Coffee Shop Inspiration

Not to make ya'll jealous or anything, but as I type away at my keyboard I'm sitting in an adorable little coffee shop sipping the last bit of an amazingly yummy mocha frappe through a big pink straw. Having just finished a lovely chat with a dear friend, I thought I'd pull out my laptop and type out a few things that are on my heart. Ya know, coffee shops seem to hold an abundant source of inspiration. The warm colors, comfy chairs, and calming atmosphere create a great space for thinking. And writing.

Alright, fast forward with me several hours, and change locations. I'm now situated in a comfy chair in my living room, no longer all "dressed up" for an afternoon with friends but in sweat pants. Though I didn't have time to get all of my thoughts typed out earlier, my "coffee shop inspiration" still whirls around in my head. It's late, and the house is silent except for the rhythmic ticking of the clock. As I sit here, many things run through my mind, but one thing in particular continues to weigh on my heart...

Change locations with me one last time. But this time I want to take you to the heart of one of the most impoverished continents in the world: Africa. Outside of a small, dirty hut, a thin girl is gathering sticks for their fire, her tiny stomach pinched with hunger and lifeless eyes devoid of all hope. Her mother is dead and her father abandoned her and her siblings several years ago. She now lives with her elderly grandmother who hardly has enough food to feed herself, let alone the four children she now has living with her. All this little girls wants is hope, in a place where none is to be found. She wants to know that she is loved. She wants to know that someone actually cares about her.

While the scenario that I described above is not based off of any particular story, it's an all too common occurrence. Not only in little African villages, but all over the world. There are kids who just want someone to love them and give them hope. Now, I'm not trying to run an "advertisement" or make anyone feel pressured...but one organization that has impacted me is Compassion International. Their program allows you to sponsor a child, but not only by helping to pay for their education and participation in the program. You also having the opportunity to personally correspond with that child! As a sponsor, not only am I able to tell a child that they are loved, but it is such a blessing to me as well! To know that a child on the other side of the world is praying for me? And to know that the Compassion program has given them the chance of finding the only true and lasting hope - Jesus Christ? It's a pretty amazing feeling! All I'm asking of you is that you prayerfully consider how the Lord is asking you to reach those who are looking for hope. Maybe He'll lead you to sponsor a child, or maybe He's asking you to reach out to a single mom in your neighborhood. I don't know what He is calling you to do, but I do know that obedience is an amazing adventure!

Well, thanks for joining me on my little trip around the globe. We stopped at an adorable coffee shop, chatted in my living room, and even visited Africa. Pretty productive evening, wouldn't you say? Or maybe I just have a hard time staying on topic? Whatever the case may be, thanks for sitting down and letting me share my heart with you!

(Be on the lookout for a fashion - yes fashion - post coming up soon! I have a review that I'm looking forward to sharing with all of you!!)