What does mercy mean? This question was asked on a program I was watching last night…

Welcome dear friend, I hope you have your favorite beverage & tasty treat ready while you join me in a time of reflection…

I have an apple & black tea blend & a warm gf sweet date scone with lashings of butter to enjoy.  We are sitting in my living room today as a huge storm with thunder, lightening & pelting rain has just gone over the peninsula.

The dictionary definition of Mercy…

is to alleviate suffering when it is within your power to do so. 

In my reflection Leprosy community in Thailand… I shared the poignant moment that I became personally acquainted with Leprosy sufferers & the devastating affects this ancient disease can have in this day & age.

The more I researched & studied the impact of Leprosy in today’s world the more I knew I had to be active in the fight against it. In my research I came across the work of Dr Paul Brand & his pioneering surgical procedures in correcting the destructive effects that Leprosy can have upon the body.

I was so inspired by his work that I was determined to become a fellow Reconstructive Surgeon to continue the work amongst Leprosy sufferers.

God’s Timing

When I returned to Australia the timing for pursuing this goal was not right as family commitments & life events at that time were all consuming…

But my passion continued to grow; eventually becoming an educator for the Leprosy Mission of Australia.

Then the timing came for me to do my two year pre med studies at University to enter Medicine…with three school aged children this was no easy task…but with God’s strength I completed my finals to enter Medicine…

However, life took an unexpected twist in events. This turn demanded more of my time, I now could not commit to the Medical & Surgical degree which is an extremely intensive course.

I sought the Lord in prayer as I had wisely learnt to do when plans seemingly look to have hit a dead end…I knew God had a plan but what was it…as He has said;

I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare & not for calamity to give you a future & a hope…

Jeremiah 29:11

As I was praying, memories of my High School days & the abuse I had suffered at the hands of one particular nasty bully flooded my mind…& the very unwise counsel I had been given at the time…Hmmmm…

Guidance & direction

Psychology I & II, Neuro biology, physiology & chemistry were amongst the subjects that I had studied in my pre med course, which I had enjoyed immensely…was this the direction I was being led towards?

When I made enquires, I found that I could do a Behavioral Science degree with the options of a three quarter or half load which worked far better for my family circumstances…

On application for entrance to this degree I was accredited a full year of subjects from my two year pre med course! Everything fell into place seamlessly!

I shared this with a friend & she commented that instead of becoming a Reconstructive Surgeon…God had lead me into the area of rebuilding lives through therapy & counseling of the emotions.

What does this have to do with the question of Mercy you may ask…

The program I had watched was a documentary on the Mercy Ships serving in African countries, where medical care is very limited for those who are living in poverty.

Mercy ships are floating hospitals with Christian volunteer specialist medical & surgical staff to help those who need their expertise in third world countries, free of charge.

It reminded me of the journey I had taken…Sometimes we can plan all things but God in His wisdom has His perfect plan for us.

I can now see that His plan was far better for my family & I, both in the short & long term…& I have been able to help in the fight against Leprosy but just in a differing capacity than I had planned….

He has a perfect plan for you my friend, don’t despair if your plans seem to have come to a dead end, He will show you the door to open. And be assured His plans will be far better then you could have dreamt or imagined!

Until next time…

Jennifer

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