I just finished reading this book, Red Letters by Tom Davis.Once I started the book, I couldn't put it down. I finished reading it in just 2 days. Those of you who know me, KNOW that I just don't read books that fast. I even shocked myself.
During my read, several stories of children brought me to tears - NO, actually full out 'UGLY' cries. Specifically, Nobile, Adanna & Natasha. It sickened me, it rocked the comfortable little world I live in and shaken my core to a point now where I can't turn back. Angel (a blogger friend) has a perfect post linked here that challenges you to take the red pill (in reference to the blockbuster movie the Matrix) in life (read below or click on the link to see the clip of the movie) and right now I feel like I am on the brink of taking this pill. Though, I am scared to death. Scared of my safe little 'dream world' I live in...
From her post: The red pill. Are you ready to take it? Do you want to know the truth? No really... take a second. Do you REALLY want to know the truth? The truth will challenge you. The truth will make you angry. The truth will make you weep. The truth will challenge you to become more than you thought you could be- more than you wanted to be. The truth will set you free.... but do you WANT to be free? Do you really WANT to be free?
We live in a nation of people trapped in their own reality. We are bound by golden handcuffs and caught in a dream world. We live in a metaphorical "matrix." The vast majority of people would rather not be free. The vast majority will choose the blue pill. Most of us want to stay in the dream. The reality is too harsh. We would rather ignore the scars and misery all around us and just grasp after happiness.
That little voice inside of us tells us there is more for us. Something deep inside us longs for something deeper and more meaningful. Our lives were meant to be so much more than comfortable. Our lives were meant to be radical. If we all chose truth this world would change. Orphans would find homes, diseases would be wiped out, widows would be loved, genocide would be ended.... yet here we are.
So I am asking you... I am inviting you to take the pill. Do you want it? Do you want to live the dream or would you rather change the world? All I am offering is the truth... red or blue... what will it be?
Welcome to Wonderland. Let's see just how far the rabbit hole goes.
Who's with me? Angel
It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35 NASB
I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me. Mat. 25:35-36
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Mat. 5:44-45
Love your neighbour as yourself. Mat. 22:39
At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year's produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. Deut. 14:28-29
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34
What's crazy about all of this is that I've only 'really' begun to read & study the bible this year. So, I haven't memorized much scripture (if any) word for word. So where is this knowledge coming from? Am I going crazy? Is this God's way of speaking to me, telling me it's time for me to take that red pill? What is it? I just want to stop feeling like I'm going totally crazy.
My whole life, I have been somewhat of a control freak so the 'not knowing' what is happening to me is causing me to lose sleep and making me feel crazy. Is this what happens when you let God to take over in your life? Is this what happens when you start living by the gospel and not just reading it? I don't know any more, I just don't know.
One thing I am sure of is that, I WANT to change. Read this and 'really' think about it... 'If everyone does one thing for one issue, the world would be an entirely different place. That's what this book is about. A different world. One defined not by despair and disease, but defined by the product of compassion: hope.' (Pg 83, Red Letters). Imagine if we all did something, even just ONE thing.... 'if all good people worked together and did something to be involved, extreme poverty could be eliminated by 2025' (Pg 132, Red Letters).
I am planning on taking a trip to Guatemala in the spring of 2009 - through the Red Letters Campaign but I continue to feel called to do more. I pray first that I figure out what that 'more' is and that I will have the finances to allow me to do this work. Just this past week, I have started to make sacrifices (how dare I even say 'sacrifices' from my cushy little dream world). I have cut things out of our budget that are TOTALLY 'not' needed. (All the while, I have completely FREAKED Jacques out considering he is the accountant OUTSIDE the home and I am the accountant for our household finances. He thought we were in DYER need when I began stripping our household budget between 'needs & wants'!!!)
- Cell bill changes from $60 to $23 per month
- I will NOT to renew my gym membership (I will continue my workouts from home - considering I have a treadmill, free weights, an exercise ball, mini trampoline, etc - so if you know any good aerobic DVD's let me know) which will save me the cost of the membership as well as the gas to get to & from the gym (if you can believe it I have been spending more money on gas now that I am home full time than when I was working full time).
- I also discontinued my 'Sheer Cover' make up and 'ProActive' skin care products that I are delivered to my door (I will have to find a new 'more economical' way to fight problem, acne prone skin - any suggestions, please feel free to send me some ideas)
Over the next few weeks, months I am working on creative ways that I can begin to fund raise money for my trip to Guatemala as well as more trips & causes that are in line with taking the red pill and living the truth. I will also be praying that God reveals to me what exactly he wants me to do....
So - PLEASE - I beg you to subscribe to this blog to keep up to date on ways you can help.
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Mat. 21:22
4 comments:
Oh how I know where yuo're coming from. God has embedded a love for Guatemala and the orphaned child into my heart. My desire to help grows with each trip I make and I know I will come home in December longing to go back and do more. I feel I can never do enough. I'll be leaving in Dec. so let me know if there's anything I can do to help you!
Tara, Thank you so much for your bold post. You are a brave woman taking that pill and I am right there with ya, honey! I was just contemplating this week on what things we should cut - and the gym membership was first on my mind, as well. Your leap of faith will mean all kinds of things strange, new, uncomfortable, and certainly un-cool, but God is faithful and you will be more fulfilled than ever when you are following his voice alone, seeking His kingdom first. Keep pressing in...can't wait to read about what God is doing in you.
Wendi
Wow!! That's all I can say...will be adding this book to my "to read" list for sure! Thanks Tara :)
Tara - for your skin get Benzagel - it's got the same ingredient as ProActive but is much cheaper. It came recommended by Alex's doctor and you can get it anywhere - Shopper's, WalMart, Zellers.
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