Eyes wide open
I always joke that our oldest daughter Claire was born requesting scissors to sever the umbilical cord that held her back from independence. She was born without fear. If she made a bad choice, I would explain to her she would sit in “time out” if the behavior continued. The words were barely in the air as she took her diapered rear end and sat on the very bench I threatened, wearing a smile.
I asked our son Connor at age three to watch over her, anchored in her pumpkin seat, I rushed to get a much needed shower. They were just outside the bathroom door. As the rushing water calmed, screaming was apparent. Moving quickly, I found Connor with his face positioned a mere inch from Claire’s face. I witnessed huge eyes, tears and red cheeks from them both. Apparently, our son had literally been “watching” her so close that it freaked her out! The rushing tears quickly moved into laughter. They were best friends from that day forward.
Claire joined her big brother on adventures including his 18th birthday as he had the words, “He gave you life, don’t waste it” emblazoned upon his right ribs. She laughed as he admitted the pain was a bit more than expected. I can only imagine the memories they share that I know nothing of. His huge smile would beam at how her faith has deepened these past four years. From a mother’s view, she has taken the words from his tattoo, now displayed on her arm, to levels most would never attempt.
In 2015 Claire and I traveled together to Tegucigalpa, Honduras with a medical mission team. We continue to serve there one week each year. It was in Honduras that she realized her love for children as they smiled through extreme poverty. She is now in her second year at Illinois State University studying elementary education. At ISU she was led to the gift of a new organization on campus called “Campus Outreach.” Last summer she served in Pigeon Forge, TN for nine weeks with her like minded friends. Dollywood offered these students a full time job while diving deep into God’s word and sharing the gospel with strangers, through the “Summer Mountain Project.”
Over Thanksgiving break, she brought news that she had been asked to serve the summer of 2019 on another mission. At first we were heartbroken thinking of how much we would miss her. However, loss teaches us how fleeting our time is on this earth. She is certain not to “waste” a moment. It is an opportunity of a life time to spend this summer on the Cross Cultural Project in Guadalajara, Mexico speaking with college students about God’s love for them. Understanding the honor of being asked to serve, she struggled with the idea of another summer away from home.
The next week she called me from school with her decision. Through persistent prayer she concluded, the only reasons for not going were “selfish.” I asked what she meant by selfish? She explained that it meant seeing her friends from home, enjoying a room to herself, a vacation with friends, spending time with her beloved dog, a job providing income for next school year and possibly even her family. 🙂
I knew she would serve this summer from the moment she spoke it. I heard the passion in her voice. By God’s grace, she is fearless, faithful and fervent in helping others see the light of Christ. She has walked in the darkness of loss, witnessed the effects of trauma, neglect and hunger serving both at home and in a third world country. His grace has lifted her fear and held her through speaking with strangers to share the good news of eternal life through Christ.
In October, Claire volunteered to design our annual Honduras mission team shirts. On it, she printed this bible verse: “He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 15:16. After realizing her mission to Mexico, I smiled at the verse she chose months ago. Each day I feel blessed to see HIS plan and purpose shining.
Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
God allows love over fear. He guides, if we listen. In sharing her summer mission with others, the first question I am asked is consistent: “Are you not worried about her safety?” This is an interesting question to a mother that has endured the death of a child. What is it that we fear?
To answer, I am not concerned, she wears the armor of God. She is a follower of Christ. Jesus calls us not only to come TO Him ~ but to go FOR Him. Loss teaches how valuable our time is. He has given each of us a gift to use to glorify Him. Jesus explained, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” John 9:4. Be urgent about your mission. There are NO guarantees in this life except death. She is sharing the message of eternal life. One must believe it to share it. “Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind.” Psalm 67:2
Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ has been placed upon us all. Her heart is huge for the Lord. God gives us different passions and gifts, so that His desires in the world will be done. Our family asks for your prayers of support on her mission this summer in Mexico. If you would like to support her financially, please visit chosentoshine.org under student missions. Updates on her mission can be found there as well.
Peace and blessings be with you and yours as you begin a new year!
MamaC
Photo: Claire Cunningham Photo Credit: Jill Heupel Photography
