The Other Side of The Fence.

I feel slightly uncomfortable writing this. I'm not entirely sure why. I guess writing about someone elses despair is not exactly easy. I want to write a little bit about what I've seen, and what its taught me in this short time here in Mexico.

First I want to start with a quote from my book I'm reading, "Radical" by David Platt.

"God blesses his people with extravagant grace so they might extend his extravagant glory to all peoples on earth."

Read that a few times through. Sometimes I wonder why I was born in one of the most blessed countries in the world. I grew up in comfortable settings, always had food, shelter and was taught about Jesus from a fairly young age. I had my rough spots but nothing too terrible. For the first time ever, when reading that quote, I realized that by grace I was born in the United States. If you ask me its an extravagant amount of grace but thats just my opinion. What I do with that grace is my choice. God gave it to me out of love and I am left responsible for it.

Caleb and I came here to do a photography/videography project, well mainly Caleb and Axel and I are along for the ride. I try and help Caleb with editing, sorting photos, managing our child and being an encouragement to him when things get stressful. The YWAM base here is doing a 25th Anniversary book for the Homes of Hope ministry they started. They want it to show what God has done over the years, what he is still doing, and the ongoing need.

So on the 2nd day we were here I was sorting photos and came across this one.

I do not know this girl. All I know of her are these photos. Her and her family were selected by the base to have a home built for them. During the past 2 days the base has been building 8 homes for 8 different families. Caleb is also doing the photography for this event.

Its hard for me to find words to describe how this photo makes me feel. I remember driving from San Diego to Tijuana. From edge to edge they cant be more than 10 miles apart. If you are ever in San Diego I insist you go to Tijuana. There is a startling truth you will realize just driving across the border.

I hadnt been in the U.S. for months. Seeing San Diego in all its beauty was so refreshing. We started our Journey towards Mexico and it wasnt long before I was confronted with the poverty and sadness of on going issues between the 2 borders.

Looking at this girls photo, realizing we are probably not far apart in age, both carrying another human life but yet living entirely different lives made me recognize this extravagant grace God has poured over my life. It also made me realize that I dont want to sit on this extravagant grace but more so I want to use it to bring extravagant glory to my Savior.

Because of Salvation, my life has forever been changed. Because of grace Im surviving parenting, able to travel with my husband and live abundantly in the love Christ has given me.

Seeing her photo made me realize its a privilege to use the abundant grace in my life to bless another.

In just a few short weeks we will be moving back to the U.S. I've spent the past few days looking at what this grace means to me and how i plan on using it for the Glory of God both in my own country and in others.

I hope this post encourages you to do the same. The love of Christ for his people is abundant. The amount of opportunities for you to reflect his glory with the grace you've received are endless.

Be blessed & continue to bless others-

Lots of Love,

Briana