My William Wilberforces

There are few things that stir my spirit more than to hear the accounts of very normal people being used by God to do truly incredible things. Right now, I am nearly trembling and passion is running through my veins like fire. I want to seize the sword of Justice and shatter the chains of oppression. Ironically, what stirred by spirit was not an eloquent sermon, lengthy prayer or gorgeous sunset. Instead, it was the main menu of a DVD.

The film "Amazing Grace" is a truly remarkable story of a very real individual. William Wilberforce was an British politician who dedicated his life to ending the slave trade in England. Though weak in body, he poured out his life for the cause of ending slavery. Though often abused, rejected and discouraged, he persevered. As a result, the British slave trade was abolished, resulting in the business of trafficking in slaves to crumble worldwide (though we slavery does exist to this day in some forms).

As I sit here and listen over and over again to the chords of Amazing Grace, I am just in awe of the incredible individuals that have come before me and exist all around me. They are people who hold on to the heart of God, despite the trials of this life. It is to their example I look for encouragement and inspiration. I read about them in the pages of history and have been graciously surrounded by with these people.

People like my older sister who is a missionary in America--unpaid and often unacknowledged for her work as a sower, expect by the One whose opinion really matters.

People like my baby sister who went to India and loved those children with all her heart--even when she knew her heart would be ripped to shreds when she left.

People like Abby, Jess and Dan who are bright lights in darkness. They are willing to lay down their lives for the street children of Uganda in the hopes that the children there might one day rise out of the ashes.

People like Nicole who know how to speak Truth into my life and couldn't be superficial if she tried.

People like Rebekah who embody what it means to love, forgive and learn to heal.

People like the Gordons, Doneens, Sloderbachs and Gross' who are living proof that people can live for Christ in America, raising children who are socially aware of the suffering in and outside our nation's borders.

People like the Janis' who have very little but who have brought me more joy than I ever thought possible.

People like my parents who give when it hurts and love when it is not easy and forgive when it is undeserved.

People like my blog readers, many of whom I have never met but still send my children money and clothes and lift this broken vessel up in prayer.

And people like Jesus who are willing to give everything for the sake of Love.

You are all my William Wilberforces. Thank you so much for your witness, your life.