stories from the oaks | anne
healing generational devastations. binding up wounds. building up. claiming land in victory. standing victoriously on the battlefields of life. proclaiming freedom from bondage, from captivity. comforting those who mourn. anointing with sweet smelling oils. we are the oaks of righteousness. a planting of the Lord. we are deeply rooted. we stand firm. we share our stories of grace and healing and restoration and revival and beauty.
these are the stories from the oaks.
anne whitehouse's story
as we search for favor in our every day life, we are to be obedient to the call.
That statement has defined me more over the last 2 years than ever before. And thus the journey began: A couple of years ago my husband and I left wonderful jobs, our family, a wonderful church, and the most beautiful valley in Virginia, to pursue a cry in our hearts. Believe me, nothing felt right about this move. My heart felt broken and tears were an everyday accompaniment. Except that still small voice, that kept reciting, "won't you walk with me in obedience?" And so, we walked. Not knowing anyone or anything about this city we moved to, we continued with our day-to-day things. I found a church, I volunteered at a Dream Center and worked sorting in the clothing closet and cafe with and for the homeless. I wore my heart on my sleeve and loved on God's children as He started showing us WHY this walk of obedience was going to change our lives.
Meanwhile, my husband worked in a very oppressive area. We heard and read stories daily on murders, robberies, and rape just blocks from his employment. He wanted to make a difference…he tried everyday. "What if this is our mission field and we are to shine our light in this darkness?" he would say. And so, we continued this walk...
Until one day we realized this doesn't have anything to do with us. God did not send us out to get rich, or to save the world, He told us to do something and we were doing it. And when we felt peaceful enough in this walk of obedience we asked Him why…and the fruit and favor began to flow. He had plans for our lives and He had plans for our children, and little by little He revealed the WHY.
Walking with God because He tells you to finally felt right. Our children were seeing favor upon favor in their lives and it is still going on to this day. We recently moved back to our sweet little valley and we continue to see His favor. Everyday is a walk to follow him. Even when it doesn't feel completely right.
It is not always about you. God is the Father of all, and His love is for all His children. Let Him call you into experiencing His favor via a walk of obedience.