Still My God

These words spoke to me tonight.  This is a song by the group Avalon called Still My God.  

Up and down 
Like the tide is moving 
In and out 
We're in motion and the ocean pulls us under 
And even there You're found 
You never change 
So I will sing... 

If I'm standing on a mountain 
Or drowning in a sea 
If I am filled with hope 
Or crying out for mercy 
If I'm singing hallelujah 
Or scared to make a sound 
If I am learning how to walk 
Or when I'm falling down 
I'm saying You are still my god


In a world 
Where so much seems uncertain 
You remain hope for the strong and broken 
No matter where we are 
You are never far 
And nothing changes who You are 

If I'm standing on the mountain 
Or drowning in the sea 
If I am filled with hope 
Or crying out for mercy 
If I'm singing hallelujah 
Or scared to make a sound 
When I am learning how to walk 
Or when I'm falling down 
I'm saying You are still my god 
Jesus, you are still my god 

You were, you are, you will be forever 
You were, you are, yeah 
You were, you are, you will be forever God 

If I'm standing on the mountain 
Or drowning in the sea 
If I am filled with hope 
Or crying out for mercy 
If I'm singing hallelujah 
Or scared to make a sound 
When I am learning how to walk 
Or when I'm falling down 
I'm saying You are still my god 
Jesus, you are still my god 
Jesus, you are still my god 

still my god 
still my god

Girl's Night In For Freedom

Last night I hosted my first 'Girl's Night In For Freedom'. Whenever God lays something on my heart to do...it is interesting to watch things unfold leading up to the event. I've written a little about this before here and here. I can always count on the fact that the enemy will try to discourage and distract me. Yesterday was no different. It is always so encouraging to hear people's responses and watch as the news travels. I know that if anything good comes from one of our events that it is only by God's grace and his direction in people's lives. I love to hear people talking about anti-trafficking efforts. I tend to get a bit stressed (dreams, sleep trouble) prior to something like this. It doesn't bother me too much though because I kinda see it as God's way of telling me how he wants things done. It's kinda neat watching God orchestrate everything.

 The purpose of the night was to bring women together to hang out like girls and support anti-human trafficking efforts instead of spending our money on traditional girl's night events like dinner out and a movie. The entire night was centered around ways to recognize modern day slavery and to identify areas in our lives where we could substitute products that benefit abolitionist causes. Food was provided by Chipotle. This company focuses on providing food that is organic and make it their goal to purchase products that are slave free! Read about their 'food with integrity' philosophy here. After a lot of mingling and being girls, we sat down to view 'Nefarious: Merchant of Souls'. This is a hard-hitting documentary that exposes the disturbing trends in modern sex slavery. I can't watch this film without getting choked up. It leaves you feeling bothered, but unlike others that I've seen, there is a message of hope that only comes from freedom in Christ. It will send chills down your spine.

 I also featured products from Radiant Cosmetics where a portion of each purchase is donated to anti-trafficking efforts. Another organization featured was Stop Traffick Fashion who selects fashionable accessories from businesses that provide jobs to survivors of trafficking. And of course, I couldn't let the night go by without talking about the organization that is so close to my heart, Doma International. This group journeys with women that have been arrested for solicitation and have horrendous stories of abuse and trafficking. In my opinion, the night was a success. I can't wait to do it again. Next time I'll remember to get a picture! If anyone would like to make a donation or purchase, email me (christysamms@gmail.com) and I will send coupon codes! The shows close in one week.

 In what ways have you substituted a slave free product into your life?

Resigned

I'm about to embark on a new journey in life...one that I've always known that I wanted but never knew how exactly it would play out. I've resigned from my job and will be staying home full time with my kids.  I have one more day of work...one more day until I step away from what I once called my dream job.  One more day until I say goodbye to some of the most amazing people I know...the people that call me their counselor.  Those that allow me the privilege of journeying with them through the most difficult seasons of their lives.  I'm not sure I can stomach it...it's just so hard to say goodbye.  I've learned so much about myself, my career, and about God through this job.  I can't quite imagine my life without it.  Why am I leaving such a great situation?  God told me.  (I actually hate when people say that). How did he tell me?  Was I hearing voices?  Did I have a dream?  No, I asked him.  Then I waited for a few weeks...and stressed...and cried...and prayed...sought wise counsel...and then I had peace.  Yep...just like all of those other testimonies you hear in the church.  What does peace look like?  Well, it feels better, it is clear, it doesn't contradict scripture or Godly counsel, it is patient, you just know.  God told me to go home...and raise my babies.  He told me to go home and support my husband.  God told me to focus on ending sex trafficking.  He told me not to worry about losing a part of my identity for a time...that it would all be worth it when my babies look into my eyes and say "uv you too nonnie" or when my husband walks into the house and says "you are the best thing that ever happened to me".  This is truly one of the most difficult decisions that I've had to make...not because I don't want to stay home, but because I want BOTH!  I love what I do.  But...there is a little spark inside that keeps me going...knowing that God is doing something crazy again...I can feel it.   For now, a piece of each client will remain in my heart always...and someday it would be a such an amazing blessing  if our paths could cross again.