I realize this is the third time I am posting this picture...but I guess I just wanted the opportunity to write a little more than a Facebook caption. Now, I had no idea this existed until a Canadian couple I am in contact with visited Imara in October. I was very excited to see new pictures of the clinic, but this definitely was a shock. On one hand, it's one of the most touching and incredible things I have experienced. I mean, who wouldn't want to be honored in such a way? Some people pay millions of dollars to get their name on a building. A lot of times people don't get their names put on anything until they are dead!
On the other hand, I feel very undeserving of such an honor. I could not have done anything that I have done thus far in my life without the grace and faithfulness of God, and I want him to receive the honor & glory above all else. Plus, I believe the people of Kenya, especially those at Imara, have given me more than I could have ever given to them. I hope to cherish and honor them, just as they have done for me.
The underlying message this represents is what is most encouraging to me. We have a friendship, a partnership...we are in this together. I knew that if I really was going to move forward and start a non-profit that it must be on the foundation of supporting and partnering, and not going and doing. The truth is...I am not really very equipped to provide healthcare to Kenyans, as much as my heart does desire to. I do not speak Swahili. I did not grow up in the African culture. I know very little about tropical diseases. But, the lovely part of it all is that God has used both my strengths and weaknesses to help support the wonderful, wonderful things that are already going on in Kenya. And that is why it is so exciting for me to extend that opportunity to others through Imani Care International.
As I was driving to work this evening, I heard this guy on the radio say something that really struck me. When I was at the next red light, I found a piece of paper and quickly wrote it down, so I wouldn't forget. He said in regards to how we use our money/possessions/resources/influence, we should want to be "flowing streams of blessing, and not stagnant pools of entitlement." Think of that one for a moment. I never fully understood the concept of generosity and the joy of giving until recently. You would think that as I am trying to start a nonprofit I would be saving up my funds exclusively for Imani...and honestly, that was my original intention once I started receiving a "real" paycheck. But from that first paycheck...God just began rewiring my heart. And there just have consistently been situations and opportunities that have just plopped themselves right in front of me....and I know my heart has changed because I am just so eager to give and so excited to watch God redistribute what He has blessed me with. I don't want to be stagnant....yes, I want to be wise and there is wisdom in saving, but there is just something so freeing about not being attached to money! And not viewing it as exclusively mine, to benefit me only (or even my own organization).
I guess my challenge for myself, and maybe for you as well, is to give with absolutely no expectations. Sounds easier than it really is. That means when you are helping a friend out through a tough time, you don't do it because you want to ensure they will return the favor. It means you don't always expect people to pay you back or make them feel indebted to you. It means donating to things even if you cannot get a tax-write off. That means if we want to be "flowing streams," our generosity really should never stop...it's not just a season or a time of the month or a stage of life. That means giving even when you have already "tithed" for the month. It means letting go of something...whether it be time, money, material things, control....and expecting nothing in return. It's freeing. And more likely than not, God will just entrust you with even more to give :)
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