Have you ever been consumed over something? It could be anything: A new home, a sports team, a hobby, or even a political candidate? Our passions are what often give us motivation. Passions are what make us simpatico with some and different from others. I believe passion is God-given, for when passion is ignited within us, we feel most alive. When we are passionate about something and we hit a roadblock, it can be most disturbing, because the fire that burns and gives light to our life starts to fade. Keeping the embers going is tough work and sometimes needs the assistance of others.
Once a year, I serve with an organization called Thrive Ministries (formerly Women of the Harvest), as a counselor/therapist to passionate women who need to be reminded that their passion is worthy. These global workers are feet on the ground, serving the homeless, the fatherless and the truly humbled around the world. They are teaching, helping the impoverished to build homes and businesses, risking their lives to get women and children out of prostitution and sex trafficking, and when they do this, they get tired. These women do what they do and they also raise children of their own, learn new languages, get sick where good healthcare is unavailable and miss their friends and family back in the United States. But they go because they are fueled by a deep passion.
Serving with Thrive Ministries for the past four years, I have heard a common theme. The call to service in the world, comes to most of these women in such a profound way, it cannot be rejected. These women know their purpose in life is to serve the world. Yet, their service comes with a sacrifice. It is lonely, physically taxing and heartbreaking in the day-to-day. They need refreshment and rejuvenation.
When I share with people my passion for serving these women, I often say that I have wanted to serve the world in some way, for most of my life. I didn’t know how, since as those who know me can attest, it would not be a gift if I built you a house. For years, I offered my services to organizations but my skill set often didn’t match up. However, with Thrive Ministries, I can offer what I do well, to people who have little or no access to counseling. I can be a part of their mission, their passion, and I can be a part of making the world a better place.
I have served with Thrive here in the United States, Guatemala, Turkey and most recently, in Thailand. I am currently seeking God’s wisdom in whether I should join the team heading to Dubai next February. I am consumed with it. That might mean that God is a part of this crazy plan that will require a miracle….no, seriously, a MIRACLE.
What passion is God putting in your heart? What crazy plan is starting a fire in your soul? Are you willing to risk letting that fire grow so that your life can be a blessing to others and by extension, more satisfying to you?