Thursday, June 9, 2011

Hold the Ropes

I was asked by my Pastor's wife to write a letter to the ladies of my church telling them what it means for me to "hold the ropes". After reading through what God laid on my heart I decided to share with yous. Maybe it means something different for you , but heres what it means for me.

Hello my sisters!!

Imagine that you are hanging from the edge of a cliff with a drop of twenty thousand feet. The only thing between you and a fall to your death is a rope with another person on the other end. Who do you know that has the strength to pull you to safety? Who do you know that is going to let that rope burn his hand and not let go? How many people do you know willing to withstand the burning pain and watch the blood drip from their hands for you? Who will hold the rope?

I am certainly not hanging from a cliff with my life in the balance, but as a missionary on a foreign field I can sometimes feel like I am. To me, "holding the ropes" means never letting go. What I mean by that is this... Somedays as a missionary wife and mother I feel like I am barely hanging on by a thread. Not only are you thrust into a new culture surrounded by people who do not speak your language, do not eat your foods, do not understand your ways, and alot of times don't even want you in their country, but you are often forgotten by those back "home". Yes, you receive your support on time from all your churches and yes some may even help out with special needs and projects at times but how many people stop and read a missionary's prayer letter and make a mental note of requests in their lives? How many people slow down long enough to send an email or old fashioned letter to a missionary wife letting them know they are thought of and really prayed for. How many people actually do pray for their missionaries?

I encourage you to take a few minutes and read someone's prayer letter. Take a minute and send an email or letter to a missionary wife somewhere. I bet you would make a new friend and brighten someone's day in the process. Pick up 20 extra packets of Kool-aid and stick them in a padded envelope and send it to Africa. Send some preaching or singing CDs to Mexico. Throw some Peanut butter cups with a book that really spoke to your heart in a box for the missionary wife in China. I know how excited my kids are when they get a birthday box from yous guys. It makes their WEEK! Some missionaries don't get anything ever. These are some ways to hold the ropes and be a blessing!

As women you understand the emotional roller coaster we get on. You understand the cries and hurt of your child's broken hearts. You understand how it feels to want to swing at the person who wrongs your husband. You understand how easy it can be to feel anxiety when we are moved a few inches outside of our comfort zone. You understand the pain of a broken friendship or failed relationship. You understand!! Now think of a missionary wife in the Amazon jungle... think of a missionary wife in the igloos of Siberia...think of missionary wife in a little village in Croatia. Think of these women (and their families) and pray for them. Earnestly, whole-heartedly, sincerely pray for them. Pray for their children who cry because they have no family around and want a "normal" life. Pray for the husbands who face opposition at every turn and for the people he is trying to win. Pray like it was you in the middle of nowhere and you were the only voice God heard.

When I feel like I can't hold on any longer, I need to know there is someone else holding on for me. There is someone else pleading for God's mercy and grace on my behalf. I need to know that no matter what there is someone, somewhere who won't let go.

Love you all,

Traci

4 comments:

Kristina said...

LOVED THIS Traci!!! No one will really know what we are going through unless they get involved. My pastor and Curt spoke about "holding the ropes" just before we left. Thanks for sharing your sweet thoughts with us. :) {{hugs}}

Tori Leslie said...

Just realized that I didn't comment even though I did read this. Very good Traci, well said!

Tori Leslie said...

BTW, I think your due a post right about now!!! HINT!

Be Thou Exalted said...

Great thoughts!