In This Issue

Charis Family
     Zipporah Walker
Charis Cuisine
     Super Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
     with Spicy Coconut Ginger Sauce
Charis Around the World
Childbirth PATHS International
Real Love is Seen
       
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Our Director's Heart

Todd and Kristin Schuchmann

Be it unto me according to your word.... (Luke 1:38)

Oh, to have the heart of Mary! Full of faith, accepting the path laid before her by the angel Gabriel, she worshipped the Lord.

I have often wondered what Mary must have felt emotionally as she pondered in her heart the significance of her role in God's plan to bring salvation to the world. It is believed that she was about 14 years old at the time she was visited by Gabriel and discovered that the Holy Spirit would impregnate her, a virgin, with the Son of God. What about her fiancé Joseph? What would he think? What would others think of her, of him? Would he end their engagement? Would she be an outcast? What would her future hold? How could she, such a young woman, carry this huge weight? How could she be a suitable mother to the Messiah? Yet, Gabriel, as he greeted Mary that day, called her the "favored one". For some reason, a normal girl was the perfect one for this great honor and she trusted her Lord to take care of the details.

I believe the thing that set Mary apart is her depth of faith and trust in God; something that could only have developed in the presence of the Lord. This is evident by her response to her cousin Elizabeth when she was newly pregnant and Elizabeth in her 6th month of her miraculous pregnancy with John the Baptist (Luke 1:42-46). "And she (Elizabeth) cried out with a loud voice and said, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.' And Mary said, 'My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name.'"

How often I have second-guessed myself when I realize the Lord is leading me in a particular direction, especially when it seems like it is something big or important He is leading to do. I can't even count the times I have asked, "Are you sure, God? I'm just little me!" Elizabeth's husband Zacharias questioned Gabriel when he delivered the message from God about Elizabeth becoming pregnant with John in her advanced years; and, due to his unbelief, Zacharias was stricken mute until after John's birth. Yikes! How many times would I have been silenced when my mouth didn't speak what is in alignment with the word of the Lord? I must say, this is very convicting to me!

The things that seem huge to us are only too big if we try to do it in our own strength. Thankfully, like Mary, we can have the kind of relationship with the Lord that grows steadfast faith, unwavering hope, and rock-solid trust in God; so that when we get a glimpse of His plan for us, we can confidently say, "Be it unto me according to your word," and take hold of the blessing that comes when we believe "that there would be fulfillment of what had been spoken" by the Lord. His yoke is easy and His burden is light! (Matthew 11:30). His strength is made perfect in our weakness! (1 Corinthians 12:9) We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! (Philippians 4:13) And, He will perfect that which concerns us. (Psalm 138:8)

Maybe I was the only one who needed this reminder today; but, I suspect there are others who needed the encouragement, too. As we enjoy this season of celebration of the arrival of Jesus, our Messiah, to earth; may we bring glory and honor to His name first and foremost as we continue to grow in intimacy with Him; and, also, as our hearts, full of faith and love deposited during our times of communion with God, overflow into our homes and spheres of influence so that the world may see Him as He truly is.

Love and blessings to you all and Merry Christmas!
Kristin Schuchmann, LM, CPM
Executive Director, Charis Childbirth, Inc
 

• For the Charis Childbirth Educator, Doula, and Midwifery students: sharp minds to learn, opportunities for lots of hands-on learning
   
• For the Charis CE’s, doulas, and midwives: rest, peace, protection, wisdom, discernment
   
• For the Charis missionaries and humanitarian workers: protection, peace, divine guidance, financial provision
   
• For  our  directors  and  administration:   Wisdom, guidance, energy, and provision from God as Charis enters this season of growth

The information in this newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of medical care and advice from your health care provider.