I gotta feeling

One of the best songs of 2009 was “I Gotta Feeling.” The Black Eyed Peas totally hit pay dirt on that one, am I right? It has definitely withstood the test of time. I’ve shouted the words of this quintessential anthem at many a wedding in the last seven years and may have specific choreography to certain lyrics. L’CHAIM!

The Peas capitalized on that inner “something” that we all hone in on at times. In this particular instance, we are excited for the night to come because we know without a doubt it’s going to be a good night. It’s going to be a good, good night. Woo hoo.

I’ve experience these same butterflies when I write a Bachelor recap that gets a great response with funny comments. Or when I’m about to drink my morning Dr Pepper. Or when seasonal Oreos hit the stand. Or when I have a conversation with a cute guy.

Of course I typically get hives after having a conversation with a cute guy, but that’s another post for another day. Bless me.

Then there are days when those butterflies feel a little bit more aggressive. They usually freak out at the most bizarre times. The fun fluttering turns into more of a questionable churning sensation and I know that things are about to go down. Or come up.

You bet I gotta feeling. It’s called conviction.

Alissa, the Executive Director at Arise Africa, had this feeling after visiting Zambia. She was frustrated and saddened by the children living in poverty. So she listened to that feeling, did a ton of research, prayed through the process and decide to do something about the injustice in 2010.

You know, as you do when you’re in your late 20’s. Some of us start non-profits while others start blogs. To each her own.

Alissa was 28-years-old when she launched Arise Africa in 2010. Alissa juggled her “real” job with the non-profit, until the Lord blew the organization up exceeding everyone’s expectations. Alissa soon got another feeling and walked away from her career as a photographer for the NBA in order to tend to the seeds she planted only a year before.

I sat in the Arise Africa courtyard tonight, speaking with some of the team of 16 who made the decision to come over to Zambia to see with their eyes what this organization has accomplished in such a short amount of time. The reality is overwhelming. The phrase, “It was a God thing,” is attached to every project and success story.

Like I said in my original post, most of us are here to step out of our comfort zones. Several  sponsor children and they are eager to meet and love on their kids face-to-face. We will be painting, planting, moving, building, cooking, playing, teaching, listening and loving Zambians during our time here.

We know we have been called to serve and that’s what we’re going to do. Can you imagine? Your one job, every single day, is to get up and fill the gap where there is a need. That’s it. For one week, our goal is to take “I” and “me” statements out of the equation. We will give our time. We will give our strength. We will give our wisdom. We will give our heart.

There will be moments that it won’t be easy. But we can’t ignore the feeling. As Alissa says, “Close your eyes, hold your breath and buckle up.” The Lord’s going to blow this up and we have the privilege to be along for the ride.

Lean in. Don’t be afraid of the feeling. It may be the onset of a good, good night. Woo hoo.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:9-10

Photo By: Allie Bowling
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Jan Vest
Jan Vest
July 24, 2016 2:35 pm

Well said and keep the pictures coming. God has a purpose, so go and live it out, love on these sweet kids, all the time learning more about God as you go.

Jude
Jude
July 24, 2016 3:22 pm

It is MOST DEFINITELY a “God thing” or as I always say…a God DEAL!!! Please give those kids a BIG HUG for ME!!! (a retired Kindergarten teacher who misses hugging on my “babies” everyday) XOXO

Lanna
Lanna
July 24, 2016 3:42 pm

So excited for your week there and thanks for sharing it with us. Praying for “It’s a GOD thing” stories all over the place for you!

Connie
Connie
July 24, 2016 5:01 pm

This was part of the passage Wes preached on this morning! It’s like you were sitting with us! Miss you!

Vicki
Vicki
July 25, 2016 9:49 pm

I love this. Thank you for sharing.

Norma
Norma
July 27, 2016 2:26 pm

Surely you shall call a nation you do not know,
And nations who do not know you shall run to you….Isaiah 55:5 NKJV

This is the verse I learned on my very first mission trip to Brazil in 2006.

I impart this to you, Lincee as you journey on and do great things for the King of Kings.

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