Everyday Heroes

Often times when I was younger, I read stories of people with great faith. They were stories of great heroics and acts of huge courage in Jesus name. One time in Sunday school we talked about “Heroes of the faith.” After a few weeks we started to understand that the greatest heroes of our faith weren’t really heroes at all. They were broken people that God chose to use.

After all, God doesn’t always use qualified people, but he always qualifies those he calls.

The people we read about did great things, but they were first and for most Disciples of Christ.  They were also "normal" people, but they lived their faith and he was glorified in anything and everything they did. They were everyday heroes first.

I have the distinct privilege to know an everyday hero of our faith. This person is a quiet, but faithful servant leader. This person is my sister Kim.

Kim starts a new adventure tomorrow in a new career in ministry that God has provided for her. This marks and end to one chapter of life and begins a brand new one.

Kim is an everyday hero of our faith for many reasons, but two stick out in particular.

The first is patience. Kim has prayed for tomorrow for eight years. I don’t think anyone knows the extent of this, but I know it was a long and difficult eight years. It wasn’t always easy or pretty, but she waited and hoped and trusted that God would provide a new career. She prayed and prayed and prayed some more. She waited patiently and demonstrated faith that is hard to describe. She had faith even when the weeks turned to months, and months into years. She remained faithful through hard days and rejection from other positions. She remained patient in the Lord, even when it was not easy.

Psalm 27:14

Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, WAIT for the lord.

The second is being present. Throughout the long process of praying, hoping, and seeking God’s direction she didn’t sit on the sidelines. She was very much present where God had her. Even when it wasn't easy or even possible, she remained faithful. 

She was involved in many ministries throughout the years, but I would highlight her ministry in awanas and the church nursery. Faithfully, Kim has been committed to both ministries. She has the incredible gift of loving kids and youth with an authentic love that can’t be taught. It is God-given. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be joyful always; pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will.

Kim knows how to love people, but especially kids. Throughout her time in Sierra Leone, she has established lifelong relationships with the kids there as well and in our own church at home. She loves kids with Christ like love. She loves with genuine and authentic love. 

I get the privilege to call this everyday hero my sister. I have looked up to her for many reasons since before I can remember. We are polar opposites and have often joked that we should rub off on each other to even it out.

Even though I’m forced to watch gymnastics with her, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I love my sisters both so much more than words do justice. 

We can all be encouraged by Kim’s story, because it means that GOD IS FAITHFUL!

Please pray for Kim in her new adventure. I know that God will continue to work through her and in her. There are countless more kiddos that will be changed because of who she is in Christ. She is an everyday hero.

If you have the opportunity and feel inclined, wish her luck in this new season of life.

Well done Kimmy, well done.