Smiles are funny things....mostly a transparent indication of how someone is feeling. My observation has been that if someone is legitimately happy to see you, their smile radiates from the core of who they are. There becomes an effortless joy that spills out from their eyes. They embrace you before you ever even physically hug. Isn't that just the best feeling in the world.Very seldom do I see adults express this type of emotion. However, when I see the faces of the children I know and care for, not only do I emit this joyful smile, they often beat me to the punch with their own heart piercing smile. I don't know about you, but it's so great to receive that kind of welcome. As I reflect on this, I think about my countdown to South Africa.
I'm excited. I'm scared. I'm anxious. I'm stressed. As I try to gear up my heart and mind for the experience of facing dying children and adults living in poverty I wonder when is the last time they've seen a comforting, "I'm sooooo happy to see you that I can feel the joy in bones" smile. I want the smile I give to be that smile that says, "You're welcomed here and I love you because of the way Christ loves me", but I afraid that I might show all the fear and anxiety instead. Like so many other things, I can only pray and prepare my heart with the things I know to be true as of this moment. I cling to these verse and promises when I find myself needed a fresh and tru way to really smile at other people;
2Cor 10:3,4,5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and
bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
2Cor 12:9,10 My grace is sufficient for you: for My strength is made perfect in weakness...… for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Eph 3:16 That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man.
Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Col 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and
long-suffering with joyfulness.
2Tim 2:1 You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2Tim 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me.
Heb 11:33,34 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight.
1Pet 5:10 But the God of all grace, who has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1Jn 2:14b I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.
Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
