All In
- Julia
- Feb 9, 2019
- 2 min read
It's been awhile since I've written anything, because...7 teenage girls. In these past few months, we've had full hearts, exhausted minds and barely functioning bodies. We made it through the holidays unscathed and have experienced rough weeks that have had us questioning this adventure. I've been held up by my sweet husband, when I thought I couldn't go on, and honestly, I have no idea how he did it. And even still, past what I thought my breaking point was, there is hope. Hope for our girls, their futures, what they can become, with love and support. For our future, the dreams we have for what we feel called to do. For the things we envision and the support, encouragement and similar desires we've heard from people we love. For things to come.
Recently, we decided to host a small group in our church for foster care. We envision people who want to help, in whatever capacity they can, and a strong support system for those who feel called to foster care and adoption. We were trying to come up with a name and kept seeing/hearing these 2 words. All In. We put it on our list and decided to try and see if anything else sounded good.
I ordered a book to use for our group called All In, and it was perfect for what we needed.
We went to Wichita a few weeks ago to visit family and friends, and while we were at church heard our pastor talk about a devotional series they were doing called All In.
When we got back to Florida, we had lunch with our pastors and they talked about a series they just finished called All In.
Last week we were able to take the girls to Universal with our campus, for Rock the Universe, a Christian concert they were hosting. One of the artists was Matthew West. He played one of his songs called All In, from his album also titled the same. If you haven't heard it yet, you should.
I don't think we could have chosen any other name!
And yet, All In isn't easy.
It means giving up my life, and that life looks a lot different than the one I imagined, and trusting that the life I find will be abundantly more.
It requires sacrifice, no matter the cost, be that lack of sleep, tears , frustration or something even more we have yet to experience.
It means focusing on what is best for the girls we love and care for, and for all the kids currently in foster care, who just want someone to do the same for them.
It means surrendering my pride and what control I think I have and giving it all to God.
All In is trust, when I'm most doubtful.
Peace, when everything feels chaotic.
And joy, when the junk seems to want to take over.
All In is what we’re called to be.
