Journey: Day 1

Everyone said that this trail would be uneven.  Two years ago I could see it all so clearly. 

I never doubted for a moment that the depth and span of what could lie further on would be crammed with puddles, overgrowth and chilling darkness. I was not blind to the reality that there would not in fact be a map, let alone a tour guide, street signs, or someone to hold our hands and point out the breaches in the pathway.

No, I was not green to the road’s abrasive potential.

You might even say I anticipated the difficulty, and equipped myself with all the attention to Biblical principles I had collected in my modest and limited past experience.

What I was not prepared for was complacency and the assumption the danger had subsided. At the start, people let on that there is a specific timeline in ministry that gets you from point A to point B.  The opportunities eclipsed the preparation for endurance.  Straight out of the gate with a stiff upper lip we took our family and sold practically everything we owned.  Giving up the comforts of a close extended family, material possessions and the surroundings we had known for 25 years to follow the call of our hearts for seeing youth find a real God.  Yearning for nothing but to be used fully and begin the new chapter of life, we set sail in a “no wake” area that our predecessor left choppy and turbulent.  We quickly laid the groundwork for what we had planned, and were also very quickly informed that we were not actually welcome or required.  We did not give up, and fought through unhappiness and confusion to arrive at being asked to leave quite suddenly among confusion and lies.

Wildfire engulfs the path behind us, and although now free, also unable to tread on old ground.  Twenty-two months later, we have come to a divergence in the way with many directional alternatives moving forward, but no ability to turn back.  Here we stand in a world full of possibility, and all I can consider is the backlash and efforts it will take to regain strength to move forward.  I have very little, but I have hope.  I have a beautiful family, and we still have the same dream: to see humanity come back to the One that made this entire process possible.

I see now a passion in my husband for his calling that I had not had the opportunity to witness with a specific clarity.  I feel so deeply for him in this moment that I am overcome with grief moreso on his behalf than my own.  I see myself completely intertwined with him, when I know it could easily be a pathway to division among us.  What power, what strength our God provides in times of intense trial.

Our hearts are broken, and although we have a passion for our calling, we lay it down for just a while to heal.  In the next two months, we will be re-evaluating everything we thought we were headed toward. 

We ask for two things that we were unable to secure from those in close proximity in the last two years: prayers and emotional support; Specifically, that we would know what to do with our home situation.  God is a God of miracles, so in this uninviting housing market we would appreciate those that stand in agreement with us that our house would sell quickly so that we would have the freedom to move about as we’re called.  Secondly, we need your prayers that we would not lose faith in God’s ability to heal our hearts and prevent bitterness.  My sweet, sweet husband has a lot to give, and more than anything, I want to see his faith strengthened and renewed.  We also would like to request to be sent people that are encouraging and loving during this time.  The last two years we have lived in an area that is often cold and unwelcoming, so we would appreciate the chance to find a better fit for our outgoing and passionate family.

Our journey doesn’t end here.  It’s a long road ahead, but we’re thankful that God has given us the chance to follow our hearts once again through the people and places He’s created. 

I am loved, adored and created to love and adore the One who holds me in His hand.



This Road - Ginny Owens

A million miles away from anything familiar
a thousand places I would rather be
so I choke back the tears and try to find the bright side
though I find it hard to see beyond my suffering
in my heart I know Your plan is so much bigger
but this small part is all that I can see
and I believe you haven’t left me here to wander
still I can't help but ponder where You're leading me
and I ask why this road
why this way
and this load
tell me how far must I go
till I see
till I know
why this road
A million miles away from anything familiar
what was it like to be so far from home
though You came in love
the world misunderstood you
there must have been some days when you felt so alone
but You endured, cause there was joy before You
joy that came because you sacrificed
Since you gave Yourself just to spend forever with me
surely I can trust You'll lead me through my darkest times
when I ask why
why this way
and this load
tell me how far must I go
till I see
till I know
why this road
From here I can not see
why You'd choose this path for me
but I don't have to understand to believe
that You know why
You know why this road
why this way
and this load
You know how far I must go
till I see
till I know
why this road