I will not keep still, I cannot remain silent

This weekend a few quotes rocked my world:

The first being, "If not me, then who? If not now, then when?" - this was repeated over and over by the speaker and by recent college graduates who have committed this season right after graduating to serving the Lord and advancing His kingdom, and it has been ringing in my head since.

Another is "Don't waste your time doing what others can and will do when there is so much to be done that others cannot and will not do." - Dawson Trotman. Not the first time I've heard this, but this time it hit me in a new way. It's also been ringing in my head continually.

That started something in me. That is what God used to put my heart in the exact place it needed to be, for such a time as this.

Since going overseas in 2011, I have faithfully read the blog of a kindred heart who lives and works there for the Kingdom. Numerous times her writing has spoken to my heart, but this one changed my world. The first line she wrote, said "Do you want to be shaken, down through the deepest parts of your soul? If so, read this."

And just like that, one click of a link, one article read - my world was rocked. My heart was broken. My spirit stirred to the core. This is not okay. This cannot continue to happen.

I think this is the first time I've really experienced and understood the righteous way in which God can be angry, as it states in Exodus 22:21-24, in response to the mistreatment and oppression of foreigners, widows and children, He is angry.The way He's angry when we turn to lesser gods that cannot fulfill us. He's angry. But He's still holy, still a perfect God. He's angry and rightfully so. I get it now. It makes perfect sense to me because He has allowed me to share in that today.

Something must be done. Someone needs to step out and do what they can to stop this. These women are pushed into a corner. Their culture, this world, says that this is their best option. But I know it's not. Someone needs to do something.

If not me, then who? If not now, then when?

I don't know what comes next, but I do know I can't stay silent and live comfortably while injustice continues to rule this world. I trust God will lead me in whatever He's breaking my heart and stirring my soul with.

Because I love [this world],

    I will not keep still.

Because my heart yearns for [these people],

    I cannot remain silent.

I will not stop praying for her

    until her righteousness shines like the dawn,

    and her salvation blazes like a burning torch.

Isaiah 62:1