From the Streets...to the Stage

 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
Matthew 16:26

       Last week, while attending a mom's group at church, I had the privilege of hearing a guest speaker from Haiti. Jackie, a 21 year old professional dancer, spent about an hour telling us 'his story.'

       When his mom became pregnant with him, his dad walked out. His mom moved to the city, in hopes of finding a better life. She got married to another man, and had 3 more kids. Years later, his dad contracted AIDS, and so did his mom, and their newborn baby. At 11, he was orphaned, and left to care for his 3 younger siblings. After living on the streets for many years, he finally found refuge in a Christian boys home. It was at this home that his life was changed. He recieved proper care, shelter, and education. He started dancing, and eventually became a professional dancer, traveling the world. God took him from the streets, to the stage, and in return, he has dedicated his life to giving back to others. He currently runs a home in Haiti for children/adults with disabilities.

       His story and passion was enough to get anyone thinking, but honestly, it wasn't until he talked about living on the streets that God really began to tug at my heart. Jackie said that it was on the streets that he learned what he needed to know in life. It was during this difficult part of his life that he learned how to respect people, love others, and lean on God.

      Tears rolled down my face, as Jackie talked about living on the streets. I tried to put myself in his shoes, and for the life of me, I couldn't wrap my spoiled brain around what it would be like to have absolutely nothing. To be fatherless, motherless, homeless, dirty, hungry, and uneducated...with little hope that things would change. But HE SAID, it was during THIS TIME that he learned to be most....Like Christ.

      Sometimes I wonder about the faith of those of us who have a lot. Specifically those of us who live in country, where we want so much stuff, and want it now....and a lot of it. Most of us have never had to lean on Christ the way Jackie did on the streets. We have never had to pray that God will provide for our next piece of bread. We have never been in such a hopeless state. I am very thankful for the abundant life God has provided for me and my family on Earth. However, as I am constantly tempted to want more, I hear God's caution: "and what do you benefit if you gain the whole world, and lose your soul." Thanks Jackie, for your reminder of God's grace, love, and loyalty to those he calls, His.