Some mornings when I wake up and stare bleary-eyed into the mirror, I wonder what in the world I’m doing. Spending so many of my days working with kids growing up literally on the “wrong side of the tracks” is just flat-hard. I am ill-equipped to alleviate the magnitude of their needs:  abuse, abandonment, death, poverty, drugs, violence. . .These kids have encountered more in their few years than most of us face in a life-time. Often the depths of their needs pierce my heart and I find myself overwhelmed. It is in these moments that I hear a sinister voice whispering in my ear: “you are not enough.” In the book Captivating, Stasi Eldridge says that every woman hears one of two lies - you are either too much or not enough. For those who live out the gospel on a daily basis, the Liar whispers ever-louder in an effort to derail their work – God’s work. 

When the sinister whisper threatens to overwhelm me, the only solution is to listen to the other voice - a familiar voice that quietly and insistently reminds me because of Jesus I am, indeed, enough.

Over the past two years, I’ve discovered the importance of remaining grounded in Truth. Truth: I AM enough because God designed me and shaped me specifically for this work. Truth: He loves the kids I work with even more than I do - His love flowing through me is enough. Truth: Jesus is working through me in these kids’ lives, and everything I do has eternal significance and impact, even when I don’t see the results. Truth: God will not ask me to do something He doesn’t also equip me to accomplish.

When I don’t remember the Truth, I am easily swayed by the enemy’s lies - I am not enough; Idon’t know what I’m doing; and it doesn’t make a difference anyway. But ask any of the kids that I work with if it matters, and I think they would tell you it does. They know that I love them and they can trust me. For kids living in the chaos of poverty, trust and love are incredibly significant.

So this morning, tomorrow morning, and next week, when you wake up and look in the mirror, examine your heart to discover what lies you believe. Even more importantly, ask yourself: what Truth do you need to rest in today? 

If you are near Atlanta this weekend, come out and join us for a great night. One of our favorite musicians Reed Pittman will be hosting a cd release party to benefit Broken Voices. One of Reed's tracks (Sunday Afternoon) was featured in Anthem - and Sunday he is debuting his entire EP! This CD has been in my car for a while now, and just does not get old. Come out and enjoy a great night and support both Reed and Broken Voices. 

We met so many people who are awakening to the dreams God has for their lives: A girl who is creating an organization to speak truth to other girls about their self esteem. A guy who is going to school to study technology because he wants to find new and creative ways to apply it God's story of redemption. A guy and girl from different schools, both going to medical school to eventual serve the sick and needy in the world. A girl who loves inner city children and is really talented in art and is exploring ways to combine these passions to make a difference. Several bands that want to use their music to reach their schools for Christ. A number of teachers who are uniting to bring the love of Christ to the students at their schools. A vice principle who is praying for a revival of God in her school. A guy who is using social networking to call out to people struggling with internet addictions. A girl who used her birthday party to create a benefit concert for people in Darfur. A group of students organizing a race to help battle cancer. 

We also have met scores of people who don't have it all figured out, but they are starting the conversation. We have students writing us to say they know their life matters and they are asking God to reveal his dreams for them. That thrills us to no end. Please keep going! Keep fighting to work it out. Keep trying new things. Stretch yourself and allow God to expand your faith as you trust him for huge dreams. Just do not stop - keep moving!