Called Out

The original word for church is Ekklesia, or Ecclesia, depending on how you want to transliterate. It means literally "called out". That Ec- is still in English with the same meaning: Ecstatic, Eccentric.

I am called out. I recently realized...no I'm trying to be more literal...God recently told me that my new diet and the condition that led to its necessity are not an accident, nor a flaw. I was being set apart and this is a mark of it. Like John the Baptist with his skins and locusts, Elijah, Jeremiah, David, Samson, the list goes on...all are set apart for God's purposes and all had outward signs that made them stand out.

I cannot eat the food of the culture. I must live on a simple diet. I am not upset by it actually. It perfectly suits my personality...imagine that, being suited to our lot. So I will not look at this as a fault or a cross to bear. To me it is a joy. I've never experienced this aspect of life, though I've read about it often. I am glad in what many would see as difficult.

I've also often talked about being drug into this life. It was chosen for me and I had little to do about it. Much like Jonah, I couldn't even run from it when I tried. To not do it makes me sick. I was tired of being sick. I was tired of feeling bad. I had prayed this so often. God has answered my prayers.

I'm not pretending that life will be happily ever after. I'm just rejoicing in this newfound release. I'm celebrating in having been chosen for this life.

I saw my mentor and spiritual director last week as well, and as usual, he spoke right into me in a way that even he does not understand until he sees my reaction to it. He confirms for me who I am and tells me that I am not insane. I'm not going to explain what he said or how it affected me because it is too personal.

I am very thankful right now.