We all have a testimony… situations we’ve experienced and how God has brought us through to the other side. Have you thought about how your testimony could help encourage someone else who is currently facing thier own battles?
Recently I was sharing with a few hundred people about how I tried to commit suicide a month after graduating from high school in 1992. I shared my thoughts during that dark time in my life and how I felt there was no future waiting for me, how I felt alone in my struggles. Then I shared how God brought me through (Lord, you didn’t allow me to die last night, so you must have a plan for me. I want it) and has given me a life beyond what I thought possible - not just for me - but for every person’s life I been blessed to impact as a result of living to see a new day. It was a great moment of encouragement for many who were there.
(NOTE: This writing serves to give a general overview of my experience in Burundi.)
“Does a waterfall stop falling? - Does the wind stop blowing? - Does the sea stop flowing? - Does the sun stop shining? - Does the bird stop flying? - Does the world stop turning on its axis? - I spend so much time - Trying to figure out: - Who - What - When - Where - and Why? - Without taking the time to enjoy the wonders of this life. - Just taking the time to enjoy the journey…” (Allen Paul Weaver III, Transition: Breaking Through the Barriers, IUniverse, p. 68)
(NOTE: This installment serves as an account of my experiences and as a highlight to the tragic event of the Genocide in Rwanda. To write about the Genocide’s complete history would take too much space here. I am in no way an expert on the many facets of this event. However, I have learned a lot through interaction. There will be resources linked to this writing which you can access for more information. What you are about to read may not be easy… but please read it anyway. - Allen Paul Weaver III, New York, )
(NOTE: Thankfully, our three-person team made it to Rwanda, Burundi and back to the United States safely without any major incidents. Personally, the trip to Rwanda and Burundi was a lot for me to process. However, I didn’t want to write anything lengthy until I had time to “sit” with my thoughts for a bit. At the time of this first writing - I’ve only been back in the states for just under 48 hours hours. Yet I realize this is an opportunity to give you a sense of my experience and thoughts. So what you are about to read is still somewhat of a work in process. Feel free to leave comments. And “Thank you” to all who prayed for us while we were gone. - Allen Paul Weaver III, June 4, 2008, New York, 6:53am E.S.T.)
Where is your life headed? Do you want a change in direction? How many of your goals and dreams seem to be falling by the wayside? What can you do to go down a different path… a better, more fulfilling path? What one action can change your entire life forever? Is it even possible to change things? Yes, change is possible and there is an action that has this transforming ability. It is single-handedly, the most simple technique - yet it yields the greatest returns. Even so, many people (myself included) do not take advantage of this simple action on a consistent basis as they pursue their dreams; and because of this inconsistency success is often elusive. But now is the time to change and become consistent!
I found myself headed to work on the train this morning; feeling a bit… not overwhelmed… but ‘awkward.’ Life’s pulling in so many directions. More issues continue to rise and I feel increasingly worn out - as if the enemy somehow discovered a secret entrance unaware to me and was siphoning my energy. An internal battle was being waged - for my joy.
I attempted to rationalize it away: I did stay up all night working on a video project that was due. When the ‘tired’ hits so does crankiness and sluggishness. But this seemed different. I felt this siphoning before I pulled the all-nighter. And pastor just talked yesterday about how we need to break through the barriers of opposition in our lives. So I pressed through the ‘tired’ and prayed. I didn’t ‘feel’ any different. But then a desire began to swell up within me.
Are you happy with Me alone?
If I never granted another personal wish
All your dreams and aspirations inside
Never to be seen and glorified.
Watching others receive blessings from Me
Their smiles and laughter… their tears of joy
While your dreams run away from you
Like sand slipping through your fingers.
Are you happy with Me alone?
If I never said “I love you” again
Which doesn’t mean that I don’t
But could you withstand My silence?
As I used you to only bless others
While your dreams, I knocked by the wayside
Could you trust Me as I stand
Wanting you to commit your very life to Me
Your living essence to Me and to Me alone.
Are you happy with Me alone?
If I allowed every possession to be taken
Like I allowed in My servant Job’s situation
With only your life intact?
