February
Hello Community!
This past month has flown by. My family has come, I have been working with many clients, and somehow, I have fitted in church ministry and self-care too. I have loved showing Kenya to my family and experiencing this beautiful country with them for the first time. My dad is confidently driving on the left like a pro; our whole family loved seeing the animals on safari and even got to experience the Indian Ocean!
Ministry Update
Lately, I have been reflecting on the immense weight and privilege it is to be a counsellor. As I sit in sessions hearing people’s stories, I often become overwhelmed with gratitude. I have a front seat to witness the lived experience of these strong, courageous, vulnerable and resilient human beings. Ironically, the more I see the humanness of my clients, the more I come to respect and appreciate them. What they view as “weakness” I see as incredible strength to keep going amidst the challenges of life. Furthermore, I see the impact that our meetings can have on the wider community. Just one person who experiences growth and mental well-being through our meetings, can then go through their day, interacting with 20–30 other people and having a positive effect on their lives.
Financial Update
I have a student debt of $26,000 CAD from my master’s program that will be exponentially growing starting in March when I officially end school. With support mostly going to monthly expenses, I am asking if you would consider offering a one-time gift to decrease this amount.
If you do not need a tax receipt, you can send the money to my email (Breanna-e-thompson@live.com), which allows me to keep the full amount. Or, if you wish, you can also give through Crossworld Canada.
Crossworld Canada
https://crossworld.ca/give/support-a-disciple-maker
Project #: 45329
Ponderings on Sin
What do I wish for in life?
I want to be free
To experience God’s joy over me
To see His kingdom move
What stops me from this?
The busyness and grind of day-to-day
The perception that my sin holds me from Him
That somehow, He is disappointed
That I did not measure up
But let’s think about that for a moment
Measure up to what?
To Him?
Thank goodness he died for me
So I wouldn’t have to
I had a friend who shared their sin with me
They said they were ashamed
They called themselves names like
“Bad” and “Dirty”
They said they could not draw close to God
Because they drew close to sin
They named the sin
They spoke like they were unfixable
But the thing is
Our sin is not us
We are not what we do
But whose we are
The cross has covered us
To live in a relationship of freedom
So then
How do we see sin?
I wonder if we peeled back a layer
What we would find
Underneath the act of sin
I believe we would see a lack
A lack, you say?
How can my lies,
Fear
Anger
Promiscuity
Be a lack?
Yet, when you are angry and yell
What do you actually need?
Do you need validation?
Safety?
Comfort?
Recognition of your pain?
Or maybe support?
Sometimes, when I am fearful
People say, Just trust God!
But what do I lack that leads to fear?
In that moment
I lack a sense of safety
Security
Hope
And maybe protection
I can hear you saying it:
But God has given you all those things!
You do not lack!
I love the saying
The longest distance
Is that between the heart and the head
My felt experience
And my head knowledge
Can be very different
Why do I say all this?
Well, I return to my wish.
Relationship, joy and partnership with God
If I see sin as something
That prevents me from having a relationship with Him
Then I withdraw every time
However, if I see sin
As a lack
Then I can turn
To the fountain of life,
The giver
The provider
What if instead of seeing your anger
As an ugly outburst of emotion
You saw the pain underneath?
You noticed the longing for comfort?
You drew close to God for validation?
Or, if you struggle with sexual sin
Instead of seeing your actions
The ones you feel so ashamed of
Or see as “bad”
You looked at what you were trying to find
You saw your need for a connection
Possibly comfort
Or even a distraction from pain
Could this mindset shift
The one that neutralizes the action
leaving shame at the door
and opening you to connect with your inner landscape
Be what you need to clear the path between you
And God?
I wonder what this may do for your freedom.
Could it enhance your experience with Him?
Might it open you to draw near in your lack
Rather than withdraw until you have what you need
To please Him?
I write this for you and for me
I am so incredibly sorry
For the way that
Judgement
Condemnation
And legalism has hurt you
I believe God is inviting you to more freedom
To see the bounty of what he is offering you
To experience
All that can be found in him
Prayers
Please pray for the rest of my family’s trip, their health, and flights back to Canada. For good sleep, transition back to day-to-day and safety.
For wisdom as I discern which ministry opportunities to take on and which to release. As more and more offers come in for me to partake in groups, clients and church, I often feel pulled in many directions.
For intentionality as I continue to wish for balance in my schedule to take care of myself and pour into others.
Praises
My family and I have enjoyed our time together immensely.
Clients and church ministry have been growing.
Praise for a good month of balance. Hosting family can be busy, but the Lord has sustained me and shown me beauty within a schedule that is different from normal.
As always, thank you for following along and pouring into this ministry. I am grateful for your presence and partnership!
-Breanna
