rad-i-cal:
1. of or going to the root or origin; fundamental: a radical difference
2. thoroughgoing or extreme, especially as regards change from accepted or traditional forms: a radical change
In this post I mentioned some good changes happening in my life right now. I recently finished reading the component to Radical titled, Radical Together. It is basically an extension of Radical & just reiterated my desire & itch to continue trying to align my life with things that will last. I have recently decided to take "The Radical Experiment" after reading both of the books mentioned above. In no way do I believe that I will be 100% successful at doing "The Radical Experiment." What I do know, is that I am going to commit and do my best to make changes in my lifestyle, expenses, how I use my time, how often I pray, etc. This is just a step in the right direction in having a life that is not seeking "The American Dream" but rather trying to make a difference in my community & our world.
"The Radical Experiment" is a year-long commitment to five specific challenges:
1) To pray for the entire world (Using the resources provided by Operation World, pray for the entire world over the course of a year.)
2) To read through the entire Word (Using a chronological Bible Reading plan, read through the entire Bible.)
3) To commit our lives to multiplying community (Commit yourself wholeheartedly to the local church.)
4) To sacrifice our money for a specific purpose (For the next year, look at all of your expenses through the lens of specific need in the world. Work to set a cap on your lifestyle so that you can free up as much of your resources as possible for the sake of the glory of Christ in His church, among the lost, and among the poor.)
5) To give our time in another context (Commit to give 2% (one week) of your time in Gospel ministry outside of your community for the sake of God’s glory in all the world.)
Upon completion of Radical Together, I was given an incredible opportunity that will also help me fulfill #5 of this commitment. (To give of my time in another context.) My sister's friends, The Kerby's, adopted a daughter (Olivia) from Ethiopia a couple of years ago. They have decided to lead a team on a Missions Trip to Ethiopia next summer. My sister & I were invited to join them! I absolutely feel that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Often times, Mission Trips are scheduled during the school year when I am unavailable to go. A trip during the summer is ideal for my family & me. I guess I will warn you - - be prepared to hear a lot about different fundraisers, prayer requests, & talk about the upcoming trip where I will "Experience Ethiopia" in the summer of 2012. I know my life will never be the same & I welcome that. If not for the grace of God, I could have been born in Africa without enough food or clean water for my son . . . and those are just the basic needs that these families are unable to provide for their children. That thought is almost too much for me think about & that's only the beginning.
This life & this home are only temporary. I'm ready to impact the world with love, grace, acceptance, & Jesus.
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