There I was, just a young girl in elementary school, sitting at my desk and filling out the blank boxes inside the cover of my marbled composition notebook. I write my name down, trying—hard as I may—to scribble it out in script, all messy and illegible. I write out my grade and my teacher’s name. Then, for my address, I write between the lines:
Brazil.
I write no street name, house number, zip code, or actual address—just Brazil. And, truth be told, I did not actually live in Brazil…nor am I even Brazilian.
This memory comes to me from time to time, and I think about the exact moment I wrote Brazil. I think about the young girl I was and how desperately I wanted to simplify my story, to hide the complexities of confessing the truth about who I was. The truth about who I am.
I am a mixed woman of African American, Native American (Ramapough Lenape Nation), Irish, and Dutch descent. With that, I carry many stories—of how my family came to be, of speculation and fact, of knowing what it feels like to fear that you don’t belong. I carry hand-me-down histories, the inherited tensions and traumas of being Black and White, and everything in between.
So that young girl that I was, writing inside the cover of her black and white composition notebook? She became Brazilian; she bent the truth and tried to become something that she thought would be easier to recall, easier to retell—and, therefore, easier to welcome.
This Advent, we reflect on and receive the sacred truth that the One who is the desire of every nation is also the One who delights in every nation.
We turn our eyes to see our Savior, Jesus Christ, the One who shed His blood for every beating heart, no matter the language, no matter the accent or dialect (Revelation 5:9). This love, this longing for all of us—even, especially for those foreign and far from God—echoes throughout eternity, from Genesis to Revelation, from creation until the second coming, and beyond (Isaiah 56:3–8).
His heart is a house for all nations. His hands are stretched out for all people of all places (Isaiah 56:7–8). From Jew to Gentile (Romans 9:22–26) and male to female, He is for every eunuch (Acts 8:26–39) and everyone seemingly unseen. Beyond every country and continent, He welcomes us to His table (Mark 7:24–30) if only we have ears to hear and humble hearts to receive Him. For we are all His children, bought and brought into this family—into His family.
For this, we celebrate and center ourselves around Him, this season. We come out of hiding and step into hereness, declaring our desire for Him and knowing that, as we do, He, too, desires us—delights in all we are.
His bloodline goes beyond blood, beyond the bronze, brown, and blush of our skin. He has saved, is saving, and will always be saving us all. Amen.
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51 thoughts on "Dear Desire of Ev’ry Nation Day 19"
I love the imagery of people from every tribe, language, and nation all singing worship in unison in heaven. How I long for that day! Maranatha ❤️
Just like @Lehua K, I too, had to look up what was going on with the Gentile woman (also in Matthew 15: 21-28) and discovered the Tim Keller explanation in Austingentry.com “The Meaning of Mark 7: 24-30”
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Amen
He has saved us with His bloodline!
Like Lexi, I also didn’t understand the story in Mark with Jesus and the Gentile woman, so I looked it up and found a blog with an excerpt by Tim Keller (from his book Jesus the King) which helped a lot. She summed it up beautifully too in her comment. I’m so grateful to be surrounded by a community of women who are so reflective, encouraging and who make one another better.
Being from Hawai’i, it’s very common to have mixed ethnicities. I am Okinawan, Hawaiian, and Chinese. I empathized with the author’s feeling of wanting to simplify her story. “It’s complicated” becomes an easier answer to “what’s your story?” than actually telling it. There’s some parts I’m not proud of, and there’s others that I would rather keep on record. But thank God that despite knowing all of it, He still loves me anyway. Today’s YouVersion verse of the day was particularly relevant – “Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7 CSB). I’m so glad we are loved by God so immensely that He was willing to send Jesus to die for us so that we could be saved. I’m so grateful that His door is always open, that He is available 24/7/365… we don’t have to wait or be put on hold! And we can tell Him just about anything.. He hears us. He knows us. We are so heard and loved… sorry for such a long post but I’m just blown away when I think about it.
@Michelle Patire: Thank you for your encouraging words to @Searching. One of the deepest desires of my heart is to feel like I belong, to feel heard and valued. And I often expect so much from others in friendships that I feel like a burden, so when they don’t respond or treat the friendship with the same amount of time, attention, or care, I feel discouraged, hurt, and rejected. It reinforces that belief pattern and past similar hurts start to resurface. It’s something I’m still working through; when I start to feel that way now, I am reminded that God always sees me, He’s always available and loves me. Everything I’ve ever wanted in a friend can be found in Jesus. It’s not a burden to Him! It brings me so much comfort to know that. And that’s why I’m so grateful to this community <3 we all belong here, no matter where we've come from.
Blessings to you ladies as this year draws to a close. Praying for your requests and for the requests that remain in your hearts. <3 God hears them too.
Yes, amen!
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His love for people brings me so much joy
Worthy is the Lamb!
What a beautiful reminder that we all belong in Gods kingdom. Jesus reminds us of that in so many of his works and the way He continued to fight for us now, even when we feel we least deserve it. God desires to love us, no matter what.
It is so sad to think about a young girl trying to change her truth because of shame or stress. It’s a giving that you shouldn’t judge someone because you don’t know their truth. Yet, I have to ask for forgiveness all the time for making judgment calls. Lord, help me to live like You. Don’t let me ever add to any shame someone feels because I judged them with no right.
This resonates with me. I am also of mixed descent, with roots in the Pacific Islands, Aotearoa, and across Europe, and sometimes it’s tempting to opt for an easier story, a simpler explanation. But God loves every nation, every people group, every language, and each one is such a blessing. He gives us an identity story stronger than that of our ethnicity or ancestry: He calls us His children. For that, I am beyond grateful.
I pray that I would accept and love all people, as Jesus does. ❤️
Salvation is for EVERYONE no matter what we have done, what our background is, where we come from. Jesus died for all of us and one day we will meet our Savior ❤️
In the midst of holiday to-do lists it is good to sit quietly and reflect on His plan for this world and, in particular, His plan for my life. How wonderful to be reminded that He sees me most honestly and loves me still. How good it is to be fully transparent, with no pretentiousness, before the one true God. I have 5 brothers and 2 sisters so it was easy to feel overlooked in a house of 3 bedrooms and one bath. It was a challenge just to be heard! How comforting to know that in God’s family I am always heard and never overlooked.
❤️ Prayers lifted.
Loved this devotional today! Knowing that we are loved and cared for by God know matter our circumstance is heartwarming. The advent season is so special but also so hard. The older I get the harder the holidays are for me because I feel like I compare myself to my friends and all their excitements over the holidays. Praying for all your requests!
All our comments reminded me of a song by Johnny Paycheck titled “Outlaw’s Prayer” here’s a link to it, it will really make you think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQjRxdMEGds. Yes this dates me, LOL. ;)
Also, included in God’s family are those who have disabilities of various sorts.
Rachel Marie, I relate so much with your story. I too am mixed race- black, white, chinese and native. I grew up in the south and felt as if I never belonged. I so related to your Brazil story- I made myself Italian!
I was always a little bothered by Jesus’s interaction with the Caanite woman. So I decided to dig a little. I found through Bible.org a commentary that explained that He was essentially testing her faith. He had intentions to heal all along, but threw out stumbling blocks to see where she stood in her faith. I think back to times where God has told me He has something for me and it’s hard to get, I had never thought of it as a test before; I thought it was just Satan in the way! Many times I would just get discouraged and give up. And then sometimes, I would just push through and God would provide what He promised. This is a good reminder for me; when God says He has something for me and troubles come; not to give up and push forward.
Thank you everyone for your kind words regarding my testimony! Heidi, Michelle P, Kimberly Z- praying for you all; trusting that God’s got you and will care for all your needs.
CaraP- so sorry for your loss; praying comfort for you during the holidays. It can be so hard at this time when loved ones are missing.
Sara D- Praying for safe transport for your NYC trip!
@Lynne- thank you for the update! May the Lord guide you and Jack in this next season and help you to both understand His great love for you both. He is with you in all of it. May you trust and be led by His wisdom and strength. <3
@Linda– prayers for your procedure and recovery. May God be near to you and also give you wisdom. He is with you and may He bless you. I
@Searching!! You belong here. I just want to say that to you. I read your comment today and heard my mother's voice. She often feels rejected and outcast. She often tells me people don't like her. I'm not saying this is you, but I understand rejection and feeling "less" or "other." I also felt this way until I started going to a church that told me I belonged to God. And that He loved me. And saw me and knew every moment I felt overlooked. He used a complete stranger to speak into my life and tell me that. I was reminded of this before I even read your comment. He sees you, Searching. I might not know your name, but He does, and He knows every detail and cares deeply about your experiences. You belong to Him. You are One with Him. Therefore, you are also one with us– as we are all in this together. Your prayers matter here. They bless us all. We love you, Searching. <3 you belong to our SRT family.
@Mari– God bless you and your exams!!! He is with you and will guide you. May He continue to give you rest and balance. You're almost there! winter break is coming, right? :) what are you studying? I must have missed that post.
Rachel Marie wrote some powerful and awe-inspiring words, but these are the ones that will really stay with me, “He has saved, is saving, and will always be saving us all.”!!! What a way to end a devotional. These words say it all.
I think the story of the eunuch is one of my favorite. Here’s a man, a gentile, a foreigner, a high-ranking official from a pagan worshipping country, reading the Old Testament (which at that time was the Bible) out loud. Along comes Stephen, who was a commoner, and asks if the eunuch understands what he is reading about — which just so happens to be about Christ — the eunuch invites Stephen into his carriage to explain; then gets baptized; then the Holy Spirit whisks Stephen away. Imagine what this eunuch is thinking when Stephen is there one minute and the next he isn’t. All this because one person believed.
Remember, Christ is why we celebrate Christmas — His name is in the holiday.
Sisters, be blessed and just believe and miracles — small and big — happen.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear each of these prayers…prayers for strength, wisdom, healing, patience, unity, love…
That His heart is a heart for all nations. He welcomes us all to His table, for we all are His children. We are His BELOVED!!
As we celebrate let us center ourselves around Him this season.
Prayers for you all
As I look outside at the fresh layer of snow here, and the many snowflakes that are still falling, I am amazed at how God can create each one of them a little different from the other. They have similar characteristics , but each one is unique. Just like us! Each one is beautiful by itself, and when we stand together we can make an even bigger impact. We have been forgiven, and washed white as snow. That brings peace to my heart as I praise our wonderful Savior during this season!
Rachel, thank you so much for the reminder today that God does not look at our money, our fame, our standing in society, the color of our skin or our nationality – but He looks at our heart! What a comforting, amazing, humbling reminder that I was purchased, for God, by the precious blood of Jesus Christ! That Jesus took notice of the “little dog” who came to Him, seeking – I am one of those “little dogs”! Thank you God for offering salvation to not just the Jews, but the Gentiles as well. Thank you for your gift of salvation that we celebrate every Christmas season! All praise, glory, honor and power belong to You!
@all my SRT sisters – Praying for each prayer request as I read them.
Have a blessed and “thankful Thursday” my dear sisters!
Good Morning sweet sisters! Thankful for ALL of you! Feeling rushed this morning even after an 8 hour sleep which I never get. Felt so exhausted last night that I went to bed much earlier then normal so I didn’t study. I’m feeling confident, and was going to take exam this morning but it didn’t happen. So I’m going with my original plan and taking it tomorrow on the last day. Please pray I will do well.
Today I think about how He calls us beloved! I wrote that it makes no difference how I feel, He loves me still nothing can make that untrue. He calls us His own and for that I am grateful. What a glorious thing to reflect on during this season! May we all take that truth and let it be written on our hearts! I need to remind myself of that on the days I don’t “feel” it. What an awesome God we serve!
Digging has become my favorite pastime. If you asked me what my hobbies are today, I think I would settle on digging. Yes, I am learning to play the dulcimer, I write, I read, I garden, all good hobbies. But I am able to enjoy these things because of digging. Digging for treasures of my faith in God enriches my life, because He is the point of it all. Each new and shining jewel of truth I find compels me to go back for more. Or go forward with more. Uncovering this modern life of uncertainty has revealed the most certain truth of God from the beginning. Each new revelation and gift of wisdom from our Father in heaven has brought a sense of being grounded. My soul is settled in the eternity of it all. I know who I am and where I belong. And at Christmastime, Jesus comes in closer, crossing the heavenly realm into the earthly one more clearly to me, because He is the true center of the season. I see Him in the bows and beauty, the trees and shining of the twinkling lights appearing everywhere I go. I love it! You cannot have Christmas without contemplating Christ, and whether you believe or not, there is the unavoidable consideration. O Lord, let them come to believe! For me, I just keep digging. I read the words of our ancient Church fathers. I read about the saints who were martyred for their faith. I marvel at the throne room scene in Revelation 4 and 5. I am floored as I read some of the over 300 Messianic prophecies, and I consider the mind blowing truth of the ones already fulfilled. And the ones not yet? I say, Maranatha! I sing Merry Christmas because it oh so is! Keep digging with God, there is no end to the goodness you will find when your heart turns everything over to Him. May this be an encouraging reminder to myself as well as all who will read this. Lord, shine Your mercy upon me and all who I encounter today. Lead us in the way of everlasting love. Lead us to Your truth. Show us Your glory. Amen.
Good morning ladies!! Slept in more this morning so didn’t get to fully have my devo time, but I would love your prayers! My friends and I are going to NY this weekend (I’m so excited), but we were having troubles with our mode of transportation to get there. I would love your prayers for safety in traveling there (we’re planning to drive to outside the city) and also safety in the city…and that we would have a good time!!
Asking prayers for a woman who works with my husband, I dont’t know much of her story but she is a facility cleaning lady. She shared with my husband that she had a tooth that was causing her pain and her insurance would only pay half of the $150 to have it removed and she could not afford to pay the other $75 and had to wait for it to fall out. There is so much sadness and hurting all around us this season. I know it seems like a small prayer request but just so sad for this lady and her family. We did give her a small monetary gift, but it just seems so insignificant when I’m sure there is so much more they need. Just asking you all intercede on her behalf with me and pray for God’s blessing in their lives.
Loved this devotion today! Also loved all your comments. I wrote in my journal “I am wanted. I am welcome. I belong.” Simple truths that I pray would sink deep into my soul wrapped in the Father’s love for me (and for you <3) Happy Thursday She's! Lifting up the prayer requests.
@Cara P so so sorry for your loss and sending hugs and prayers. She is a child of God and I find hope that He is who you draw your strength from.
Jesus loves each and everyone of us just the way we are, the way He created us. Amen! Prayers for @Lynn fr AL for a smooth transition. @KellyNEO I appreciate you keeping a list of prayers.
I Am A Child of God. And that’s what’s written on my 28-year old daughters headstone who was murdered 3-1/2 years ago for doing an act of kindness for someone. We find strength in knowing where she is now. Save a place for us baby girl….we’ll see you soon. Holidays are especially hard. Reach out to someone even when you don’t know what to say, to those you know who have lost a loved one. Doesn’t matter if it was recent or not. Reach out.
I Am A Child of God. And that’s what’s written on my 28-year old daughters headstone who was murdered 3-1/2 years ago for doing an act of kindness for someone. We find strength in knowing where she is now. Save a place for us baby girl….we’ll see you soon. Holidays are especially hard. Reach out to someone even when you don’t know what to say, to those you know
Our beautiful Savior,Jesus. Thank You Father God.Amen
When my husband was a pastor in Ohio our church was multinational a very rich experience. Moving back to the south was quite an adjustment! Looking forward to the day when we are united in heaven with those from every tribe, tongue and nation to worship our Almighty, all inclusive God! Lexi thanks for your testimony! Lynne praying for you and your husband for strength and wisdom. I understand because my husband’s dementia seems to become worse almost daily. The future seems so uncertain. I’m glad I know the One who holds the future! Prayers appreciated for my second peripheral nerve stimulator implant tomorrow. The doctor is wanting to retrain my occipital nerves to calm down my pain. Will be fairly restricted in upper body movement for 60 days. I love each of you sweet sisters and pray for you requests
“ His bloodline goes beyond blood, beyond the bronze, brown, and blush of our skin. He has saved, is saving, and will always be saving us all. Amen.” And Amen!
Thank you Rachel Marie Kang for faithfully using the gift God has given you to speak His truth to us. I long for the day when this reality is undeniable to us all.
Thank you Father for including me in Your salvation!
When Jesus minister on earth, He ministered mainly in Israel to the Jews. However, He did draw some Gentiles to Himself during His earthly ministry. There were some Gentiles who heard of Jesus and His miracles and sought Him out in faith for healing. After His resurrection and ascension, His disciples began to minister and proclaim the gospel to Gentiles as well as Jews. One day, people from every tribe and language and people and nation will worship and serve God because He has purchased people from all nations through the blood of Jesus. He is indeed the Desire of every nation.
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I love the title, •Dear Desire if Every Nation!”
That summarized all the scriptures today! We all desire to know and grow more like Jesus loving all others as he has loved us…first. We desire Him in every way! Then because He chose us first, we know we are able to love others because we have been loved so much by Him!
Loved this devo! For as long as I can remember, I have never really fit in – not in my family, not in my church, not ever in school. I’ve mostly put aside the angst and sadness of trying to fit in as I have gotten older, remembering that I belong to Christ and that is the relationship that matters.
LEXI B – wow. what a blessing. God is amazing in His provision!
MELANIE MICKELSON – liked your post yesterday “set down what I am carrying, what I think I need”
Praying for LYNNE FROM AL, MICHELLE PATIRE, CHELSEA, HEIDI, THEBESTISYETTOCOME and others.
KATHY – what a comfort to your friend that you obeyed at just the right time ❤️
When I read the story of the woman that sought after Jesus for her daughter to be healed and delivered, I’m reminded of different sermons I have heard. One was called The Compassion of Jesus. So many times, He stopped because He had compassion on the people! One pastor pointed out something I never noticed when he healed the deaf and basically, mute man, He pulled him away, took mud and used signing to communicate with the man. (That is why He put mud and touched his ears, so he would know what Jesus was doing)The preacher said that the man had been stared at and a spectacle in his life and was probably afraid. He took him aside, so his healing wouldn’t be a show and he communicated in a way that he would understand!
Here is the Scripture; After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. 34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). 35 At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.
What a beautiful, wonderful Savior! Prayers for you all today and prayers that we are even more in love and amazed by Him as we read His Word! Amen!
Prayers to Alabama from Ohio. I pray for peace and love to you both.
Oh, that we as His body, the church, would share His desire and long to welcome and cherish people of all ethnic backgrounds and nations and colors in the walls of our churches. That we would seek to acknowledge, affirm, and welcome all nations’and people’s cultural expressions of worship and understanding of scripture instead of just a very narrow, westernized view. Oh,how different and deep and rich and beautiful our worship and view of God would be.
Thank you, Rachel Marie Kang for painting such a beautiful picture of God’s heart for us all.
LYNNE FROM AL – agreeing with you for a smooth transition for Jack and wisdom for you
Reading Isa. 53:6-7 brings to mind Jesus’ clearing the Court of the Gentiles from the money exchangers. The activity was keeping “foreigners” from access to the Lord’s “holy mountain” to worship.
LEXI B – rejoicing in God’s kindness and provision for you
THEBESTISYETTOCOME – praying for your court appearance today. May the Lord give the judge His wisdom and give you peace
Good morning, precious She’s! I haven’t commented much lately or updated on Jack but have been here praying for each of you every day! Please pray for us today and the coming days as I bring Jack home from the hospital. He has been in the geriatric psych hospital for three months after he had a major psychiatric breakdown caused by all the physical trauma he has had this year. It has been a tough year all year but especially these past three months. Please pray for a smooth transition home and that he will continue to improve. Also pray for wisdom and strength for me as I figure out what kind of care he will need and if I will have to retire to care for him. Love you all (or y’all as we say in Alabama )!
Rachel Marie Kang! Girrrl, I hear you!
I am also mixed, from African lands to Gaelic roots.. it has taken me a while to accept who I am.. a creation of The Almighty God, created in His image and He delights in me whatever the colour of my skin, hair and or eyes..
I am loved.
I am held.
I am accepted.
I am heard.
I am seen.
I am the daughter of the Most High God.
I belong.
So so very Thankful that His heart is a house for all nations. His hands are stretched out for all people of all places (Isaiah 56:7–8), no matter our colour or shade!
BUT GOD..
AMEN.
Sending out across the pond, some warming love wrapped in hugs and prayers for a God covered day..❤