I read an excerpt from Sara’s website and it really struck home:
“There is a scene in the movie Dances with Wolves where the Sioux are on a much anticipated buffalo hunt. As they come up over a hill, they are shocked to see a field full of buffalo carcasses. The tragedy of that moment is that where the Sioux use every piece of the buffalo-the bladder holds water, the bone makes a tool, the skin is a covering for a tent- whoever has done this has taken the best part of the buffalo for himself and has left everything else to waste. There is no way to make good use of all that is lying in this field.
I was so convicted when I went to Africa that I am not using all of my spiritual buffalo. I have developed this one side of my personal relationship with God. I go to church, I have incredible worship, and I listen to incredible speakers. I have money to buy devotionals, and leisure time to do those devotionals. I have spent a lifetime grooming a personal faith in Christ, but have I been taking the best piece of the buffalo for myself? There has been a joy in discovering the good use of my life. There is a reciprocal redemption that happens when we enter into stories of helping our neighbor-not just around the world, but in our own communities. When I came home from Africa, instead of feeling guilty for my life, I began to hear God in a very clear way say, ‘that thing carries water, that thing makes a tool, that is covering for a tent.’ There is a beauty to the good use of a life, and to the acknowledgment that everything you have and do has a Kingdom purpose.”
Now, it took her going to Africa and seeing what was there to realize she wasn’t using all God had given her. But what I have to ask myself is, am I? What do I keep for myself? What parts of my life am I NOT using for the Kingdom? And should it really take any of us going half way across the world to be hit with the reality of the fact that, WE ARE NOT HERE FOR OURSELVES. So why on earth do we keep acting like it??
This is a video by a christian music artist names Sara Groves. I saw this video some time before I left for Africa and I’ll admit, watching it then, it was hard to imagine that I would indeed see the things shown there. It all really seemed to be a world away. I watched it again recently, the first time since I returned to the states. I have to say, it means so much more now. It means reflection, deep reflection. It also means conviction. So, what am I going to do with that reflection and conviction? Where does that passion go from here?
Beth,
You never cease to amaze me in your maturity in your faith and wisdom. As the time has passed and I’ve read your blogs, I find myself sometimes thinking that if I had never met you and didn’t know your father, I would think you were a much older young woman. You seem to have a great deal of insight.
Thank you.
Beth,
You really are an amazing young lady, with so much insight – as Pat says. I read Dances with Wolves and saw the movie (don’t see many movies), and recently I have read other books about First Americans. That concept of using all of the animal or whatever it was is great. And now you apply it to our lives. Certainly makes a lot of sense. Most of us are not applying ourselves or using our “talents and abilities” as we should. Thanks for reminding us of these concepts and ideas for growing in our relationship with our Lord and Savior.
Dolores
thanks how God ben using you keep up