Moving Again

When I was a little girl, we moved from town to town. In fact, when I was in seventh grade, I had attended thirteen different schools. Not by choice, but by the course of the lifestyle my family led, constantly running from the past. Because of this way of life, moving all the time, I decided within myself that when I was in charge, I was NOT moving around like that! In fact, I planned to live in one town, get married, have kids and retire there. Little did I know, God had another plan for my life.

I was 26 years old when Eddie and I were married in Amarillo, Texas, and it wasn’t our plan that God would lead us to a life of ministry (and moving!). We both worked in the hair industry and through our clients, God led us to an incredible church, Trinity Fellowship, where we gave our lives unconditionally to The Lord, and the rollercoaster began! Over the course of a few years and three children later, we had gone through the school of ministry and given up our hair business to move to a different city, serving a church plant. After four years of serving as associate pastors at Champions Church in Abilene, Texas, we felt the Lord transitioning us. Moving again!

Denton, Texas and Lifegate Church would become our home for the next seven years. What an incredible place to live and lead a congregation. God worked in and through us in amazing ways during this season. We grew up as a family and as a church. In Denton, we were able to help restore a former pastor of the church we led, open our church to a Spanish speaking ministry by sharing our facility and we set in a new senior pastor in our church. Yes, moving again. God is always at work!

Transition isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. Brownsville, Texas was destined to be our next home and likely the most difficult transition I had ever experienced. This white girl moved to this 98% Hispanic community with her spiritual guns blazing, ready to set the world on fire! I was going to change this city for God, bringing all my gifts and talents to the people and make my mark. Little did I know, God had a bit of a different plan. While He did allow me to express my gifts and be a blessing at Good Shepherd Community Church and the city we were called to, God did a mighty work in me through this place. I can truly say that I thought I would change Brownsville, but Brownsville changed me. My heart for the Mexican people has grown in ways I didn’t know it could. There I learned a little Spanish, a lot of Mexican culture and a truly grateful heart for a people group that marked my life forever.

Seasons come, and seasons go, and yes, we had to let go. San Diego, California is where God has planted us today and movement-sd is the ministry God has put in our hearts in this season. We have yet to see the fullness of this season, (I am still unpacking!), but I’m excited and looking forward to ALL God has ahead for us. I don’t plan to move again, but I seriously didn’t plan on any of these moves! Through this twenty-year roller coaster God has had us on, I’ve learned to hold lightly onto things (and places!) and relate deeply to people.

Moving in ministry at God’s leading isn’t what I experienced as a kid, moving in God is a much different way of life. I don’t have to run from the past as my family did, God has set me free from my past and called me into His purposes and His future for my life. I’m glad I didn’t stick to my decision to be “in charge” and live in one place for my life. As I look back at what God has done and forward to what He will do, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I encourage you today, ask God if you’re running from the past or moving forward in freedom. Let this season be a forward movement to ALL God has for you. Whether you move physically, spiritually or both, if God is leading, you will be glad you did!