Dear, Francolevi,
I don’t know who you are, but thank you for sharing your rendition of my story so accurately. I wish I could convey the chest punch I received tonight as I read through your post. Your timing is uncanny as I am indeed at a new crossroad in my life, struggling in many ways with this decision I’d made many moons ago to travel so far from home to do this thing call expat life. I have suffered many setbacks and been met with many detractors in both teaching and blogging.
I don’t know anything about you, or what your life circumstances are, or what threatens your peace or gives you joy, but your words of encouragement pierced the darkness at a critical time.
Folks, this is an individual who earnestly looked into the story of my path and miraculously saw exactly what I see on this side of the computer screen through the noise of many, many comments and other feedback. The essence of my journey was fully absorbed and presented back to me. He even picked up on that one guy who likes to make wacky sexual innuendos to me for quite some time!
I look back through the years and I’ve come to appreciate, more than anything, the feedback I receive from people. Nearly 100% of whom I have never met. Reading Francolevi’s retelling of a retelling of one man’s story was a reminder to me that “God’s plans are not our plans”. My gas tank is not God’s gas tank. When I think it’s over, it may just be beginning.
I struggled for a long time with finding a purpose in blogging anymore. Yet, when feedback like Francolevi hits me, it reminds me that I was always here to share. Not to influence, but to give a diary of my life abroad. I just lost sight of how many times people look for perspectives of others, much like I do myself.
I once had these crazy dreams for the Red Dragon Diaries but they have all since been stomped and smothered out. But at a dark hour, an encouraging voice reminded me that it could all be used for something bigger than me. Reminded me of the dream I once had. Moments like these remind me that it isn’t time to give up just yet. It could be a deciding factor in how I serve others in my life someday.
Maybe I’m just not listening for God’s voice.
Francolevi, for whatever reason the Lotte World Tower brought you to my circle, it wasn’t for you or to share a story with your followers. It was God using you at this very moment to bless me with your words.
James 3:10 – from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing.
Tom,
Thank you for sharing this. May God bless you in all you do.
Thanks so much
Thanks for sharing this post Tom. It’s good to see you blog again brother. Take care, stay strong and God bless.
Joshua 1:7-9
7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Thanks so much for those verses, Joseph. My takeaway is to keep the word on my my mind and heart more – something I don’t do enough of. Also, to be strong. So many times being strong simply means to keep pushing forward by betting on God’s promise that it will come through. It always does in one way or another, yet I still get rigid and doubt almost every day.