I don’t know her,
We merely exchanged church smiles and head nods
But I want to be that woman
Or at least the image of what she stands for in my mind.
Church service in Kigali, Rwanda
No air-conditioning, doors thrown open so cool breezes could provide a pleasant atmosphere, were to only things to remind me where I was. Participating in a such an “American” style service in the heart of Africa reminded me that worship can look similar—thousands of miles away from home. We praise, we pray, we commune, we listen as God’s word is spoken to us.
All the while my eyes kept returning to her proud visage.
The picture of a self-assured, wholly devoted, Godly woman.
The one who stands out
The one everyone looks to
The one who speaks her mind
The one who is bold and unafraid.
I want to wear red bravely
I want a daring hat on my head
I want to sit alone with my head held high.
I want to be loving and tolerant
But not tolerant at the expense of truth
I want to stand against the tide of evil that is rushing in stronger and harder every year.
I want to dig my toes in the sand and stand my ground
I want to be unbowed by pressure
And the the desire to be liked
And the need to be adored.
How weak I am
How often I am quiet when I should roar
How often I sit silently when I should stand
How I fear being alone.
But I am never really alone
I want to be wholly dependent on God—least of all
myself
She greeted many
Yet she came alone
She sat solitary as if full devotion could not be reached with the distraction of others.
Yet she worshipped with us all the same, red scarf swaying.
One individual enveloped by a body of believers.
I don’t know if she walked a long distance or was one of the few who had a car, or even knew how to drive…
But regardless she was there with her colorful head wrap, wise eyes sparkling and a smile and a nod for all.
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Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
-Write down 2-3 areas where you are weak.
-Pray over them daily and ask him for strength.