I tried this once in college, at least 15 years ago... I think. I came up with some catchy phrase title, created an account, and completely forgot about it. But, things have changed a lot in 15 years; I guess you could say I am a bit more "together" or a little less "fly by the seat of my pants." The difference? Jesus.
Those of you that know me, know that I am a lot like a square peg in a round hole: I rarely fit the mold. I love people. I'm a wife, a mom, a teacher, an artist, a youthian (something another youth leader and I jokingly came up with)... but those are just a few of the many hats I wear. Most importantly, the part that I shouldn't leave out, is that I love Jesus. As much as I love people, however, it would be fair for me to say that I am an awkward conversationalist. I struggle to carry on a normal conversation with people. I seem to suffer from foot in mouth disease. This is nothing new, though. I have been this way since I can remember and it has been to my demise since before that; from saying WAY too much all the way back to not saying enough. But God still uses this awkward girl, with a keyboard and a blank screen. When the Holy Spirit says move, I move (or write). It's completely supernatural. It's completely Jesus.
So...you are probably wondering what tha what is going on with the title of my blog. Well, I have a sweet friend that introduced me to ditchin stinkin New Years' resolutions and replacing them with a spiritually healthier habit (one a little less easy to forget...yep, that's what I will go with...forget). A focus word. A word to focus on all year. My word for this year (2015) is E-S-C-A-P-E, escape.
"Why? What does that have to do with the title?"
For years, anytime I have had an "issue," I have looked to all sorts of things to escape (all future blogs, I'm all about airing my laundry). I have created problems from problems, because I like to run; run to the mall, run to McDonald's, run to a hiding place, run to an acquaintance, run to a family member, run to a drink, blah, blah, blah, instead of running to the One that could truly help me face the problem head on. Truth is, escaping the escape artist in me isn't going to be easy but that is what Jesus has called me to do. In a very intimate conversation with Him, He told me, "Amber, stop running. Let me be your escape."
Honestly, I was floored.
I have NEVER thought of Jesus as an escape but that is exactly what I need to do. I need to stop escaping to the world when I have a problem and start turning to Him. In my attempt to lose control of what I really have no control, I will allow Jesus, in 2015, to be My Only Escape. Jesus is MOE, and I pray this blog reflects that and if it only reaches one, then He used me, again. And I'm cool with that.
God bless you all this coming year and Merry CHRISTmas!
