The title alone should have been a red flag that its message might mess with me. It did.
Why do I read books like Radical, Rees Howells: Intercessor, Kisses from Katie, 7, and now, Interrupted?
I think it’s because deep down I know that something is not quite right. In our indulgent, get more, store-up-for-yourself culture, we are left feeling bogged down; overwhelmed by schedule, striving and stuff and underwhelmed by the undesirable, needy and broken world around us.
But what if that was us (in Nigeria)?
Are we secretly relieved that we are not the needy or the suffering? (<—- Thanks for this Shelly).
Jen talks about climbing down the ladder, not up it, to join the least, loving them by going where they are, not expecting them to come to us or to our church.
“If you begin to value a lower life, you will be misinterpreted and likely criticized. Most people don’t want American staples like comfort, safety and prosperity challenged” (Interrupted, pg. 142).
“Yes”, he said reluctantly. It was his vehicle and it was a big sacrifice for him to give it away. And if you know my man you know what a huge Jeep guy he is. He pins them on Pinterest, he stops and snaps pictures of them in parking lots, he even dreams about them. But he has only ever owned one. This one.
This Jeep was not worth a great deal but it was valuable to us. And God said to give it away to a friend in need. We stalled a bit and wrestled, but by God’s grace we gave.
There was much joy in giving it and our friend was overwhelmed by God’s care for his situation.
We did not tell many people about this. We did not want to toot our own horn (pun intended). But most of those who did know thought we were crazy (and they were Christians). They knew our financial situation and it seemed irresponsible to them. We were surprised by their reaction. I wonder if they felt uncomfortable? What if God asked them to do the same? Their cars were way nicer than ours.
A similar feeling of irritation over potential inconveniences to my American Christian middle-class life was present as I read this book. On one hand I was excited to be stretched and on the other I was mad that I needed to change…now that I had been faced with some inconvenient truths.
“Transformation began with humility, even humiliation. It started with conviction and discipline. It increased through loss, not gain. It grew through global exposure and uncomfortable questions. It was born out of rejection, replanted in new soil. It was not found in my Christian subculture but in the eyes of my neighbors, the needs of my city, the cries of the nations. It was through subtraction, not addition, that transformation engulfed me, and I’ll tell you something. I am not the same” (pg 233).
So, I realize my small efforts to extend are pretty pitiful in the scheme of things, but they are something. I was content with our monthly giving initiative. Then God interrupted my pretty little agenda and stirred up things to see if I would let myself be extended further—right across the globe. Oh why did I pick up this book?
My friend is heading up a trip to Cambodia this summer and she “casually” (yeah right) sent me a message to see if I would like to come. Like to come? Nope (geography is not my strong suite and I had to look at the map to see where this country is located; so far away)!
I was not planning on going. Then God kept stirring…through Scripture, songs, and then this book. I am not kidding, in the midst of Jen telling about some people who have influenced her were these very words, “work in Cambodia” (pg 112). Yes, I am taking them out of context, but I knew that these words were for me too. Ugg.
“Sometimes following God is the worst. I can say with some confidence: if you go wherever God says and when, expect to be misunderstood and go anyway (pg. 131). And you won’t be the same, in a very good way.
I talked about my wrestle last week and announced these plans to go (because I often need extreme accountability). So, there you have it.
I am going. And I feel good (when I am not having a temper tantrum) about it. Because this is one small way that I can live interrupted and let God wreck my comfortable Christianity. Darn, this doesn’t sound like a tidy process does it?
What about you? How is Jesus’ mandate to love irritating, inconveniencing, or interrupting you?
We really don’t want to keep living status quo, do we? Let’s extend on His behalf, in His strength, by His leading, because we love…because He first loved us and gave His love so that we can truly live and love others.
This is not a guilt trip, it’s a gift trip (<— thanks for this Lisa-Jo). For you. For me. May we love the least because we get to, not because we have to.
Interrupted is a story about God transforming a couple in Texas so that they can love the least. It is also a challenging guide for us to ask hard questions, get our hands dirty and give beyond what we feel capable.
I feel nervous yet happy to be interrupted.
Learning to Love,
Katie
P.S. I am dreaming of some of you coming with us to Cambodia! Will you pray about it? My friend Jen (of Adopting Nations) is a part of the leadership for this trip. You can direct your questions over on the REACH International website.
P.P.S Linking-up with Testimony Tuesday and #RaRaLinkup then Woman 2 Woman, Coffee for Your Heart, #TellHisStory and Three Word Wednesday. Even if you don’t link-up I hope that you will get to know these wonderful women who host them (Kelly, Holly, Meredith, Holley, Jennifer and Kristin). Come on over and be uplifted.:)
Wow, Katie, that’s quite a story. We are so attached to our “things” aren’t we? Sounds like a great book. I think I’ll steer clear! haha
Oh Mary- You really should read it!
Wow, Katie. There really is an acceptable kind of status quo in the US, isn’t there? You have me pretty convicted. To do more, to love more and to give more – is a call on my heart.
Hi Kelly- You should read this book.:) Convicting yes but the good kind when you begin to realize how much more there is to this life and you wonder all that you have been missing out on.
“May we love the least because we get to, not because we have to.” Thank you, thank you for this post, Katie. I read Interrupted last year, and I am with you in the nervousness yet excitement about the transformation of an interrupted life. I traveled on mission to Albania last year (but like you, I had to look it up on a map too, just to find out where I was going!) It was truly life-changing, and I can’t wait to go back with my husband and daughter to Albania next month. Congratulations on saying yes to God’s leading – I am excited for you and for all the ways you will be transformed for His glory! I’m happy to visit again from the #RaRaLinkUp.
Hi Renee- That is really neat that you went to Albania and now are going back with your husband and daughter. Thank you for sharing and encouraging me.:)
Here’s my favorite:May we love the least because we get to, not because we have to. So true. God bless you as you follow him, wherever he may lead.
Thank you Debby.:)
I have been hearing Him call me to do more too lately too Katie. Excited that you are listening. And what a blessing you were to a friend in need. Giving up your car is BIG. Even though you don’t want to “toot your own horn” haha I applaud you for giving so freely. And I’m glad you shared so you can encourage others who feel the tug on their heart strings to give more too. 🙂
Thank you Nicki- Appreciate your commenting. When often resist giving but really we are resisting being blessed. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”:) We won’t regret giving.
Katie- You are so gifted and so inspiring! This book is definitely on my list and I will be praying for you on this journey. May God bless your passionate heart. xoxo
Thank you Karen- appreciate the prayers and encouragement.:)
Yeah, in the midst of something. Does this book give tips on how to face those fears and go about actually doing what you are felt led to do? Prayers for you on your journey!
Hmm, as I recall the book is great motivation for acting on conviction and realigning our decisions with Jesus’ care for the poor and needy. Jen shares their experience and the benefits and difficulties of living like this. I don’t recall a lot of tips for facing the fears per say, but as I decided to go on this trip I was a wreck- lots of fears and tears. However, there is such peace when we step out knowing when we feel that God has asked us too. Praying that He will help you face the fears. Staying grounded in His Word is a great fear buster. Joshua 1:8-9:)
Every time I see your smiling face in a link up I smile. I had to pop over and read your words, and I am glad I did. We have much in common, Katie, and books are one of them. These books that messed with you, um…some of my favorites.
It is necessary to bleed these inconveniences here, in our writing and in our sharing, because they drag us to places where we read things that draw us deeper…change us and make us long for the living we are called to expend.
Excited to see what He will do in and through your service!
Blessings,
Dawn
Thank you Dawn, so kind of you. Tell me some more of your fav books, would love to hear (I think- ha!).
OOH, I would LOVE that. Hold me back. Oh, waiting for God’s yes to mission for us. I enjoyed Interrupted the week it released, and still think on it. Hope you have fantastic Wednesday – blessings on your writing, your witness, and your plans to step out of the boat!
We’d love to have you Ginger!:) Thank you for your courage-words, so appreciated.
Wow Katie I am so blessed reading your post. I am glad we were neighbors. I am so excited about your YES to God and what that will end up meaning for you! I cannot wait to follow that story. Praying for you now.
Thank you so much Jenn, for your cheering and prayers!:) And that smile of yours lights up the web.
I love this. That book rocked my heart too … in a good way. And it’s part of the process that’s sending me to Guatemala this summer. I’m enjoying to getting to know you more, Katie. You’re such an encouragement to me. Thanks for linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday.
I would love to go there someday too.:) Excited for you. Thank you for your encouragement Kristin!
Sounds like a really amazing book! I hate suprises and changes in my life. But I have, little by little and very, extremely, slowly, learned to enjoy God’s interruptions in my life. But it’s still work in progress.
I appreciate your honesty Joanna.:) Here’s to progress, no matter how slow or small; it matters.
Oh, this does sound uncomfortable and hard. Thank you for the challenge (I think). Sometimes, when a student comes over and compliments our house (it’s a rental that belongs to the school and I spent three months donating my time and money to make it what I call ‘habitable’), I feel a little guilty. I think it’s a smallish house, but they sometimes live in a place much smaller with no running water and three families cramped in one space. Even here in the US, I am wealthy by some people’s standards. And I whine about not having enough. Shame on me. Thank you for the challenge.
Yes Anita.:) Grace on your not shame. Let’s grow together as we follow His lead.
So glad to have found your blog tonight. I love it. I’ve read Interrupted but after reading your post I think I might should pull it back out again. We’re being stretched in the area of spending time in God’s word together as family right now. Just a few days into it but seeing neat things as a result.
Welcome Melody, glad to have you.:) Have you heard of the book “Together: Growing Appetites for God” by Carrie Ward? I haven’t read it yet but I’ve heard it’s great. It’s about getting the Word into your heart and your children’s too.
Hi, Katie: As I read the different book titles, I was reminded of a book by Joni Eareckson Tada called GLORIOUS INTRUDER God’s Presence in Life’s Chaos.” I haven’t read it all the way through, but this might just be what it takes to get me going with it again. Thank you.
I definitely want to be open to God interrupting me! But it’s so hard! Like today when I had to start cooking for church family night at 2:30, so I could make it to a team prayer meeting at 4, then serve dinner at 7, I almost started whining, “Oh, Thursdays!” But then God reminded me, “Are you living for me today?” I thought, “well, on the other hand, Lord, cooking for you is no problem.” (I will look at the site and pray about Cambodia, but I think my life in Turkey MIGHT be enough interruption for now. But I’ll pray! 🙂 )