I met a woman today that just saw her Mother for the first time in almost 2 years.
They live 12 miles from one another.
The decisions she and her husband have made to leave the Amish culture
has resulted in pain and rejection that many of us will never know.
I saw strength & courage in her eyes and heard the hurt in her voice, still thick with accent.
I don't understand it and yet it surrounds me.
This heritage that flows through my veins and has made me who I am today.
There is SO MUCH BEAUTY in it and yet there is a darkness that hides just below waiting to smother you or abandon you the minute you step out of line, out of tradition into a new longing for freedom.
There is SO MUCH BEAUTY in it and yet there is a darkness that hides just below waiting to smother you or abandon you the minute you step out of line, out of tradition into a new longing for freedom.
I won't pretend to know what I'm talking about. All I know is what I see and what I journey through with those around me, those hurting souls that are in my circle of influence. Those men and women taking THE LEAP OF THEIR LIFE into the unknown.
New wardrobes.
New shoes.
New hair dos.
the basic items of identity are TRANSFORMED, can you even imagine the hidden places of the heart and mind that can't be seen by others? The SUPERNATURAL TRANSFORMATION that needs, (and will) take place right inside there? THE SOUL FREEDOM that takes years, possibly even a lifetime to sink in?
MARINATE IN FREEDOM AND WATCH WHAT HAPPENS!!!
To any of "you" that may be reading this, to those of you that are in this place right now, (or have come out the other side) this DECISION MAKING TIME of turning your lives upside down and changing everything you've ever known.....I admire you more then words can even express.
There are moments when my personal desire for a deeper freedom is so intense and I'm not even dealing with the *superficial* aspects of it all.
Selling my horse and carriage for a car.
Teaching my children to speak English, (and not Dutch) when they are spoken to.
Contemplating the reactions of those around you that you love the most, your very Father and Mother.
You have COURAGE I will never know.
MAY ALL YOUR DESIRES FOR A NEW FOUND FREEDOM BE FOUND & CELEBRATED!!!
YOU
ARE
NOT
ALONE.
Dear Lord, let Your nearness be evident!!!
"He sent from above, He took me, He drew me out of MANY WATERS. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD WAS MY STAY. He brought me forth also INTO A LARGE PLACE; He delivered me, BECAUSE HE DELIGHTED IN ME."
Psalm 18: 16-19
*song by Misty Edwards~~singing Isaiah 49*
3 comments:
I am still Mennonite, which has some similarities, but incredible vast differences as well. I have often wondered where I'd be had my grandparents not chosen to leave the Amish church, and then my parents not chosen to leave. Granted, my parents would probably not even be together as they're from different states. And while I think there are some positive things about that culture, I cannot imagine being there myself. It is such a privilege to live in the freedom of Jesus Christ!!
Clarita
I too KNOW there are so many beautiful things about the culture, people and tradition. I still have Uncles and Aunts that are Amish and I love them dearly.
My main issue is with the shunning and the hurt, division and pain it brings to families. I don't understand it....especially as I see it's personal effects on those I love.
I am also in awe of those who choose freedom over bondage to religion(in any capacity) but especially those whose cost is so so high, risking judgement and rejection from those they love the most....
Post a Comment