Who said anything about safe?

I love the contrast between my boss’s response to my newly acquired age and what the people at the mission say. My boss, continually taking note of my “utter state of singleness,” *gasp* exclaimed, “bwa! You’re old!” I simply smiled and excitedly told her that I am so young. So full of hopes and dreams.

If I were stuck in the mindset that she and many others believe, my thoughts would only be filled with regret and anxiety. This mindset was ever so familiar to me, as I have struggled with depression, hopelessness, and despair with my parents being constant reminders of my supposed decrepit state.

My mom used to FREAK OUT that I wasn’t either squirting out babies, on a serious career track, or in graduate school by the time I got my bachelor’s.

My dad used to question how I spent my time when I didn’t have a boyfriend, “successful” career, or as he said it, “wiggle my hips and booty.”

Again, God has freed me from that mentality. I love the freedom I have because God is outside of time.

The attitudes and perspectives that my friends at the mission inspire and bless me. Emerging from their shattered and broken past, they envision the many different ways that God can use their mess and their beautiful experiences for the glory of God.