What happend to that girl?

 I have been thinking lately as I pick out my clothes for the day of "what happend to that girl that use to dress so nice?"  I would feel kinda gloomy and ponder on this for a minute or two.  When I was growing up I would wear nice clothing.  It wasn't expensive and the best, but it was nice.  I had all my "Sunday clothes" to wear to church and special events, I had nice jeans and shirts...a full closet and dresser full.  Now I look at the closet and I bearly have enough clothes to make it through the week that aren't in the best of shape.  I have a couple pieces of clothing that are for special occasions, but that is it.  I try to not feel sorry for myself because of the kind of work we do with the homeless.  When you see so many lives being changed, I think, "its okay.  It is all worth it." How can I complain when they don't have much and living on the streets? 

Today I found my mind wondering off again about the clothes today and all of a sudden it hit me...What happend to that girly looking girl that had all the nice clothes, the makeup, and the hair being done at the hair salon?  Jesus is what happend to her!  I gave my life totally up to Him and what He was calling us to do.  He totally changed my life and I'm excited about what He has called us to do.  He experienced the same thing, you know.  He was in Heaven, sitting on His throne, with the best garments that were pure and clean, but then He came here on earth and wore rags with sandles on His feet.  Who am I to grumble about what I wear?

  

I remember as a child hearing a story about a little girl who lived in a country where there was persecution for believing in Jesus.  Soldiers came in the church building and told the people that they had to step on the picture of Jesus and spit on it in order to not be killed.  Most adults stepped on the picture and spit on it, but the little girl didn't.  She told them she loved Jesus.  Now, I don't remember what happend to the girl because as this story was told my mind began to wonder and it was almost like I heard Jesus asking me, will you do whatever it takes to follow me?  Would you do what this little girl did for me?  I am reminded of this little girl constantly through my life now that He has called us as a family to reach the homeless. I have to only have enough clothes to make it through the week, which aren't the best clothes, forget about style, not get my hair done, not put makeup on everyday anymore, sell our possessions, be homeless for almost 8 months, go without food, be exhausted physically, spiritually, emotionally, had our car stolen, listen to people attack us, people turn their backs on us...I am reminded of that little girl along with others who gave their lives up for Him.  "What happend to that girl?"  She is walking the footsteps of Jesus.  I am so thrilled to be where He has called me to be.  I love the people He has called us to and I love my relationship with Him.  He is so awesome!!!  He has provided exactly what we NEEDED and when we needed it.  So, it is okay.  I know He is with me and it is wonderful to see Him at work providing and changing people's lives including mine.  What is the meaning of this blog?  It isn't to brag about my "suffering" or to get someone to feel sorry for me.  It is just to show where I am continuing to grow, how I am human, and to ask the same question of you as someone asked me when they were teaching me the story of the little girl...If God called you to suffer for Him whether it be by not living the American dream, to be homeless, not getting your hair and nails done, selling your possessions, being persecuted for believing in Him...would you be willing to do that?  Would you follow what He calls you to do no matter the cost?  I challenge you to think and pray about this.  Has He been working on your heart in a certain area?  Listen and obey His call.  There is no greater joy!