Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Reflections of Rwanda

(This is from Kristin who was on the trip with us. She attended one of the Art Music Justice Concerts and sponsored a child that night. She is insightful, and it was great to have her on the trip with us.)

My calloused heart shattered Pieces of Gisanga reflected Open arms Running to embrace Innocence traced in each hand Grace bestowed Through a smile A love bound By eternity Honor given To unworthy vessel

As I step in the courtyard area, little arms of perfection run to embrace me. The calluses of my heart begin to peel away, layer by layer. A friend reminded me of a similar scenario in the Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis. Aslan has to peel the layers of Eustace's dragon skin for him to become a boy again, The very first tear he made was so deep that I thought it had gone right into my heart. And when he began pulling the skin off, it hurt worse than anything I've ever felt. The only thing that made me able to bear it was just the pleasure of feeling the stuff peel off(Lewis 474-475). Eustace could only be useful for Aslan's purposes only after the layers of dragon skin were peeled off. The Lord broke me in that moment. A little girl who only knew me as her sponsor loved me unabashedly. A solitary chair was placed in the small barren room. The chair was for me. I was the honored guest. I had done no worthy deed to receive such honor. All of sudden my thoughts were flooded with God's grace. I had never understood before and now I had seen it firsthand. God, just like this little girl's family has given me the reserved seat of honor. Nothing I could do would give me the right to this beloved seat and yet God is motioning me to sit. His grace is so undeserved and so beautiful. Broken and callous free I am becoming.

10 comments:

  1. "Broken and callous free..."

    And so we are all becoming--though I know I'm in constant need of reminders of the reality of other peoples' lives in order to keep rubbing off my own callouses. Thanks for sharing your thoughts so poignantly.

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  2. Wow, Sara! I am so excited to find your blog and read about your trip and the experience and stories from Rwanda! I just started a blog but am slow to keep up with it as well. Looking forward to reading more! Thanks for sharing your heart with us! Blessings to you, Troy and your kids! (PS we're having a boy in about 5 weeks!)

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  3. Thanks Kristin... CS Lewis is my favorite author and it's always great to hear how His writing has impacted others. I am so glad that you followed in obedience to start supporting a child at Sara's concert right away! That's awesome girl, keep livin' for Him!

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  4. What an amazing journey you are on. Best wishes and safe travels. I found your blog via your music. Your music is beautiful. Keep up your good work, you are inspiring.

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  5. Beautifully written. The Grace of God, so deep, so wide. I'm overwhelmed by it.

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  6. Thank you for your authentic reflection of your wonderful experience. So appreciated!

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  7. it really very good.
    I love it !
    I like it !
    thanks :)- .

    Bathmate

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  8. Hello Sara, don't know if this will make it to you, I don't see a way to contact you. An old friend linked to your video I Saw What I Saw on Facebook.
    I'm a photographer and a musician (www.roughlumberministry.com) and I've been to Haiti twice since the earthquake.
    Outstanding video and song. Good job.
    I wanted to tell you this while it's fresh. While I was watching the video there was a clip of a boy running along the street with a homemade bicycle.
    Sometimes I see things. I saw an image of this boy, standing next to his bicycle, photographed with pride, accomplishment. Then a price for the bicycle. $4999.99
    I saw it displayed in a very wealthy person's home, as a new kind of art, and I saw this boy making alot more of works of art.
    Just wanted to pass it on while it was still fresh.
    Good job with expressing your feelings. I'm also a writer, but since March I haven't been able to bring myself to a place where I can write about Haiti. It's the first time in my life something has cut me so deep, to the point I think I have this self-preservation mechanism kicking in.

    Dan
    www.danelliottphotography.com

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