My mom and I had the honor of speaking on Saturday at a conference. Thankfully I was able to share right at the start which meant that I could relax and enjoy the rest of the speakers. And right there in the middle of a long day I heard that voice. The One that I can’t ignore. Jesus whispering gently but clearly. And at first I was terrified to listen. Because I knew that while what he said sounded simple it wasn’t going to be pain free. I don’t like the ouch in life. But this beautiful woman Mariah spoke and so much of what she said sunk down deep. And even though it wasn’t directly related to what she was sharing with me this is what I heard. Jesus whispered to me that I needed to let him break my heart for what breaks his. Now don’t get me wrong. My heart breaks for my kiddos. But I’ve been avoiding hearing about other needs. Because I get overwhelmed. And I’ve felt that if I fully let my heart break for all the needs and pain around me it will be too much. And he just whispered to me and said…just be willing to cry for the brokenness. To come along side when you can and to pray when it hurts too much. So that’s what I’m going to try to do. Not to cry alone but to cry with Jesus. Because I love him so. And he loves the hurting and the broken and so I do too. And let’s be honest, I’m broken and I hurt as well at times. Isn’t this loving the fruit that comes from doing unto others as you would have them do to you? Caring. Loving. Life.
Soooo my birthday is next month…and not to hint or anything 
but what I really want for this big birthday is to reach the $75K goal. That would just tickle me pink. 
Will you help me get there by the 5th of June? Would you consider donating today? It’s as easy as clicking that Give Now button!
(Photos by: Christa Taylor)
The founder of World Vision made the quote in 1950 about how he wanted his heart to break as God’s did (though that is not the real quote) so it is always cool to hear how many people use it when speaking and I have the same desire. I held back tears in reading this post, by the way. This was so sweet to read how God has you being molded more and more!
Thanks.
Yesterday, I was reminded anew of all the pain and sin in this world. I grow callused and often it’s not to the shocking pain and hurt that makes the news. More often it’s to the everyday atrocities, like abortion- maybe because it hurts to much to care.
Thanks for sharing what God’s doing in you.
I understand where you’re coming from…It’s hard.
Thanks for your comment. It’s comforting knowing that others are working this out too.
Elaini,
This is so beautiful. I look forward to sharing this with Mariah. I understand how you feel, because God has been encouraging me to look beyond our ministry’s missions projects … to “see” the brokenness of a lost and hurting world. But not to be overwhelmed. God cares more than we ever could. He sees it all. And He wants us to open our eyes and to open our hearts and to grieve with Him. Then simply to obey whatever He specifically shows us to do.
Thank you for being a part of our very first Daring Daughters conference. What you shared in this blog post is what we’ve been praying for!
YAY, God!
I love you, Elaini!!!
You’re so beautiful, inside and out!
Ann
Ann,
Thank you. So much of what Mariah said really blessed me and I went away from the conference wishing I could be her friend. Thanks for being a big part of inspiring me to look beyond just what I’m doing here on the blog. I’m grateful that as we step out and grieve and cry for the brokenness and pray for the hurting that Jesus will give us what we need to take action.
Thank you so much for inviting me to come. It was an honor! I praise the Lord that he is living and active and moving on my heart and others.
I love you too friend! <3
Elaini,
I’ve read your blog for a long time, and have loved seeing the many beautiful pictures of you that Christa’s taken, but I’ve never left a comment before. This post is just what I’ve been thinking lately. It’s difficult and overwhelming to care about all the weak, hurting, hopeless, and persecuted, but to ignore them hardens my heart. I want to care for them, but at the same time I hardly know how I can. The way you conveyed truth from God in this post is strong “to cry with Jesus.” Thank you for writing it and publishing it.
A couple mornings ago I awoke from a dream where I was crying over oppression as I heard Jesus’ voice tell me how to have a heart of mercy. I wish I’d written down those thoughts as I awoke, but I didn’t and now I can’t recall exactly what the words were.
I hope you reach your goal for your birthday! I wrote about it here on my blog so my readers would find out about your blog too. http://piecesofliving.wordpress.com/2013/05/18/crying-with-jesus/
Laurel
Hello Laurel Anne!
Thank you so much for continually reading my blog. Each reader is such a gift to me and that includes you! I love getting comments and being able to interact with readers so thanks for being brave and commenting. 🙂 I also appreciate you sharing your heart.
Wow, that sounds like a powerful dream. It is hard to cry for all the brokenness but also a beautiful thing. It shows you have a tender heart.
Thank you! I too pray I can reach the birthday goal for my kiddos. 🙂
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING ON YOUR BLOG!!!! I really appreciate that! Thanks for bringing more awareness to the need of these children.
Have a blessed day!
Elaini,
I agree, comments are nice, and encouraging… so thank you for posting on my blog as well! I feel like no one reads my blog when they aren’t commenting, even if the stats show otherwise. Speaking to a responsive audience is much more fun than a silent one. 🙂
Do you think you’ll continue blogging once you’ve reached your goal for the children in India?
Also, I’ve been curious about how you first heard about these orphans and their need. Have you written about that story before?
Thanks, you have a nice day too!
Indeed! Oh, I’m glad it blessed you. 🙂 Sometimes I wonder if anyone besides family and friends read this blog and then I remember that it’s okay if only my mom reads it or if lots of people do. I don’t check my stats. 🙂
Yes, I believe so. Because I probably will set a new goal. I’m addicted to my kiddos and I can’t stop raising money and awareness on their behalf. I don’t love fundraising but I DO love my darlings! Basically I will blog as long as God wants me too.
Well I first heard about the organization through my old church. I’ve written bits and parts of the story but nothing concise. Yet…
Have a lovely day!
Hi again, I thought you might like this song. It’s one of my favorites and it’s about having a heart like Jesus.’
Okay the words to that song go along perfectly with this post! Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂