week! I have not BEEN blessed, I AM blessed. So much has been given to me (a wonderful family, supportive friends, a superb education and experiences I never could have imagined...not to mention, I am saved by the Lord Jesus Christ -- what could be a better blessing than an eternity with Him?!).

I hope that each and everyone of you can find a hint of encouragement in these words...

 ³⁵"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, ³⁶like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.³⁷It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. ³⁸It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. ³⁹But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. ⁴⁰You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

 ⁴¹Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?"

 ⁴²The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? ⁴³It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. ⁴⁴I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.⁴⁵But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. ⁴⁶The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

 ⁴⁷"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. ⁴⁸But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

It's Official!

Well...It's official! Yesterday, I accepted my offer to Teach for America in Jacksonville for the next two years. This was -- without a doubt -- the scariest decision I've ever made. Throughout the past few weeks I recounted each major decision I've made in my life. None of them compared. I have just committed to step out my comfort zone and away from my field of study to teach children in low-income schools and help bridge the achievement gap -- a situation that I never imagined until seven months ago.

As I spent close to four months at home in Orlando this summer working part-time and interning with a public relations agency, I considered what I would do after graduation in April. I read an account of one of my sorority sisters who was a Teach for America corps member in Atlanta, and I became so intrigued about her life and the mission of TFA. I read their Web site and my heart melted immediately. I quickly realized this could be a calling beyond my wildest imagination!

Throughout the TFA interview process, my feelings ranged from anticipation and excitement to uncertainty and inadequacy. In the end, I have no doubt that the Lord has called me to give myself to students in Jacksonville for the next two years. I know that it will be a challenge. I know that at times I will feel completely incapable. I know that I will face disappointment and failure. Yet, I know that beyond these momentary hardships, I will make a difference in the lives of children who need to be reassured that they matter and that education is a vital part of productive citizenship and a fulfilling life.

As a lover of writing and communication, this blog will be my outlet and my way to reach the people I care about the most. I want each of you to know about the new adventures in my life. And, selfishly, I want you to how to pray for me specifically during this time.


"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Matthew 6:31-34 (The Message)