We are blessed, so that we may bless others. Pt.1
April 11, 2010 by donnyiaaao
I need to start this by saying a year ago, I would have told you i’m generous and I know we are called to “give”. But standing in church this morning, God lovingly and deliberately showed me that His heart truly lies in a lifestyle that is counter-cultural, and I really had no idea.
This starts with a simple fact:
38,000 people die a day from starvation.
Apply that to this verse:
17If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 1 John 3:17
It hit me like a ton of bricks. The magnitude of devastation in the form of starvation alone is something none of us here in the states can really fathom. This was the begininning. Shortly after, my church announced a two part effort. A ” 3 Day Hunger Challenge” followed by the second part, “Feed The Need”.
The 3 Day Hunger Challenge is simple,for 3 days we were challenged to eat like some of the poorest in the world. 3 one cup meals a day of a combination of rice and beans. This “meal plan” is actually far more generous than the reality most people are faced with on a daily basis. I said to myself, “This wont be so bad, I’ve fasted before”. We started on a Monday. By the time I sat down to eat my first meal, I realized, this isnt a game. I am soo incredibly fortunate to have these unflavored grains in front of me. Like a movie playing in my mind, I imagined mothers laying their heads down at night, weeping, wondering if they will find food for their babies in the morning. Or a father who cant find food or work, after searching all day, walking into his tin shack empty handed. The children crying because their tummies hurt, but dont understand know why.
I gave thanks in a way I never had before. I could write forever on the emotions I’ve been through this past week, and I will post on the second part. But I want to leave you with the thought that plagued me:
I’ve often asked myself, “Why did God choose me to have all of the things I have?” All of things that living in the U.S. affords us. Going through these two challenges connected the dots and He answered huge. “I gave you all of the blessings you have, so that you may bless others.
I love you all so much,
Donny
Part 2 coming soon…………………..
IAAAO is all new 4.10.10
April 9, 2010 by donnyiaaao
After months and months of work, we are finally at a point where we will see all of the time, work, and dedication come together. We have so much going on and so much to do, but its all love, and its all worth it. God is so good and we are truly blessed to have so many people all over the country, and even the world (including the ones reading this) supporting us in countless ways. Even when I am at my lowest spiritual or emotional point, God is constant and shows His love and dedication to me. I find myself realizing more and more everyday, God loves us enough to overlook our ups and downs, for me thats so comforting.
I can’t wait for you all to hear the album, and to see you all at shows! We will be out on the road starting May 1st, we have a tour announcement in a few days. Stay tuned to all of our pages and sites as new stuff will coming frequently and fast. We love you all so very much. Hit me up if you need prayer or anything at all.
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A blog of IAAAO, tour, my life, and all that comes with it.
