Now I do need to address an issue. There are a lot of people in this world who do their "good deeds" for the wrong reasons. We all know those people who don't give in the name of the father, but instead in the name of receiving earthly praise. The bible warns us about those people. In Matthew 6 the Lord says "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." But guess what, at the same time it is most definitely not our place to judge these people. I mean there are far worst things that they could be doing. At least they are doing something for the betterment of this world! But again... that is not my point. I understand why people think it may be funny to mock these "women who pose with 3rd world children." As most of you know I have posted many many many pictures from my trip to Uganda this past year. But please let me tell you why.
I love Uganda. I love it's people, it's land, and it's culture. I was the happiest I have ever been while I was there. I post so many pictures from my journey to Africa not because I am searching for praise, but because those pictures are pieces of my HEART, my JOY, and my testament to the GLORY of GOD. Don't get my wrong, it is very easy to get caught up in the praise of going on a mission trip. People do praise you because it is scary and it is hard, but the praise is not what it is about. My constant prayer throughout my journey was that when people heard my story they would not think "what a great thing for her to do" but instead "how great of a God we have." I followed my heart and God's calling to Uganda. I served HIS people in HIS name. And you know what... I took A TON of cute pictures with children that I will cherish in my heart forever.
So now that I have gotten the chance to say my peace I will end with this. Sometimes I wish that I could be so simple minded to post an article like I saw today. That sounds really rude, and I promise I don't mean it to be. Sometimes I really do wish that I didn't know what it felt like to hold an abandoned baby in my arms ( and let me tell you folks... there is nothing "cute" about it.) Sometimes I wish that I didn't feel a hole in my heart everyday from the piece of it I left in Uganda. Sometimes I wish that I didn't miss those sweet Davis girls who showed me pure unconditional love. Sometimes I wish that God didn't call me to something so difficult. But then I remember the joy. I remember how clearly I was able to feel the spirit of the Lord in Uganda. I remember the all the smiling faces. I remember the light of the Lord that was shown through that trip. I remember what it was like to meet people who cling to the Lord, because he is all they have. And so I thank the Lord for calling me to Uganda. I thank the Lord, because although everyone may not get it, I was lucky enough to serve the man who gave his life up for me. For the first time in my life I saw a glimpse of what the Lord has in store for me.
1 Peter 2:15-
"For such is the will of God that by doing what is right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men"
P.S- That article was so wrong.... this is OBVIOUSLY the cutest way to pose with a third world child ;)
XOXO,
Katie
