Little Wide-Eyed Warriors

When we were children, we were wildly content to live in the moment. We were little wide-eyed warriors, ready to take risks and allow the wonder of life to unfold in its time.

We had no idea what to expect from our futures, but we had faith to believe that the possibilities were as limitless as we were.

We took on each day as it came. We happily walked home in the rain, without a jacket, stepping in puddles that soaked our socks and filled our joy meters. We intricately constructed sandcastles and promptly tore them down with equal levels of excitement.

​We let our imaginations run wild! We warmly invited the shy kids along as we roamed the neighborhoods multi-colored metal kingdoms, collecting “magical stones” that would one day save the world.

We believed everything would be okay. We were faithful and fearless. That was the magic of innocence and youth

Sure, we anticipated dessert after dinner. Sure, we wanted another birthday party the moment we blew out our birthday candles…but in terms of the future, we were generally steady, adaptable, trusting and warmly inviting of the future and all it held for us.

I have officially been living in Israel for one week. Just one second…I had to re-read that sentence a few times because it still seems so surreal. 

I have been welcomed into a community of faith-filled believers and sincerely beautiful human beings. I have reconnected with old friends (Lynzi and Vanessa), and I have made new friends as well (you know who you are)! I have been overwhelmed with kindness and mercy since the moment I set foot in this country, and I am thankful for all of the above.

I am learning that the further away from our comfort zones we choose to place ourselves, the more childlike our faith becomes.

Okay, I know the word childlike can often have a negative connotation...but in regards to faith, I think being childlike is actually a good thing!

In Mark 10:13-16 it reads

“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”

I believe that our ability to pursue a childlike faith in every season of our lives can allow God to do the greatest works in and through us. It can also allow us to see the world a little bit brighter, and a little bit more beautiful. It encourages us to see ourselves the way God sees us, and recognize the Lord’s glorious light shining within us.

This whole experience of leaving everything familiar, and moving to the Holy Land for three months has pushed me to depend on the Lord in a whole new way. To lean on his promises. To be still and listen to His voice day and night.

Every road I discover is new and exciting. Every friend that I meet will be forever treasured.

​With every conversation, I am learning, growing and discovering something new about Him and His people. I’ve found myself even more interested in Jewish culture, and the intricate relationship between Jew and Gentile in the Bible.

I am in awe of this season.
I am, once again, a little wide-eyed warrior, ready to take more risks and allow the wonder of life to unfold in its time.

Shalom,

Stasia Rose