Lately, a friend sent me an unexpected voice note saying how she just wanted me to remember that I was remembered by people back home.
I think I, like many missionaries when they go through a rough season, sometimes struggle with the bitterness of feeling forgotten.
Bitterness is an awful feeling. I try to remind myself not to label any emotion “good” or “bad,” but of all the emotions, urgh, this one is an icky one to shake.
It’s nobody’s fault. Life back home runs at a frenetic pace. And the inner world of a missionary can be so messy it’s hard for anyone to understand.
But this note, on a morning I totally wasn’t expecting it, really moved me—
“I’m thinking of you. I know you feel really far away- but it’s odd how I keep bumping into people who tell me they’re reading yr book Dream Brave and are really encouraged by it. They’re probably never gonna tell you so I’m telling you. You’re missed. You’re remembered. You’ve sown into blessing people’s lives even after you’ve left. You’re not alone.”
If you know a missionary serving abroad, and if you see this, would you take a minute to remember them?
And depending on how God leads, send them a note to let them know you’re thinking of them? It’ll go a long way.
Tell them they’re not alone. That you’re praying for them. Give them a love gift to pamper themselves and no one else. Ask if there’s anything they need that you can do for them. Commit to supporting them longterm on a monthly basis, no matter how small you think that sum is.
It’ll mean the world to them.
PS: I’m writing this so you can go encourage someone else, don’t do it for me haha.
And if you’re a missionary or someone preparing yourself/ yr fam for the field, I’ll say this on your behalf— not feeling seen or remembered or understood is one of the worst feelings in the world. And bitterness is a hard game to master when you’re left with high promises.
“God’s there for you,” or “count your blessings” can sound like a wry cop-out.
But remember, the crucible of loneliness can be an unexpected gift. Just don’t let it harden your heart. I’m cheering you on as I tell myself that.
