Big Things
I was scrolling through instagram when I saw the video and the account name that I knew was her. I played the video and heard her voice. It’s been over 30 years since I’ve heard that voice, her voice. There she was in Malawi, half a world away from where she lives. She is leading a group of people in a musical performance. One she probably wrote.
She is the only white face in the photos, the only one unmistakably American.
When *Lynn does something she does it big.
She and her husband started attending our church when I was a newlywed. They were kind of a big deal. They were professional musicians in the symphony. Not long after their arrival they were hired by the church to lead music. Soon a small ‘contemporary’ group was formed, then another group , this one a lot more rock ’n roll. They were asked to play at area youth meetings. They lead a musical that toured several of our sister churches throughout the south.
Lynn had a strong voice and stronger convictions.
They started leading street ministries, opened a shelter for runaway girls, a prison ministry, and a newsletter that would be sent out to subscribers.
And then she crashed. Big.
It rocked all of us. She and her husband were friends. We wanted to put our arms around her to love her to remind her we cared deeply, but she couldn’t. Soon after their little family left the area. They left us.
When I saw the video on Instagram the feeling that came over me was almost mournful. The struggles I know she’s had. How deeply she carries things in her heart. She loves and cares and weeps as big as she does everything else.
As I listen to her voice on new videos, see her using her big talents and giving from her big heart I realize it’s not really a big thing. Not to her. She is simply serving God in the ways he’s equipped her. And in that way, we all can do big things. Often, the biggest thing we can do is be available.
Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom shall I send as a messenger to my people?
Who will go?” And I said, “Lord, I’ll go! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 TLB
I love the idea of serving as we're equipped to serve. As we're able. Serving looks different for all of us. I shall keep a more open mind about how I may be equipped. Thank you.
Showing up can be the best gift we can give to someone. And, yes, there really is no measurement that can measure what "simply serving God" can do!