Thursday, February 20, 2014

A voice in different accents

When I newly moved to the United States from Nigeria in 10th grade, it didn't take me or anyone else long to recognize that I had a different accent. Sometimes, when I would speak in class, my fellow students would laugh at my accent. I would fight back by reading longer passages, talking more, or just being defensive... it started to wear me out and I got tired. The day my only friend was moving, I decided "I'm just going to stop talking". That evening I casually told my younger sister Chioma, and the words she spoke to me literally poured life back into me; that was God's answer to the prayer I didn't know how to pray. It changed my life. It gave me back my voice.

God's rescue to me that night: Chioma

I finished high school, and now in college, everyone (well, as far as I know) loves to hear me speak. That doesn't matter though, what matters is that I spoke regardless of people's "opinions" of my voice. Each and every one of us is God's voice in a different accent, we are a unique expression of God, we are God's handiwork, His masterpiece, created to do good works which He has prepared for us in Christ Jesus before time. The talents, the desires, passions and personality He has put in us are intentional, purposeful. However, people will "laugh" at your accent, (if you haven't experienced it, expect it). People will misunderstand, and maybe even mock you, who God has created you to be, but if God is for you, and the Bible says that no one can stand against you, then be rest-assured that no one will succeed against you. This is God we're talking about!

Maybe you decided to shut up, to stop being who God is calling you to be. Maybe you've suppressed the workings of the Holy Spirit through you. How will God reveal Himself and His love for the people around you, if you refuse to let Him use you? I mean, that's your purpose, that's why He made you in the first place. Let me play my sister's role to you today and encourage you, who you are is completely beautiful because of He who made you. You are a masterpiece; think of any world-known artist, although human and imperfect, all their artwork is usually excellent, intentional, beautiful, now think that you are God's artwork... Let the world around you hear that beautiful voice that has been placed in you. Please let us see that picture.

Work in me

God's been doing so much and teaching me so much, I can't wait to share in future blogs! He has been setting me free in so many ways, and showing how to fully enjoy life. My heart's cry to my lover and Maker at the moment:

Work in me, I want the beauty that comes from your art.
Move in me, let the winds of your love shape who I am. 
Please be patient as I learn to let go, give me your hand as I grapple around. 
Wrap me in your arms that I depend on your love more and more. 
Let your Presence wash through me until there’s nothing left that you did not give.

From the depths of my heart or the top of my head, with all my desire or in spite of it, I ask You to work in me.