I snore. I suppose that’s not something anyone cares to admit, and it is not considered very ladylike. I really don’t mind. I’m not awake, and I hear none of it! My husband says he doesn’t notice, but my sisters won’t sleep in the same room with me when we have family get-togethers.

I also have been known to snort while laughing uncontrollably. I talk too loud and am easily distracted. I prefer t-shirts and sweatpants to suits and dresses. I guess I’m really not very presidential — but, here I am, the LWML President, chosen by the Lord to lead the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. I have been known to turn to my husband and exclaim, “What was God thinking?!”

For the most part, I don’t question God and His decisions. I know it was God’s plan, and I embrace this responsibility with humility and honor. God has declared me useful, forgiven by the blood of the Lamb, and He has given me the privilege of serving Him in this position. In addition, He has surrounded me with men and women who lift me up, pray for me, serve beside me, and hold me accountable. What an incredible privilege I have been given!

Why am I sharing my imperfections with you? Because I believe that, if God can use me in His service — He can also most certainly use you. He loves us, forgives us, and equips us with His Word. We truly can rest in the truth that we are HIS — Held by His Word; Inspired to share His message; and Surrounded by His grace.

How will the Lord use me to reflect His love today? How will He use you to share His Gospel with others? For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you (Jeremiah 29:11–12).

My prayer is that my heart is always open to His direction and that my imperfections only show His strength. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9). When God calls you and me — imperfections and all — we can say, “Here am I! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8).

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
Debbie