Beginning the Journey

After weeks, I finally decided to title this blog "Mighty to Save" after one of my favorite songs by Hillsong. The song proclaims God can move mountains and even greater than that, He brings salvation and healing to His people and creation. It just seemed fitting to be reminded, as God so often reminded Israel in the Old Testament, that He is the great I AM, He is Mighty to save and desires to save all people (from sickness, for instance; any part of the brokenness of our world). For me that is a reassurance of His power to bring healing and restoration - a healing I hope to pursue through medicine, following my great and glorious Physician. It is also a reassurance of His intimately loving presence, to "be strong and courageous. 'Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go'" (Joshua 1:9).

I am fully convinced this program is where I need to be, that this past year, and years of waiting in mixed peace, contentment and restlessness before that, have been preparation for this. But I am also certain it will be exhausting and difficult. My life just began to take root in Denver and now I am leaving beloved family and friends and a new community at my church that God unexpectedly blessed me with this year. More than that, I am entering years of intense study and a lifetime of devotion to the "long defeat" (as Paul Farmer calls it in Mountains Beyond Mountains) fighting for social justice in and beyond health care. My hope remains in the promise that my nano role in medicine, my desire to be useful to God and work against the grain to bring justice and healing to distant lands, is actually already founded in an eternal victory (John 16:33).

In the coming weeks and months, I will share more of the words, lyrics, verses, and ways God has directed me here (I have an entire list but didn't want to overwhelm the first posting). And I'll be excited to share pictures of my new home in the middle of the desert, bound-to-be-ridiculous anecdotes, tidbits of my class lessons (for fellow science nerds), and further ways God meets me in the promised land!

There is nothing more encouraging to me than words - they give me energy and a smile to keep moving forward - whether short letters, messages, or emails. By no means am I soliciting your support, but if you have a free second and feel so inclinced, that (and prayer, lots of it!) is the best way to support me as I begin my four year trek through medical school.

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(excerpts of the song that spoke to my heart. something about living in colorado makes the mountains that much more glorious in this context)

Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
Forever, Author of salvation.

So I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in:

Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
The Hope of nations.

Shine your light and let the whole world see,
The glory of the risen King.

He can move the mountains.
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.