Mark Graham’s Blog

2.23.11

February 23, 2011

Motivation…not going to lie…mine was lacking as I woke up yesterday.  I had a long swim scheduled for the morning but that quickly changed when I sat on my basement stairs and talked myself out of it.  How often have I done that with what God was asking me to do?   He often challenges me to think and act upon it, but too often it just ends with my lack of motivation to follow through.

Daily I need to be reminded that my life is not meant to sit around and wait for others to follow through.  I have to rise up and act upon what Scripture teaches.

Just the thoughts that are flowing through my mind.  Please consider how you might join us in our cause to make a difference in Haiti.

2.21.11

February 21, 2011

I have been reading the book, Unbroken, over the past few weeks upon the recommendation of a friend.  It’s a 400 page book retelling the story of an incredible man.  As I began to read the story I couldn’t help but think…if someone were to write my story how big would the book be?  What a weird thing to think, but that’s what was going through my mind.  My book wouldn’t be nearly that long.  Thus the challenge…am I living an epic story that is worth retelling?

I am working my way through Genesis in my quiet time and just finishing up with Noah.  What an incredible story.  God did something amazing and Noah got to be a part of it.  Noah was available to be used by God.  In return God allowed Noah to be a part of an epic adventure.  I want to live in such a way that I am a part of God’s epic story.  He is the author of the story and I want a part to play.  I just have to be available.

I don’t want to be recognized for my part in the story but rather want my part to point toward the author.

2.17.11

February 17, 2011

I was reading through a recent publication from Compassion International and my heart began to rip out of my chest.  My wife began to read to me from a page of statistics.  I have been bombarded by so many stats in my life and so often they don’t really unsettle me, but this time they did.  Let me share some of them with you:

50% of the world’s hospitalizations are due to water-related illnesses.

1 in 5 children die from diarrhea–that’s more than AIDS, malaria, and measles combined.

1.5 million children die of waterborne illnesses every year.

Being a father, these kinds of stats rattle me to my core.  I can’t stand idly by and wait for someone else to step out.  Thus my reason for being a part of this team.  Being in Haiti last spring put even more perspective on the whole situation.  Seeing a man bend down and drink from a dirty puddle as if it was normal.  Seeing kids use empty water bottles to get drinks from puddles.  Seeing the creeks overflowing with trash.  The foul smell  as we stood next to the water front because it was so full of waste.  Images I can’t erase.

So consider pledging and joining the cause.