Unified Under Christ: I am an APPENDIX!
Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given to me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ,
“What can God do with me?” you may have asked. You may see yourself, as I do, as small and insignificant in the Kingdom of God. I jokingly mentioned in an earlier post that I sometimes wonder if, in the Body of Christ, I am the appendix. We see people out there like Billy Graham and Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer and wonder how someone like us could ever measure up, could ever do something big.
When I was a young
mom, I used to read a lot of missionary biographies. I was so inspired by how
they headed out into the unknown with nothing but a pith helmet and their
Bible. They suffered tragedy and loss, but in the end, something great and
amazing came from their ministry. A hundred, or two hundred years later, people
were still reading and writing about what God had done through them. I really
thought this was my destiny! I prayed so hard for God to call me to the mission
field. I listened to missionary presentations at church and talked to them
after. I even got to take them out to lunch a few times. Then, my husband and I
started doing short-term mission trips, and I was certain this was the
beginning of our new life. Turns out, I was wrong!
Every time I asked
God, “What is my calling?” He told me, “Be a wife and a mom.” Not satisfied
with that seemingly insignificant request, I would ask again, “Yes, but what
else?” and He would answer, “Be a wife and a mom.” It took a really long time
for me to come to terms with this. It just didn’t seem to be as big and
important as what Elizabeth Elliot or Amy Carmichael had done. This became
especially true as my children began to grow up and move out. And then my
health took such a downturn that I couldn’t run the house the way I used to.
What good was I as a wife if I couldn’t even take care of my house and my
husband anymore?
We are so finite. We
can only see what’s right in front of us. I’ve discussed this at length with my
oldest son this week, that we have no idea what the future holds. I have no
idea what the ramifications of my actions in life hold for the future. I pray
my testimony speaks to those I encounter. I pray that I have given some
encouragement to those who are troubled and seeking. I know that how I raised
my kids has affected who they have become and how they see the world. I know
that supporting my husband, emotionally, has given him the freedom and courage
to strike out into the world and do great things, things I couldn’t have done.
I jokingly mentioned before
that perhaps in the Body of Christ, I am an appendix. I said this because I’ve
always thought of an appendix as a rather useless organ that most people have
removed. Turns out I was wrong (shocker I know!). According to these sites
(1,2,3,4):
The appendix is not only a
vestigial organ but also plays a significant role in the human body. It
contains lymphoid tissue, which is crucial for the immune system, and it may
serve as a "safe house" for beneficial gut bacteria. This niche allows
these microbes to repopulate the gut after disturbances like infections,
diarrheal illness, or antibiotic use. The appendix's location in the lower part
of the large intestine, where food and microbes pass, further supports its
connection to the gut's microbial flora. Additionally, it aids in the movement
and elimination of waste in the digestive system. (Summary written by Bing)
Ok, if I’m reading
that right, the appendix is an awful lot like a mom and a wife! She serves as a
“safe house” in the world for her loved ones. She helps them to stay healthy:
mentally, physically and spiritually. She adds in goodness and love after
crisis and hurt. And, she encourages those around her to get rid of those
things in their lives that are not serving them. I AM an appendix!!!!
I mentioned that I struggled
with my role as a mom when my kids moved out, but I’m learning more and more
that being a mom doesn’t end when your kids are 18. I still get to celebrate
with them, mourn with them, give advice – whether listened to or not, give
hugs, have long chats, and sometimes, just be present. This week is very much a
mom week for me, and I am so blessed for it!
Here’s the Thing: Paul saw himself as the lowest of
Christians, unworthy of his calling, the least of these. History lauds Paul as
the greatest of Apostles, author of much of the New Testament, missionary, martyr.
I don’t know how history will see me. I don’t know if, outside of my small
circle, I will even be remembered. But I know that the God who placed me here,
who called me to be a wife to my husband and a mom to my four, incredible
children, sees me. He knew from the beginning what affect my life would have on
the world, He orchestrated it in His perfect will and plan. Even if I don’t see
it, I don’t understand I need to live out my calling, given by God, in faith
that He sees it and He know exactly what I’m here for.
1.
Appendix:
What Is It, and What Does It Do?
2.
What
Does the Appendix Do? Anatomy, Function, Diseases
3.
The
Appendix Is an Organ: Its Purpose and Function - Biology Insights
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