A Tale of Two Kingdoms

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, 
it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, 
it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, 
it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, 
it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, 
we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, 
we were all going direct to Heaven, 
we were all going direct the other way..."

-Words used by Charles Dickens 158 years ago could just as well be applied to our world today. For there does exist two kingdoms: Heaven and Earth.

Which kingdom will we choose to serve?

"Now therefore fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness... 

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve... 

But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” 

-Joshua 24:14-15

This past week, our speaker spoke to us about being 'Christ-like leaders.'

-A people willing to forsake all they have to discover all they were predestined to be.
-A people who live in the present, understand the past, and can envision the future.
-A people who learn.
-A people who teach.
-A people who can communicate effectively -with or without words.
-A people who demonstrate their values and principals in every way they live.
-A people who honor God both standing in authority and submitting to it.
-A people who are not perfect, but are genuine.


Their names might never be known throughout the world, and with their passing may go the memory of their name. But it is not greatness, nor fame, that makes a True Leader. It is the integrity, the genuineness, the honesty, the willingness for self-sacrifice while maintaining the courage to live, the overcoming of tragedies -both in life and in self, the desire to see others raised up, the time given to see that happen, and the unconditional, irrevocable Agape Love that moves themselves, and others, to reach heights that they never thought possible.

These people build their foundation on the Word of God, and erect pillars on that foundation: Identity, Integrity, Character, Relationships, Humility, Fear of the Lord, Wisdom and Knowledge, Attitude, Forgiveness, Faith, Understanding, Hope, Honor, Respect, Love, Trust, and Vulnerability. 

Their pillars hold because they are 'sincerus' -un-cracked, and no wax used to conceal the cracks. They are solid and strong and able to hold up the structures and burdens placed upon them, and will stand throughout the test of time. The Kingdom of Heaven will built upon them. They are the New Jerusalem. They stand to reflect the glory of God -from now until all Eternity.

And they intercede for the lost and broken.

We often forget what true leadership is like. We focus on their looks, power and money, how they speak, or who they know. But real leadership, Christ-like leadership, goes deeper than that.

It isn't that we must achieve what God has predestined for us, 

but rather we become what God has predestined for us. 

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On that note, it has been another full week. I was asked to do a video clip speaking a Brazilian memes in Portuguese for their assignment. Since it required a bit of attitude, I decided to include the full body sass in with it. The girls loved it, and a couple of days later all the ECO students let me know they loved my performance! I've been giving brief performances daily. (Perhaps I should start charging a little something....) 

"Ja acabou Jessica?"

This last Dessert Night was the best one I've had yet! I have loved every single evening we've spent in the various leader's homes, eating the delicious desserts they made for us, sipping coffee, and enjoying good conversations while learning valuable information. I have felt at home and welcomed each time, and I could never pick a favorite from among them. ...But there was just something about this recent one. The couple are only about 10 years older than me, and their children are not even teenagers. 

Their home was in disarray, and they didn't even attempt to hide it. And when I offered to help do something, I was immediately allowed to wash dishes. I usually prefer quiet around me, and I found myself surrounded by chaos as the kids were playing, people were talking over each other, dishes were being brought over, and the desserts were being prepared. Everything was in complete contrast to the previous quiet, organized, and ready Dessert Nights we had had. 

-And I LOVED it!

Even though I value organization and quiet, I realized I still crave some sense of chaos in my life. :)