Courage Among Mortals

Yesterday was a remarkable day in our church and I was privileged to be in attendance as two young persons and an elderly lady pointed us to higher ideals than we normally observe throughout the week.

The two young persons, girls by the name of Rebekah Davidson and Whitney Yosten, chose to spend two weeks in Mexico this summer working at an orphanage. As a result of holding to their commitment to go on this mission trip they lost their spot on the school's cheer leading team. Cheer leading camp came at the same time as the mission trip and both girls had committed to the mission trip long before the cheerleader's camp schedule came out. After trying to work around the conflict they were given the choice - either attend the cheerleader camp and qualify for team or miss the cheerleader camp and cease being a cheerleader. Both girls chose the mission trip over being a cheerleader next year.
This was a major decision for these two young ladies. Both have been cheerleaders "all their lives." In small towns, cheerleaders are placed in the upper echelon of school society. To fore go this status takes courage. Making a hard choice is a rare commodity in our society. Our leaders too often model expediency rather than making the hard choice.
How was the girls decision the right choice? In this case both girls sought the Lord's desire regarding the mission trip and believe the Lord wanted them to go on this mission trip. Thus they responded in obedience by committing to be a part of the mission team. Now when the conflict arose and a choice had to be made, both girls made decisions to honor their word previously given. When the consequences of their choice was revealed to them, lesser mortals would have caved in. But not these two! Both showed the courage (and trust in their Lord) that was modeled for us by Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego.

This scenario was quickly followed by an elderly lady (75ish) who left the U.S.A. for Honduras around the age of 62. Why did she go so willingly to Honduras? Because God spoke to her as a 16 year old calling her to do mission work. Forty-five years later this was her first real opportunity to go do mission work. Now from nothing - which means no land, no building, no support, nothing except a willing, obedient heart - comes an orphanage with 36 children! Way to go Georgia Lamont! Jim and Georgia Lamont are great examples of living for the greater good of others.

Mere mortals, yet infused with divine courage. Continue to lead the way Rebekah, Whitney, and Georgia.

Savor the sound of THE CHANT as the Jayhawks soar into the 'Sweet 16'.