There’s No Place Like Home- Missionary Shannon Little
“There’s no place like home, There’s no place like home, There’s no place like home……………” #ClickingMyRubyHeels#Exhaling
As I think about different phases of my life, moments of high anxiety, celebratory events, fears, firsts, laughter to tears, apprehension about transparency, my relationship with GOD and others, ugly cries, an unbreakable vault of secrecy and confidentiality, strength training and the type of relaxing peace that shaped the backdrop of my personality’s calm, I know and have always felt that everything would be alright if I could just get home. Home to lay across the bottom of my mother’s bed, home to my residence after dealing with the day’s dramas, home to retreat when I find myself cringing in unfamiliar or uncomfortable territory in life, home to the arms and warm smiles that receive and greet me without fail, and finally home to my eternal resting place in Glory one day. I have to get home! Am I the only one that feels that way? Like the world is at peace, as soon as I get home……..anywho………
I’ve always heard that home is where the heart is, and where your heart is, there your treasure lies. (Matt. 6:21) This my friends is very true. Our life’s valuables, our voluntary quality time’s recipients and our very identities are the visible evidence of our internal pulse. So how does this apply to a wife (year 17 on July 3rd), mother of five (ages 15,14,8,7,and 5 on May 13th), First Lady of a growing ministry, leader of a Tuesday night prayer ministry and women’ s ministry, and full – time, Juris Doctorate degreed Legal Assistant (one successful test away from being a licensed attorney 😊) ? My commitment, consistency, dedication, unconditional love and active devotional time exhibit the importance of every role/hat that fits within the puzzle collage that together form yours truly 😊
Everyday is filled with colorful memories, laced with concurrent obligations. Does every day feel great, like a success story, easy peasy, “nailed it”? Sincerely, no. But would I trade the intricacies that keep my world rotating around its axis for another’s? Sincerely, no. In my soon to be 40 years of existence (7/29/20), there have been so many contributing factors responsible for who I am today. I’ve learned many necessary “how - tos” and compartmentalized many things with which to abstain. Ultimately, I am still an evolving masterpiece, “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14), “more than a conqueror” (Romans 8:37), “ a new creature” ( 2 Corin. 5:17), “redeemed” (Eph. 1:7) and “persuaded” that nothing shall separate me from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). See what I did there? You have to know, speak, believe, hold on to and live what HE said about you! No matter what it looks or feels like, hold on to what HE said! Hold on to what you know to be true according to HIS Word, and the pre-determined victory awaits! The one constant is GOD!!! HE is my why, what and how……….
Who knew that my childhood thoughts of future me would actually show up. Dr. B. and I used to play ‘baby – dolls’. I pretended to be a lawyer and handled the money, she was a doctor and store owner. I had a large family – wanted ten kids, and we often had church – with real instrumentation/singing/communion/dressy attire. We were both destined for greatness, as we carefully researched our pretend careers/salaries in the Encyclopedia and pointedly selected our pseudonyms. Fast – forward to our present lives, and I can only explain the uncanny similitude with one of my favorite passages of scripture: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer. 29:11) Let me encourage you and put a big pin right here. HE has plans for your life! HE knew you and your destiny before you were formed in your mother’s womb (Jer. 1:5)! Our Father, my Father is intentional – whew! Buckle up for the ride, where you are today accounts for only a portion of your life’s timeline. There is a plan, HE has a plan! Make it home……….There is love and peace and safety and security and stability and forgiveness and restoration and repose for your soul at home………..
There’s no place like home, literally or figuratively. As a wife, more specifically a Pastor’s wife, I have the blessed task of submission and followship. God truly has a sense of humor placing my general life leader and spiritual leader in the same huMan – lol! Anywho, I was created to be a heart protector, help -meet, supporter, nurturer, utmost-respect-giver and more. It is an honorable mention that since our union in 2003, I was blessed to give birth to five “Littles” by this same brother. Being a mother is such a rewarding, challenging, exciting and daunting role. Five times removed, there are little eyes, ears, minds and hearts relying on me. Whether it’s listening to the daily play by play of my children’s days; providing the shoulder for tears due to a physical or emotional hurt, juggling everyone’s schedules with the sincere intention of not being tardy; heading out early and staying late as the top cheerleader at practices, games, and competitions; preparing agreeable food choices, heart to heart talks about right and wrong, heaven and hell; morning prayers on the way to school; expenses and fees for five or personal nighttime tuck – in routines, I am here for it all and I embrace the demands of motherhood. Hey, I used to want ten kids– so I can’t complain right? I cannot adequately describe the level of commitment, the love and the bond formed having carried all five little peeps to term, having had five cesarean sections, and having the opportunity to watch each personality develop. There is never a dull moment, and there is always a reason to keep going – for them. I look forward to being at home!!!
Amidst Mrs. Little and Mama is Lady Little, First Lady of Bethesda Community Church. I have to say that the membership is truly an extended family, and that is a blessing. For eight years, God has been faithful to our ministry. It is refreshing to experience the presence of God week after week. I am a little biased about the music ministry – married to the keyboard player, my son plays the drums, daughter and I sing on the Praise Team, daughter is the back -up keyboardist – what can I say. To God be the glory for HIS plans………..
Every Tuesday evening, a faithful team of members join together for prayer. This additional time with God and each other is very strengthening, until the next dose of Worship Service/Pastoral Word. On third Sundays, the women’s ministry volunteers at a Women’s Shelter by serving dinner and handling the children’s church/Bible study hour. Additionally, breakfast is served before Worship Service. These extensions of the church have definitely broadened my heart for God’s people. It is such a blessing to give to others! “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love” (John 13:35). It is so important that people see and experience HIM when they interact with us.
Am I always busy? Yes. Is being a wife, mother, church leader, employee, sister, friend, etc., tiring? Yes. Would I trade places with someone else, Sincerely, no. I really believe that God does things for a reason. I truly want to serve my purpose in HIM. I know that nothing takes God by surprise. So in the moments where life gets to be a bit much, it is necessary to channel the reserved knowledge that I am never alone, HE sees me, if He allowed me to experience a situation – He is able and willing to bring me through it, in everything give thanks, He will not put more on me than I can bear, HE loves me, I am more than enough, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, joy cometh in the morning and there will be victory and glory after this!!! There is truly no place like home………
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45, NIV)
