Nearly five years ago, a seed was planted. It was first planted in my heart, as I had just experienced the incredible journey of my baby sister, Kim. She had navigated the stormy seas of a stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis. In the end, at the age of 44, it was the means God used to bring her safely and finally home to Him.
During her 'time of trouble', I spent as much time as possible with her. I live in Nashville, while Kim lived in Texas. The logistics presented more than a few challenges. However, because of my husband Vic, and loving family and friends, my parents and I were able to spend nearly the entire last six months of Kim's life on earth with her.
We saw so many changes in Kim during her battle with the disease. The one we are most in awe of is the way God not only apprehended her, but completely changed her. Her relationship with Him was real. Her challenges were not always understood, but her decision to accept His will and His Lordship over the outcome of the battle was without question, and an amazing thing to see. Was she afraid?
Yes, very much so at times.
Was she convinced her life was in His hands? I have not one single doubt! It was evidenced by her early decision to stop asking why this had come upon her, and to consistently ask Him how to gracefully fight the 'mother of all battles' until the war was either won or over. He showed not only her, but all of us the meaning of being 'in the grip of grace'.
In those dark days, the light of God shined brightly in Kim. I saw clearly that God had a purpose in the battle, as well as in the outcome. Her experience and ours would take on a powerful redemptive purpose as we offered them to God to use in any way He saw fit.
After her ordeal ended, I began receiving speaking invitations to share what I had learned of God in the experience. I learned of His faithfulness in ways I could never have imagined. I learned to view every step as precious to the Lord, and useful in His hands. I learned that nothing is wasted in the hands of God. His heart is moved by our infirmities, and His hand is strong in our feebleness.
I learned that God promises deliverance to those who trust Him. I also learned that He determines the means and timing of that deliverance. I learned that I can ask God for anything according to His will, and He will hear me. I learned that He knows better than I, and that what He chooses is always better than what I wish for.
God has opened my eyes to see His redemptive heart. He has shown me that no matter what is meant for evil, is for our good in His hands. God birthed Voices With Purpose because it is His will that none should perish. He has preserved us to tell our redemptive story. How will the world know what God has done if we do not tell them? Rev. 12:11 states, "They overcame by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony".
We desire to be transparent about who we are and where we've been. We know the transforming and sustaining power of God to heal, deliver, restore, redeem, and renew. We have embraced the truth that we have been redeemed for a purpose. We know that everything is useful when we allow God to work His purpose in us and our circumstances. This is more than a 'christian-ese' catch phrase. God has redeemed us and our circumstances. We know this...and we raise our Voice With Purpose!
Rev. Toni Clay Executive Director |
