I want to be an advocate!

ad·vo·cate (dv-kt)

tr.v. ad·vo·cat·ed, ad·vo·cat·ing, ad·vo·cates

To speak, plead, or argue in favor of. See Synonyms at support.

n. (-kt, -kt)

1. One that argues for a cause; a supporter or defender: an advocate of civil rights.

2. One that pleads in another's behalf; an intercessor: advocates for abused children and spouses

God calls us to certain things and gives us gifts. These gifts can be anything. He gives us these gifts so that we can use them to further His kingdom and glorify His name. He gives us these gifts and equips us to be used in ways that we can bless others. So what are your gifts? What do you feel like God has called you to do in your city or this season of your life?

For me, I have been searching for a word that could define what I feel like God has gifted me in. The other day I was laying in bed talking to my husband about our purpose and mission here at Fort Hood. Even though we weren't thrilled when we found out this is where we would be for a while, we can now see a huge purpose for being here. God has called all believers to share the gospel with the lost and I cannot think of another population who could benefit from the hope of Jesus, more than the military. Within the military culture, our husbands have crazy schedules, are gone all the time, and we have to hold down the home front a lot of the time. Almost every military wife I meet is stressed, exhausted, lonely, and tired... It makes me reflect on how believing in God provides an everlasting Hope...a hope that can come from nowhere else, not even solely from our husbands. What I have also realized is that I do NOT have this whole military wife thing down... at all! I just feel that God has gifted me with the ability to organize people and help provide community, and I know that when that happens, I will learn a TON from these wives from their own experiences that I don't have yet as a wife. It's truly amazing to think about.

A different night, Trevor and I were laying in bed and talking about being on mission...either in America or another country. We went from talking about Fort Hood, adopting, and all the way to orphans in Africa! It was a long convo to say the least :) As the conversation progressed we got more and more excitable and anxious about what to do, but towards the end, we agreed that God can call us to SO many different missions throughout our married lives... As Trevor said "Babe, we have decades!" lol. Right now He has us here at Fort Hood, in 3 years, could it be overseas? Definately! God is way bigger than anything we can plan and we are excited about the rollercoaster of life ahead!

So back to the title of this blog. Advocate. I feel like God has called me to be an advocate throughout my life. According to the dictionary, an advocate is:

ad·vo·cate (dv-kt)

tr.v. ad·vo·cat·ed, ad·vo·cat·ing, ad·vo·cates

To speak, plead, or argue in favor of. See Synonyms at support.

n. (-kt, -kt)

1. One that argues for a cause; a supporter or defender: an advocate of civil rights.

2. One that pleads in another's behalf; an intercessor: advocates for abused children and spouses.

I want to be an advocate. An advocate for the kingdom of God, an advocate for marriage, an advocate for women with cancer, an advocate for military families, an advocate for children, an advocate for missions, an advocate for orphans, an advocate for adoption. In my opinion, an advocate is someone who can support others, encourage others, and speak for those who are unable! God teaches me something new everyday, I think understanding His calling to be an advocate for others gives me a more clear picture of the mission I am on here and now!

Encouraged

I have recently been very encouraged by strangers...people I have never met who are willing to send me a note on Facebook, tell me their stories, and even share encouraging words. It absolutely amazes me. Most of you know that I lost my mama to breast cancer in January of 2009. Some of you know that Trevor and I honored her and made her presence known at our wedding this month by leaving an empty chair for the "Mother of the Bride." We also had each person who came down the aisle put a yellow long stem rose on her chair during the ceremony, ending with Trevor and I doing the same. I truly felt like my mama was a part of the most important day of our lives and her life and testimony was honored. What I didn't realize is how many people were watching and were also touched by her presence being there in such a sweet and subtle way.

Right after the wedding when pics began getting posted during our honeymoon, I had a few people specifically comment on the picture of my mama's chair from our ceremony. I even had a teacher of mine from high school add the picture to their own Facebook. As I got our professional photos back, I immediately starting making albums on Facebook because I knew people were anxiously waiting to see them! Within one day, I received two messages from complete strangers about our wedding. The interesting thing was that both of these individuals were not just talking about our wedding in general, but specifically about honoring my mom and her chair there. I received these two messages from people I have never seen, never spoken to, and never even Facebook stalked (lol!)....

"Hi Allison -
I am Tim Williams cousin - I was looking at yur wedding photos from Lauren's post - all the pics are lovely but i borrowed the one of the roses for your mum and posted it on my wall. It is by far the most beautiful picture I have ever seen.
My mom passed away last year and I am getting married (2nd time) next year so she will miss it. Your picture was so very lovely!!!
I hope you don't mind
Lesle"

"Hi,

I know you don't know me but I am friends with a girl that was in your wedding (Amanda) so I was able to glance at some of your wedding photos.

I just wanted to say that I have also lost my mother at a young age and never in a million years would I have thought that on my wedding day she wouldn't physically be there. I saw the pictures of your mother's "presence" and it just touched my heart. What a sweet way to incorporate her into your wedding!

Congrats to you ....and thanks for the simple touch to my heart!
Meagan"

I was so encouraged after reading these two notes... not because there are people that loved our wedding ideas, but because this is my mama's legacy living on. She was constantly serving and encouraging people and to know that her presence at our wedding is continuing to do so, brings so much JOY to my heart. I am so thankful to Jesus. I am thankful for the time He gave my mom and I together, for the time He will give us in eternity some day, and for the people He has sent my way with such sweet encouraging words about letting a legacy live on! :)