Life has looked a little different lately. Any expectation I may have held has been fully surrendered to the Lord. And to be honest there has been nothing easy about it. If you didn’t hear about a month ago, I fell into a hole in a garden and sprained my ankle. But because of the constant change of being on the field, I never really had time to rest it so the pain only got worse. By the time we got to the Dominican Republic, it sent a sharp achey pain up my whole foot from my ankle. Luckily, when we got here we had medical staff who were able to help me figure out doctors appointments and start getting me help (shoutout to Kim and Tim the very best!) After about 6 doctors visits, some painkillers, scans and a pair of crutches, we have come to the conclusion that I have a second degree sprain. Because of my medical history, after the initial sprain, it’s really easy to continue to injure it. I am able to start trying to walk on it again slowly but surely as well as continuing to take pain meds and starting physical therapy. My goal is to be well enough to go to the last week of ministry here in the DR!
I haven’t been able to really leave the base for ministry or church in a few weeks because of being on crutches, so because of that it has been really difficult mentally lately. All the lies started to creep back in. The lies the I have no purpose, that I am not loved, known, called or cared for. Fear has started to get a grip on me. Fear of living in the unknown, fear of the worst case scenario, the fear that I don’t really belong here.
Through all of this, the only consistent comfort has been the Lord. I have literally no choice but to trust Him and find refuge in Him. But that has also taught me the God alone is always more than enough. Every lie that the devil tries to get me to believe has already been conquered. Any time I am ready to go home, He reminds me that my feet are planted right where they are supposed to be. That He knew everything that is happening all along. He gently reminds me of His goodness and that every baby step I take towards Him is enough. He has never let me go and He is not going to start now.
Yeah maybe, my ministry doesn’t look like Monday- Thursday house visits with my squad or church on Sundays. Some days it looks like sitting at a hospital, other times it’s enjoying the presence of the few people around me. Ministry isn’t always the most Christian thing you can think of doing. Find what your good at, I have been making watercolor Bible verse prints for my squad to hand out to people they meet. It’s as simple as truly seeing the person in front of you and loving them as hard as you can. It’s being gentle with yourself when life seems to knock you down a little harder than usual. I have made the choice to not take this time on the field that I have been blessed with for granted. I have chosen into this season of surrender, living in awe and wonder of all the big and little things that God is doing and continues to do.
During this time, I don’t want you to worry but instead I would love for you to come alongside me in prayer not just for me but also our squad as we begin the final month of our race.
Thank you!
Delaney
My sweet Delaney,I know that this last month has been such a challenge and I know it is not what you expected to be doing in the Dominican Republic! I am so proud of you for trying to keep a positive attitude and spending so much time listening to God and what He has planned for you right now. Not only have you learned so much through this experience, but you are teaching all of us too! You make me so proud! I love you!
Love, Mom
Hi Delaney, I have been following your blogs and even though I’ve never met you, I love you and everything that you have to say and to offer. You know I am very good friends with your grandmother, who has inspired me in much the same way that you have. I feel that God has a plan for you and you are so very wise to follow it. Keeping you in my prayers, Judy granfield
As my struggles continue, you have reinforced my belief that God is carrying us throughout the difficult times in our life. You have discovered that so much younger than I did! Love you!
We’ve never really talked but as a sister in Christ this makes me so proud! Keep on leaning into the Lord and finding the good out of situations. He’s got you!! I’ll be praying for you Delaney??
Oh Delaney,
I have witnessed only a glimpse of how special and dearly loved you are. God can use you anywhere you are and in every situation and I know He is doing just that. You are able to minister to people you would have never come in contact with had you not hurt your ankle. Stay strong sweet girl and be encouraged! Many prayers for a speedy and full recovery.
Much love,
Kelly
Dear Delaney
What a warrior you are! God has truly blessed you with perseverance and love.
You have had many challenges and God has seen you through all of them!
Sending you prayers for healing and strength! God is Love, God is good????
hi delaney! here to say i am so so proud of you. i am lucky to be your friend and i love you so much. this is very well said :)))
Delaney,
I am so proud of the young lady you have become. Each challenge that you face, magnifies your purpose and increases your self-confidence as well as your understanding of God’s will for you.
Sweet DD! You are so strong. I am so proud of you for pushing through and for not letting fear take over. We command all lies to go in Jesus name because you are a daughter of the king. I am so blessed by your words because they remind me how there is no pressure by God! If we couldn’t do anything ever again he would still love and delight in us! I am learning that myself as our team is having to quarantine from another outbreak. We are sitting in a cabin everyday instead of having our events and doing evangelism. It feels so purposeless and discouraging but I am reminded of people like you who are sticking it through and truly relaxing back in the fathers arms!! So encouraged by you