Last Sunday night, our daughter Kim won the title of Lone Survivor, in the 24th season of CBS show, Survivor - One World. She also won a millon bucks! Kim, played a brillant game. Some think, one of the best! Though she won 4 immunity challenges during the course of her 39 days on the island of Somoa, her real strategy was to "delight" in each and every one of the 17 castaway's, building a relationship of geniune concern and respect. It wasn't easy starving and being sleep deprived but she had help. She wasn't alone. Here is how I, survived my daughter's adventure.
On the day CBS contacted Kim last July and said they had offered a place to a girl but she had taken a job and said she couldn't go. They told Kim they were giving her until 10:30pm and if she declined, Kim was going instead. With that in mind, I sat praying at my kitchen table for their decision but God interrupted me by saying, "it isn't their decision, it's mine". Suddenly my concerns melted as I realized what He was saying. Whatever happened it was His choice! Just as in times past He cloaked me in His peace and assured me I could trust Him. Nine days later when she was flying to Los Angeles, my heart, soul and mind celebrated knowing He went with her.
Shortly after her arrival there her phone was turned off and we lost contact with her, but through the Holy Spirit we were in constant communication with our Father, who was constantly in touch with her. It was a comforting connection. Every evening when the sun was setting (our favorite time of the day), I'd pray for Kim. With tears and heartfelt gratitude for God's presence, power and protection I would celebrate with her. Knowing the joy her adventurous heart was having! Occasionally, in the quiet of the night, God would wake me and nudge me into prayer. With no physical way of knowing what my precious daughter needed, it brought me great peace to know God did.
When Beth flew to the island my pleasure and prayers doubled knowing God was there for them both! Loving, encouraging and eqquipping them for the days ahead. Giving Beth the gift of adventure as well! When she returned home it was so exciting to hear her news and celebrate with Thanksgiving all that God had and was doing.
Back home, Kim recovered well from starvation and sleep deprivation. Thirty nine days is a long time to endure so many extremes. Mentally, physically and emotionally but God safely guided her through. She decided not to tell us the outcome of the game (but wanted us be surprised), she did tell us stories and about the friends she had made and that we would be proud of her and the way she played. She couldn't have been more right!
With great anticipation we silently counted the days until February 14th, to watch Kim on Survivor One World. It had been a long wait. What a thrill it was to watch her week after week slowly and quietly emerge into a princess warrior. With determination and focus, she strategically maneuvered her way through this game with savvy and grace. Building relationships and treating everyone with love and respect. Though many were blindsided and some were hurt, she outlasted, outwitted and outplayed them all. Competing with the heart of an athlete, week after week, we were wowed!
This however, was not a new occurrence, for our children have amazed us on numerous occasions. In fact, there have been many, but the highlights are: Beth has bravely followed her husband Nate, into uncharted waters and single handily held down the fort, more times than I can remember. Victoriously battling exhaustion, fear and loneliness with strength and beauty. (http://coachswife.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-grass-is-always-greener);
Clint, obediently heeded the call and served in the USMC for 5 years. Spending two at the West Wing door of the White House as a Presidential guard. Kim, learned to guide rafts through white water, camp in the wilderness for weeks at a time and spent months in Thailand, teaching English to little girls in a remote village.Wow, again!!! Where did these brave kids come from? Apparently, when they were growing up and we told them they could do anything, they believed us! (Read ' Welcome Home Son ', on www.roxannetheartist.blogspot.com/)
Last weekend, in NYC, surrounded by her family and friends, Kim was radiant! Watching her at the live finale, in the Ed Sullivan Theatre, was surreal, but God's peace was still in place as it had been the entire time. Hearing hear name called and watching the jumbilant expression of joy transform Mike's face, is something I will never forget! Nor, Kim walking off the stage into one gigantic family embrace! Later, on tv I loved getting to watch Kim's reaction!
Truly, priceless! In fact, we've watched several times, rejoicing in God's abundance.
A few days later, back home and reading Jesus Calling, I was I awe once again as I read:
As you sit quietly in my presence, remember that I am a God of abundance. I will never run out of resources; my capacity to bless you is unlimited. You live in a world of supply and demand, where necessary things are often scarce. Even if you personally have enough, you see poverty in the world around you. It is impossible for you to comprehend the lavishness of my provisions: the fullness of my glorious riches. Through spending time in my presence, you gain glimpses of my overflowing vastness. These glimpses are tiny for taste of what you will experience eternally in heaven. Even now you have access to as much of me as you have faith to receive. Rejoice in my abundance – living by faith, not by sight.Philippians 4:19; second Corinthians 5:7
