There are many promises of God that I have etched upon my heart because I need to daily recall them as I walk this often perplexing journey in pursuit of Christ.  But the promises that have brought me the most comfort and provoked the most contemplation over the past eight years are found in Isaiah 54.  Verses 1 through 3 say:

“Sing, O barren one, you who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who did not travail with child!  For the [spiritual] children of the desolate one will be more than the children of the married wife, says the Lord.  Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; spare not; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.  For you will spread abroad to the right hand and to the left; and your offspring will possess the nations and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.”

I have witnessed this promise coming to fruition in my life.  While my body has not allowed me to have physical children of my own, God has certainly multiplied spiritual children to me over the past eight years.  I think of all the beautiful children around the world that have shared their hearts, songs, and joy with me, in the midst of very difficult life circumstances– in Haiti, Patrick, Karincha, Mica, and all of the other precious ones at Yvrose’s and Darlene’s orphanages; in Africa, Doreen, Gloria, Winnie, and the many children that I met and prayed over at Pangani and Bondeni schools in Mathare Valley slum.  Closer to home, I think of the inspiring kids and young adults that I have been privileged to know, learn from, and live life with in my spiritual family. 

My tent has indeed been enlarged and the “curtains of my habitations” stretched out far and wide.  The cords of my dwelling are being lengthened even yet.  With what I’ve seen, experienced, and lived among the children of the world, God’s children, I cannot remain in a solitary room of my own making.  I must embrace my responsibility to be a spiritual mother.  For the Lord’s promise is great:  “…your offspring will possess the nations and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.”  What a joy to believe that a coming generation will claim nations for the Lord!  That desolation will be traded for community.  That the Good News of Christ’s hope and reconciliation to the Father will inhabit more and more of this vast earth.  I pray for eyes to see and a heart attuned to the Father’s leading as my dwelling place continues to be enlarged and stretched for His kingdom.