Posted in Still Transforming by Alycia Q. Butler on 2/29/2012
"Christ has no body on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are eyes through which Christ's compassion for the world is to look out; yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good; and yours are the hand with which He is to bless us now." St. Teresa of Avila
Sometimes I wake up in the morning and just want to crawl right back into bed. I want to pull the covers over my head and shut out the world. The news gets worse every day and the sufferings of the human race seem great. It can get overwhelming, but then I think of all the faces around the world that I have met. People in slums, orphanages, trash dumps, bars, and other places I have been blessed to go. The smiles, through the obvious pain and brokenness, of those people slice through my selfishness. Who am I to say that there is no hope?
Sometimes I pray to God that he would give me a lot of money to help countless lives. Then he tells me that there would be no need for Him, no need to have Faith. Money can do wonders, but it can't compare to what Christ can do. So I pray for more faith.
The focus and desire to help those in far off places can start to overshadow the pain that's around us. There is no measure of brokenness, nor comparison of hurt. God sees it all as the same and so should we. It's important to reach the unreached and go to the places most would not; but it is equally important to also touch the lives of those around us.
We are a portal to which God's good grace flows.
When we look deeper into someone's life, we see hunger and needs that need met. Often we can be a source of comfort or can provide a solution. We should never feel that we aren't doing something, unless we are a thousand miles away in a third world country.
God uses us wherever we are and he glorifies our actions of Love.
No good deed is too small and no kind gesture is miniscule.
God does want to send us places, but is in that frustration of not knowing where to go that he whispers to us: I am wherever you ask me to be and I am needed everywhere. Why not be empowered by that? Why not wake up each morning ready to be used?
We are to boldly reflect Christ in the way we live our lives, and we are to be his light everywhere we go. Each step we take is to be his step, we are to see with his heart, and our hands are to do his work.
No work will go unnoticed when it is Christ's work through us. When it is out of His Love.
"He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
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Posted in Still Transforming by Alycia Q. Butler on 1/29/2012
It's pitch black outside, the stars peaking out from the night clouds. She peddles faster, her breath appearing when she passes under a light. Turning onto the trail that takes her through the middle of town, she realizes she can't see a thing. Stopping, she stares into the night debating what to do. Does she dare peddle blindly forward on the twisting path? What about backtracking to the lit streets? This path isn't that familiar and seems a bit scary, the other path may be easier. She gets back on the bike, takes a deep breath and pushes on.
A bit weary at first, she almost falls down in doubt; but then with faith she picks up speed. At times she can't even tell if she is on the path, it is silent all around. Up ahead there is a light, the bridge that will take her closer to home. Confidently her tires turn faster and she smiles in accomplishment. Home is near and her tired body can finally rest. As she crosses under the bridge, it seems to get lighter and she sees more clearly.
Isn't this what life is like? The path ahead appears dark at times and we can't see anything. It's only by faith that we can blindly move forward, navigating the twists and turns. Staying steady when the terrain changes. The times we get caught up in doubt are the times that we fall down; and if we lose all faith we can't seem to get back up. It may seem like a better idea to ignore the unknown path, and try to control the elements surrounding us. Or at least think we can control it.
Fear of the unknown, inhibits life. We mess out on the glorious riches that have been provided to us. The adventure is never lived and our potential never seen. The path doesn't lead us home, it leads us to a more familiar and comfortable place. At least that's what we presume. We ignore the incomplete feeling inside, because it's too hard to face it.
We weren't called to be comfortable or safe. We weren't promised an easy life, but the unknown path that is beckoning us leads us to a better home then we could ever imagine. It unites a body, a family in Christ. It leads us to live a life of potential, a life that gives so much to others. A life lived for a greater purpose.
Take a deep breath and peddle on, it's worth it. 
"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16
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Posted in Still Transforming by Alycia Q. Butler on 1/24/2012
You can get addicted to a certain way of thinking, a certain kind of emotion. One becomes restless, agitated, hopeless, and somewhat desperate. Production level drops and things become more complicated.
I say this with Loneliness in mind.
I've talked to many friends who believe that the right true love is not out there. They are destined to be alone for the rest of their life, or end up with the wrong person. I will admit that I often think about this and it really sucks. Let's be honest, loneliness is a dark surmounting fear. In the span of a year I have been invited to at least nine weddings, all being for good Christian people. It's beautiful, awesome, encouraging, and a little daunting. I myself don't know many good Christian guys; and I don't think I would accept anything less then a God fearing, Jesus loving dude. My standards are high.
So like my friends, I am reminded of the clock ticking and the years passing. Watching a cheesy chick flick that always ends in "perfect" romance, pulls at our hearts. Then one of us takes the plunge down the aisle and the we put a finger down. We tend to glance at guys left hands as we drive ourselves crazy. We secretly are heart broken when Prince William gets married and then remind ourselves that there is still Tim Tebow. Really, it's a sick mind game and we become jaded princesses.
Has society set us up for this? Are we trained as young girls that a wedding is the biggest event of our lives and fairytales do come true? Women who are alone grow old and live in a house full of cats....still alone?
Whatever the case, it's annoying. Patience is hard. 
So we continue to live our lives pretending that we aren't bothered. Trying to focus on other things and forgetting about it until another wedding invitation comes in the mail. Still, we do our best to remember that God has promised us all the riches in the world according to what has been given to us in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19). We remind ourselves to focus on Jesus and not the lies of society.
Loneliness is what we make it, it's our own addiction.
Clinging to the Truth of a God that will never leave us alone is the only treatment.
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Posted in Still Transforming by Alycia Q. Butler on 1/22/2012
I like my beverages either hot or cold; not in between. Lukewarm just doesn't do it for me and if I had to choose, I would probably choose Hot. It seems picky for sure, but can't a girl know what she wants?
I want to carry this pickiness over to my walk with God. I'm not in to being a lukewarm person, let alone a lukewarm Christian.
Why can't I be hot all the time?
Bringing the word consistently; breaking chains; helping the orphans and widows daily; and living  a life of servitude. See what He sees, hear what He hears, go where He goes. Sometimes I feel like I am running and running, to the point where at the end of the day I am physically shaking. The days are filled and I accomplish so much; but in the end there is still an unfulfilled ache. What are my accomplishments for if they aren't glorifying God?
I'm not negating all the things God has done through my obedience, but I know he wants more. I want to do more. If he can't have all of us, then we run into the lukewarm issues.
I really enjoy my job and the people I work with, but I still know that there is a different work for me. I think everyone with Faith knows that, but we get too comfortable in lukewarm living. We have to get uncomfortable. The fact of the matter is, God wants to use us to better this world. We are equipped to break the bondage of those bound and to bring life to the lifeless. The news isn't getting any bette,r and the headlines each day are depressing. It's time for more movement.
This is a movement the Church needs to start and by church, I don't mean a building. A building is temporary; easily destroyed and forgotten. I mean a body of Christ that is called to bring hope outside of the four walls. The movement starts with us, because we are the Church. It's time to quit pointing fingers and living in the past wrongs. Stop soaking in the lukewarm water that eventually turns cold as ice. Sitting in ice for too long can't end well.  What if we could all bring fire to the nations, to our neighborhoods, to our homes? A fire spreads and impacts everything in its path, something needed in a time like this. It refines and consumes things. We can refine things in the name of Jesus, in the name of Love and Hope. Your fire may start out small, but with the right fuel it will intensify. Live it. Choose a side.... hot or cold.
What fire do you want to spread? Do you feel an empty ache at the end of your day?
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8
PS. I am still heading to Thailand February 11th. I bought a one way ticket on the Faith that I will receive more money to buy one home. Please pray about helping me out. You can hit the Support Me link or contact me directly to donate. Thank you.
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Posted in Still Transforming by Alycia Q. Butler on 1/17/2012
Dear Supporters and Friends,
Some of you may have heard that I am heading to Thailand next month, for a brief time. I have two main purposes for this trip:
1. To help debrief the girls, I coach, that live in Cambodia. We are staying at SHE ministries ( shethailand.org), where we will also volunteer. SHE works in Phuket, Thailand and helps get women off the streets, out of the bars, and rehabilitated. They are amazing and have done so much that they now also have a Missions Training School.
2. Do some research for SODE Solution ( sodesolution.org), a non-profit that I do writing for. SODE is fairly new, with a wonderful mission. We want to partner with non-profits around the world, to raise awareness and money, to get women and children out of the sex trade. So far we are partnered with Lighthouse Thailand in Chiang Mai (another non-profit I will be visiting). We've helped get one girl out of the trade (Bee) and she is now our interpreter! We are getting ready to partner with an organization in Bulgaria, which I am very excited about.
All this research and experience will be used in the future for SODE and also for me as I do presentations raising more awareness. I am also in the process of helping out a non-profit here in Colorado, that has plans to open a Safe House. Because of the highway systems in Colorado, we are a bit of a mecca for traffickers.
That being said, I am asking you to partner with me to get to Thailand and home.
Isaiah 58 speaks of a kind of fasting that doesn't just entail food. It's a fasting that is a commitment to justice and the poor; where God's people will find life. God has given me a passion for justice and for those who are oppressed. This is how he has led me to fight for his people right now and I am following by faith. All I need is 58 people to donate $35 and I have enough go. Please pray and consider giving either directly to me or on my Adventures in Missions blog ( Support Me).
Thank you for all you have done for me thus far, and please let me know if you have any other questions.
God Bless!
Alycia
"Is this not the kind of fast I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Isaiah 58:6
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Posted in Still Transforming by Alycia Q. Butler on 12/29/2011
She stands in the window, vacantly staring out. She is not sure if the water she sees is the rain outside or her own tears. It would be a surprise if it were her tears, as she has numbed all emotions and accepted her fate. To not feel is survival. How many other girls like her stare out into a world they are forgotten in. Whether it's the bars of a cage in India; the slight light through a slit of a brothel wall in Cambodia; or through the windows of the prostitution displays in Amsterdam. They are  entrapped and enslaved, now a commodity to a pimp. No longer do they have a name, they are just a number or a body to be used. The tears quickly stop.
My heart breaks for every story I hear and the people I see in these situations. It's a fate that someone else has chosen for them, but not the fate appointed to their lives. It has to stop.
Freedom on so many levels is a huge passion for me and something I will battle for, for as long as God desires me to.
I don't fully know what that means yet, but I know He has equipped my heart to face it. As I continue to use the skills and passions he has given me; I get closer to the path that has been dictated as mine. I am always amazed at what happens when we obey His whisper and His calling in our lives. Knowing we have a part in his great story, pushes us to reach for him more and more. Helping others realize they too have a purpose and worth changes lives, connecting us all in a way we may never see.
I am visiting Thailand in February to minister to the Girls in Cambodia, that I help coach; and to conduct some research for another organization I write for ( sodesolution.org). I am confident that God is calling me to go and I am asking for your help in getting me there. Please pray about supporting me and click on the support me link to make a donation. Feel free to contact me with any other questions or more explanation as to what I am doing. | |
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Posted in Still Transforming by Alycia Q. Butler on 12/21/2011
They say history repeats itself.
I suppose that's true on a variety of levels.
So, here is my question: Why do we who have accepted Christ, still Fear.
History may repeat itself, but so does God.
He repeatedly shows up, provides, and remains Faithful.
So many times we want to take a leap of faith, but are too afraid.
Too often we hear that voice telling us to leap, whispering: "do it."
We want to so bad, but aren't sure that it is the right choice,
then we go in circles until we eventually decide not to.
"Next time, I'll take that leap of faith.... next time."
History repeats itself.
Life on earth is complicated and confusing. Time is our focus and we want to get the "right" things done in the "right" amount of time. We are so focused on our life responsibilities, that we push God's purpose for us deeper into a corner. It collects dust as we stay in the comfort of our choices. All the while there is a deep tugging within, telling us that we are not fulfilled. What happens we we leap? God has proven himself in our lives day in and day out; which is one of the big reasons we follow him.
During this beautiful season, we are reminded of that Love and Faith. We are reminded of a God who put himself into a human form, so he could prove his Love for us. God hung on a wooden cross, ridiculed and pierced, a crown of thorns ripping his scalp (dripping like tears of blood). Gruesome for sure, but something that proves our purpose in this Life. Living for our God, giving him the glory. Why should we be afraid?
God reassures us around 365 times in the bible to not Fear. It takes Love and Faith to believe, Trust to leap; a death to remind us of our Creator's Grace. Fear is the enemy, resist it.
Life is short.
Leap far, Trust always, and Love strong.
"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to the mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20
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Posted in Still Transforming by Alycia Q. Butler on 12/13/2011
It's hard for me to remember the days when I didn't know Jesus (10 years ago); and it's hard to think that I could even make it through a day without him. What did I do during the turmoil? Who did I lean on and hope to help me? Myself. Others. The World.
All three failed me. 
A fellow coworker was offended by a card from another company that stated God Victorious in the New Year. He is pretty anti-Christian and doesn't think that Jesus is the only Way. He didn't want to talk about it in the moment, but I longed to just tell him why I believe. Why I follow Jesus.....and I think one of the biggest reasons is I have seen Him.
I saw him in the eyes of a widow who had lost her entire family to AIDs in Uganda.
I saw him in an Orphanage, that has seen much loss, where the children lift their arms in worship to God in the Philippines.
I saw him in the passion and desires for justice, from a Christian Roma gypsy, in a Muslim family (Macedonia).
I saw him in Malaysia, as an oppressed Indian man held Churches late at night in secret places.
I saw him in the hut of an old Kenyan couple, ailing and poor, but still with more Joy and Faith then I have ever experienced.
I saw him in the eyes of former sex slaves, in Cambodia, who could finally smile with self-worth.
I see him in the eyes of a homeless woman, here at home, who stands on the corner everyday just to get supplements and good food for her sick daughter. She praises God and believes in miracles, even as she lives in her car.
I see him in my own life. Protecting me in times that should have been worse, giving me strength when I am weak, and being the shoulder I need when all around me is falling.
I've seen him in far off places and unknown faces; in the redemption and hope of those who the world would say are hopeless; I see him in every eye that believes.
Things can always be worse, but even when they are: there is always a promise of Redemption. How many times do we reach for the branches on the end, that seem sturdy enough; instead of reaching closer to the trunk attached to the roots that reach down to the beginning of life? The end branches break away and we fall.
I couldn't imagine following another God (I don't know any other that died for me), a man-made idol, or even just an idea. I have never found Truth or Substance in any other Way.
This time of year a simple thing like a card will remind me of why I believe. I always desire for God to be Victorious in my life and that is my prayer for next year.
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Posted in General Posts by Alycia Q. Butler on 10/31/2011
Darkness lurks in this world, it lurks in our streets. It surrounds us. It's almost as if the dead tree branches are reaching out for us, the weeds growing up around our legs; pulling us down. We stubbornly twist away from their grasp and try to go on alone. The shadows loom up in the mist like towering goblins ready to grab us. Sometimes we just sit to on the ground in defeat. With our hands over our ears, we rock back in forth trying to shut it out. Sometimes the fear is too much and we don't know how to make it through the darkness anymore. It's easier to give up..
Living in the light isn't as easy as it sounds. Smiling at evil, praying for our enemies, and loving everyone like Jesus did. It's hard, it doesn't make sense. We want to rip through the evil with mighty swords, killing what isn't good, destroying the things pulling us down. We want to be heroes. In the end, it's about our pride, our shame, our fear.
Often we come to the conclusion: this worldly view won't work. That repaying evil for evil will not teach our children a better way of life. That destroying those who get in our way to success, won't make us feel better about ourselves. That cursing the
ones that hurt us, won't heal our wounds. As we walk through the darkness, we realize the only way to get safely to the other side is to trust our savior. Yes, we may still look over our shoulder and get chills of fear; but we know that we are comforted.
Loving those who hurt us and praying for them, realizing they too come from brokenness and are dealing with it the only way they know how.
Hope that we can forgive because we were first forgiven...
I was assaulted on my way to work this week. It was still dark out and a man came up behind me, grabbing me. I was violated but able to scare him off; after yelling at him and pushing him away. He turned away from me and walked off. A mixture of emotion rose up inside. As I watched his tall figure disappear into the shadows, I debated running after him- Anger. Then I didn't know what to do- confusion and shame. When the adrenaline wore off, I was shaking- fear. I prayed and walked on. It had happened so quickly that I didn't even begin to process it.
God's angels were around me and I am blessed that it wasn't worse. It wasn't me who scared him off, it was God. I pray for him, for the brokenness inside. But I am still human, and I am super disturbed and shaken.
And yes, I am looking over my shoulder a lot more.
What he did was wrong, plain and simple. But it happens to girls all over the world all day every day. Some are bought, some are not. It's evil at it's strongest. I have a heart for victims of injustices, especially sex slaves; and that was what was attacked. Evil knows our weaknesses and aims for them.
God is bigger, the light is stronger.
Praise Him for the things that happen in our lives. He redeems them all. How do we change our reactions to the evil and allow that goodness to flow?
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Posted in Community by Alycia Q. Butler on 10/1/2011
If we are not called to live in comfort but we are called to live in community.... what does that say about our Christian community today? If we worship a homeless man who hung out with prostitutes and criminals on Sunday; and yet ignore and judge the very ones he loved on Monday- what do we believe in?
Why are we living big dreams made up by a society of More; when really we are supposed to be living God's dream. Where in the bible does it say that we are to grow up, go to college, have a career, find a spouse, live in a perfect house with a white picket fence, and have children (so they can repeat the process). Where does it say that we must work to own a car, property, etc. etc. We have to save our money just in case and possibly invest it? Where does it say that money equals happiness? Aren't we encouraged to give and to not hold on too tightly to things of this world?
Now this may sounds like I am ranting... and I might be, but really I am just caught between two worlds.
I didn't grow up in the above scenario, in fact I had the opposite life thus far. I didn't go to college, I never had enough money to save, and I am still single at 27 years old. I used to think that that "perfect life" is what I wanted, I used to think that it would bring me happiness.... but I don't know anymore. At the time any bit of normalcy sounded good, only because I thought it would remedy my brokenness.
I've seen things in this world, I've seen poverty and people who couldn't even afford to dream big dreams. The white picket fence scenario is something they will never know about or even how to imagine. Yet, in their poverty they had community and it was what held them together. My heart was transformed and my needs became less. So, my mindset is not the same as so many; but I still grimace a little when I reach into my wallet to help someone out. I could use that money for (fill in the blank). Immediately I feel guilty and have to ask why I still hold on to something that will not last. It really is just a quick thought, but the thought shouldn't even be there.
I want community, the community Jesus wants us to have. To love and cherish EVERYONE around me; and welcome in those who are cast out. To bring healing to criminals and dignity to prostitutes. To freely give without batting an eye and to know others would do the same for me. I want to break bread with people (rich and poor), and get to know the inner desires of those who have been kept silent. To cry with those who cry, and celebrate the brokenness that connects us all together. The brokenness that originated from the wounds of the One who thought of others before himself. Who was willing to give his life for his brothers and sisters in all their sin and anger.
The solution is to create community wherever we are, because really Jesus is wherever we are.
The solution is to love ALL more then we love ourselves and to see Jesus in everyone.
The solution is to really look into people and not just at them.
The solution has been there all along; it's just not the one most of us choose.
"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13: 34-35
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