家庭 Home

I have so much to tell of the events of the past few days, but forgive me if I wait to do that until a later post. I want this post to be about something I have been reflecting on for quite awhile now and I think I am ready to put it into words. Many of you are familiar with the idea that God speaks to us in ways that we often don't even see coming. In my own life, it is sometimes almost rare for me to hear God through the Bible (something I really need to work on), but more often than not someone, somewhere will say something and it will be a light bulb moment. "Aha! I get it!" and I send God a grateful smile or at least a nod of acknowledgement (usually when I am unhappy with what I am being told), and a word of thanks for making it so clear. These words have come to me from complete strangers, or random signs, but one of the cleverest ways God has spoken to me recently came from an American Idol winner whose number one hit has been all over the radio lately. At least in the States. By now I am sure that many of you know which song I am talking about, but for those of you who don't the song is called "Home" by Phillip Phillips. I will post both the song and the lyrics below for your perusal. I think as soon as you listen/read it you will know exactly why this song speaks to me so.

"Home" by Phillip Phillips

Hold on, to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave is stringing us along
Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home

Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home

Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home


I was told by many people, upon taking my current position in Japan, that there would be days when I would wonder what the heck I am doing. Those days came, on occasion, before leaving. And whenever they did all I had to do was hop in the car, turn on the radio, and lo and behold, sooner or later this song would come on. Its a song that makes me cry, and a song that makes me cheer. This song is one of the ways that God has reassured me, repeatedly, that He knows exactly what He is doing by placing me here. As the song says, "Settle down, it'll all be clear..." At the end of the day I don't have to have an answer to the question of why I am here. The only answer I have to know, absolutely, is that God placed me here. In time the why may become clear; but that's for Him to reveal to me when He chooses.

Today was a hard day. It was the first day I took the subway by myself. I was headed to a church, alone, to a service that wasn't in English, not knowing if anyone there spoke English, hardly knowing a word of Japanese. I played this song over and over and over again. I am listening to it now, as I write. It gave me the courage and strength that I needed to face this day, as it has many days before today. I will reflect more on church later, for it is important, but today I want to give thanks for an American Idol winning song, the man who sings it, and the God who gave it to me as a precious gift. Some may read this post and think I have lost my mind. Some may read it and say that's too simple, or its just a coincidence. Its not. Not to me. And really, that's what matters. I wonder if Phillip Phillips knows that he has changed lives with his song? Maybe I should send him a thank you card. "Phillip Phillips, thank you for the courage. Did you know God was using you? No? I never know when He uses me either. Funny how He does that, isn't it? Love from a fan in Japan." God has spoken to me loud and clear. He placed me here. He chose me. He has a plan for me. He knows EXACTLY what He is doing. I know I am not alone. And, without a doubt, He's going to make this place my home.