Invitation to re-set
When I was a child, I was quiet and shy, but there was one thing that gave me courage, one thing that I couldn’t stand silent and watch happen—and that was my brother being hurt or unfairly treated. In fact, some boys in my class would tell me my brother was in a fight just so they could watch me charge through the playground, ready to do battle on his behalf.
I still have that instinct. To protect. To love and care for those God has put in my path. I find it easier to fight for others than I do to fight for myself. And yet, with adult years has come caution. I wrestle with my own thoughts, overthinking, stopping to listen to others and who they say I should be and what I should do. I think of how I will look when I run, who might be laughing at me behind their hands if I’ve charged in for battle for no reason because someone’s not telling the truth.
What if I was to throw all that off and what if my protective instinct was allowed its freedom once more? What if I could become childlike again?
This is my year of Jubilee. A year of joyful celebration and re-set
I am turning 50 this year. It is my year of Jubilee. A year of joyful celebration and a year of re-set. Freedom from all that enslaves me, returning property to its rightful owners, debts forgiven, rest, refreshment and rejoicing.
I am moving house and towns, giving the house and land I grew up in back to the Lord to use as He sees fit.
I am taking off the chains I allowed to be placed around my neck, asking me to be silent when I see abuse, neglect and deceit, asking me to live behind a façade and question what I see and hear with my own eyes.
I have resigned from any organisation, group or commitment that asked me to exchange my integrity for silence. From any group who go by the letter of the law, completely missing the heart of it as they claim their right to treat others unfairly, to ignore the vulnerable, to take from others without honour or respect and look after themselves above all else.
‘She’s not well,’ a lot of people have said when I’ve stepped down from positions.
Perhaps I am more well than I’ve ever been.
Perhaps I am more well than I’ve ever been. Perhaps my spiritual sight has a new clarity, and my faith has deepened to the point that I can care more about protecting others than protecting myself once more.
Just like I protected my brother, I am compelled to protect writers with dreams to be published. Those who are tentatively poking their toe in the water to check the temperature and see if it’s safe to dive in.
I have spent years warning writers of the danger of empty-promise salespeople who call themselves publishers, of those who target your faith and dreams to make money, to cheat widows and deceive the vulnerable, claiming they are not their brother’s keeper. I have shared my own story of being caught up with a 'publisher' who assured me they were different from all the others and had my best interests at heart, but who turned on me when I dared to ask for all I'd been promised (see my story HERE). I have poured myself out, encouraging people to trust God and His timing and not rush ahead of Him, warning them not to push for fame or notoriety that may lead them astray.
I am compelled to protect writers with dreams of being published
Do you remember the parable Jesus told of the treasure in the field? (Matt 13:44) I believe many of us are like that. Jesus is the one who sought us and found us. He left us hidden in the field until it was safe to bring us into the light. He waited until we were completely His. And to do that, He gave up all of heaven, the worship of angels, the power, the glory, the honour He deserved—He gave up his very life. Because He treasures us.
Maybe He’s keeping you hidden for a time, but you can trust Him. When the time is right, He will reveal you as the treasure you are. You will be a gift to the world, shining for Him. But first you need to understand just how much He loves you and how much He treasures you. You need to know what it means to be hidden with Christ in God. You need to be secure in Him so that the world will not snatch you away and claim you as its own.
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." (Col 3:2-3)
Do not let the world tell you that God doesn’t have the best in mind for you, just as the serpent told Adam and Eve. Don’t let anyone tell you that you need to lift yourself up no matter who you pull down along the way. Don’t let them make you think you need to shout out how loudly you glitter until people notice you at last.
The world’s treasure is nothing but fake glitter. It sparkles for a season and then becomes rough like brass. It is grating, it is always in a hurry, it is overbearing, it uses charm to persuade and then turns back to trample what is precious to you. It does not listen or love. It says that what you have will never be enough.
I urge you dear brothers and sisters, to worship our Creator and put Him first in all things. He is the Alpha who comes before your gift of creativity. Before your longing to be recognised. He is worthy, and He is enough.
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. (Revelation 21:5-6)
He does not need me to fight for Him, but His love compels me to reach out, to call out to a brother or sister being told it’s safe to dive into the water when they’ve not first been taught how to swim. They have not understood the depth, nor the power of the current that will drive them along and sap all their strength until exhausted, they give up and drown.
This is my year of Jubilee and I will speak truth, life and love. I will be honest with you, I will maintain my integrity at all costs and I will keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
You might not be turning 50, but I invite you to share with me in my year of Jubilee.
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