Freed to Go

I was the American dream.  I was raised in a loving Irish Catholic home.  I have great married and loving parents, two sisters and four brothers.  I obtained all that anyone would think that they desired, marriage, two sons, higher education, six figured job, big houses, convertibles, vacations, friends, lots of stuff and I felt strangely out of place!  Something was missing and I tried filling it with anything I could.  But no matter what I bought or where I traveled or how many friends I had at the end of the day I still came up short.  I had NO PEACE!

Then in the late summer of 2004 I was praying outside a courtroom for my youngest sons freedom and the Lord answered my prayer.  See Nick’s story.  I was so grateful and for the first time in my life this God actually felt close to me.  I quickly repented of wasting the first forty years of my life on myself and gave Him the next forty.  And boy has He taken me up on it! 

I went on my first short term mission trip to the Island of Jamaica about six months later with a group of ladies to serve in the orphanages.  Lets say I left with more than a T-shirt.  See Shane’s Story.  During that process my son joined me for the summer.  That summer in Jamaica is what brought my youngest son Nick to the Lord.  When I returned home none of this made sense to my friends and family.   To the world bringing home this critically ill child though noble would only complicate my life.  I lived on the golf course, my kids were grown and I was now a single mother with a very big job.  But the Lord told me “I have taken care of you and your children now you take care of mine.”  At that time I thought He just meant this one but as the story unfolds I have come to realize that He has more in mind.   People are always telling me I saved Shane’s life but the truth is she saved mine!

That first year was tough and my flesh did allot of screaming until one day a friend of mine spoke a word right to my heart.  He said ” For someone who is doing what she feels the Lord has asked her to do you sure do allot of complaining.”  That very day I handed it all over to Him.  Things have been great since!

That same year Nick left with AIM as a First Year Missionary to South Africa and Swaziland.  I stalked the AIM site daily for pictures and updates as I’m sure many of the parents do.  One day about six weeks into their trip there was a picture of my son holding a small baby.  The caption read Nick comforts an abandoned baby.  I was so proud of my son.  His big arms around that little baby reminded me of Jesus holding us in His embrace.  I printed it off and hung it on my refrigerator.  I never dreamt that she would become my daughter see Tula’s story.

I fasted 21 days and during that time the Lord asked me to quit my job and go and He would take care of the rest.  I was a single mother of two small children one with serious health issues, very large mortgage and debt.  But in faith I did what He asked me to do.  I gave six months notice at work and He has done ALL that He said He would do.  My house sold in this market for full price before ever being listed.  My debt has cleared and I am FREE to go and serve the Lord.  I had every obstacle preventing me from doing this.  I was so ensnared by the world I was dying, but my obedience freed me.  I want to stand for all of you who think you can’t serve the Lord because of the circumstances that are unique to your life.  I stepped out on His word in faith and He has done the rest!  He will free you if you do your part!

Thank you for taking the time to read this story which is still unfolding.  Not to leave out my oldest son Nate who is our anchor at home, Nate’s story.  We couldn’t be doing this without his love and support.  And for all of you who have taken the time to read this I would be honored if you followed our journey and joined in praying  for us.  Those of you who feel you can financially partner with us you can do so by clicking here.

Much Love,

Tami