Friday, April 24, 2015

When We Proudly Proclaim Our Calling

Sometimes it's easier to blend in the crowd. Sometimes, I'd rather be hidden away with a book than to  be out there facing something that's hard. I am not a confrontational person and I don't do well being in the spotlight. I never want the center of attention to be on me.

Yet, I am the woman who enters the grocery store with six children ages ten and under. Two of them sit in a double stroller which my older ones take turns pushing as I grab what I necessarily need to get us until I can do most of my shopping alone. I admit that I get stressed sometimes by the wide range of comments I know I will receive from others when I go somewhere with all six.

It's not that I am not proud of my crew because I truly am. It's not that I don't think children are a blessing because I really do think it. It's not because I don't want to show the world what a joy a large family can be. My heart is so full and I am happy to be the bearer of many children.

But here's the truth. In all honesty, it's because I feel like I am in a spotlight. I get questioned by nearly every passerbyer and as I've mentioned above, I'd rather be unnoticed.



However, what if God doesn't want me to hide away His purpose for me? What if God wants me to make it known that this is His plan and His desire to share the beauty of family in a not-so-family-oriented society? What if He wants me to radiate His plan for family and love where it's needed most? What if instead of trying to hide in a shell I walk out boldly and say, "Yes, what great gifts these are and God created this desire in my heart to bring each one into the world!"

I was designed to be a mother of many little ones. God has leaned the hearts of my husband and I to welcome many children into this world. We face many naysayers. The line of criticism often feels long. We hear those who think it's too many or that it's selfish. What many don't know is that our hearts are full and the love we have for one another is strong.

Each of us has been given gifts from God in different ways. We can't hide those gifts out of fear of what others might say to our decisions. We can live out our calling so we can proudly proclaim, "Look at how amazing God is with all that He can do!" Let's stop hiding and let's start living out our callings so that through it, we can lead others to Christ.



12 comments:

  1. Bless you sweet Mama! God surely knew these children would be loved in your family. Hold your head high! You save lives every day -- you are a mother! And you can write and homeschool! Some would call you a Supermom. Dropping by from FMF.

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    1. Thank you, Joy, for your encouraging words! I enjoyed reading your blog today too! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  2. What a wonderful gift God has given you! And what a great sense of humor God has. He puts you in the spotlight when you're naturally inclined to hide. Being His witness is often uncomfortable joy.

    Thanks so much for visiting me at http://lovedasif.com. Also @ http://glamofgod.com.

    Drusilla Barron

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    1. Hi Drusilla, a great sense of humor, indeed! Thank you for sharing your blog too! I love reading your posts! You are a great writer!

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  3. Carrie,
    Even though I do not have six children, I feel we are kindred spirits in that we don't naturally like the spotlight! Thank you for your encouraging words!
    Bethann

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    1. I am so glad to know that I am not alone in this, Bethann! I am so grateful you stopped by here today! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  4. You hit the head on the nail Carrie. We do need more families like yours showing the world the blessing a large family is! Thanks for letting God open up your heart to that. You will shine for others and God will bless you because of it. Love ya!

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    1. Thank you for being one of my biggest encouragers the past couple of years. Oh, how I treasure our friendship! Love you too!

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  5. Hi Carrie, I thought I would jump over and see your beautiful family. This was the post that CommentLuv put on your comments. I am so glad that I came to see these beautiful children that the Lord has given you both. Years ago we had a friend who had lots of children and one school teacher made a negative comment that it was too many. The father of them replied that eight children who are a blessing to society is surely better than having just one child that is a menace in society. I think he was not far wrong. My husband is the youngest of 13 :) Have a nice day beautiful family.

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    1. I am so glad that you stopped on by, Kathleen. I love that response that you shared. I'll have to remember that one. Have a great weekend! Blessings, Carrie

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  6. I appreciate your words... and I have been there also... you just can't be "invisible" with lots of children... but what a testimony opportunity we have. Sometimes, though, we don't WANT to do the work of being sweet and outgoing and friendly... we just want to get done and go home and carry on with life. Oh, the dilemma... you are right that sometimes God's plan differs from ours and He will give the grace to carry it out. What a sweet blessing our children are... Thank you for being such a mother and example. :)

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    1. Thank you for sharing with me. You are right that it is a testimony opportunity. And I am happy to know that others share in the experience. Thank you also for being a wonderful example as well. Blessings, Carrie

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