Here we go..........

Hello Everyone,

Maddie now calls heaven home. I am certain that she does this with ease and pure hearted joy. As we know, she accomplished all that God called her to complete here on earth. Maddie fought valiantly and with a Kingdom centered approach. She may not be here with us in a physical form moving forward, but her essence, the testimony that God bestowed upon her will be carried onward.

Maddie’s mission in starting this blog was to reach all who needed encouragement through a dark time or season. In reading her bio, I was acutely reminded of her hearts hope in unifying the broken under Christ Jesus. Broken in body, broken in spirit, together. Her reference of Galations 6:2 “Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” takes me to the core question we ALL ask at one point or another, why are we here?! The pain, the heart break, the confusion….we all must wade through this swamp of life. Just when you think you have reached a safe place despite the filthy muck, boom! The ground gives way and here’s another muddy trial. Maddie knew this feeling so well. However, she refused to look downward. Her eyes remained fixed on the One who knew her name. Maddie also knew that just as Galations 6:2 reveals, we, the body of Christ, are to pull alongside one another. You know what makes the travel through the swamp easier? Pulling as a team.

When we take a step back and explore what this actually looks like, the depth of it strikes. The mud knows no bounds and in one way or another we will all suffer. The suffering is promised to us while we are here. But Jesus also promises us that that there is help. Help through the Holy Spirit, help via prayer to the Father and help from fellow swamp travelers. This Galations verse allows me to see Kingdom currency clearly once I reflect. Carrying burdens together not only helps the individual sinking the most at the time, but it also fulfills the law of Christ! Give and take. His goals are met when we come alongside one another. Goals of love, kindness, friendship. These in their purest state, push out sin. Random swamp travelers see this comradery and want help too. Or maybe, for one moment they see another is sinking much deeper than they are and a helpful hand seems doable. Here, in this state of mind we find the echo of Jesus. He physically was that hand to the suffering while He was here in the flesh. He lent His hand despite His own torture and daily life tasks. Certainly, He continues in this with the Holy Spirit now, but there’s no denying that He expects us to repeat the lesson and do as He did.

Maddie gave her hands, her feet, her voice and all that she possibly could to help others while she was on this side of heaven. But, she also received. Maddie was never alone in the swamp! If you are spending time sinking, stop for a second. Think of Maddie, pray to Jesus and look around. I promise there is someone not too far off that needs you to help carry their burdens. A kind word, a meal, even a smile. It’s amazing how alone the swamp can feel, yet we are all in it! Just maybe, the motivation and work required to help another will also in turn, pull you from your sinkhole, as we are in fact stronger together. Interesting plan the Lord has for us here……

One of the many beautiful qualities Maddie maintained, was a thankful heart. Her kind spirit motivated those around her to fight for her and for her Savior, whether they knew Him personally or not. She shared just the right words to encourage her swamp pulling team to keep going! This helped her, helped the team through the agony and furthered God’s Kingdom plan. So whether you are in the giving or receiving season, know that a kind heart attitude will help you and others in both.

Finally, I will be the “Not Ashamed” blog steward for Maddie here on out. Carefully, I will not commandeer this vessel for my purposes. With hope, I will be able to continue Maddie’s original goal. Sharing what I believe her heart would want to say. Please help me in sharing Maddie’s story via this blog. More is certainly to come. Stay unified in the swamp folks! We are all broken but Christ makes us beautiful. He will make us whole again and the swamp will be NO MORE! Soon, we will see Maddie again. Free of mud, free from the suffering…..until then hold someone’s hand and keep going.

Who I am is not important, Jesus is. I will continue using Maddie’s lovely sign off with a slight addition.

Forever His & yours,

The Blog Steward