I am Mei, a 22-year-old college grad moving to Southeast Asia to advocate for women in the Red Light Districts. As a former missionary kid, I call many places home (including California, Kenya, and Utah). I am a double major in Art & Honors Humanities with a DEEP love and curiosity for the Bible. My purpose in life? To love God, love others, and look less like me and more like Jesus every day. As I go to Southeast Asia, I long to image Jesus in His incarnational, holistic ministry to those who don’t know Him yet. I’m passionate about the redemption of God's children from shame to radiance, for all God’s children to declare that He is Elroi, “the God who sees me.” (Genesis 16:13)
I am also a collector of precious little things. Whether scattered along the ocean shore, hidden in riverbeds, or littering a hiking trail, my eyes search out treasures to tuck away. For years, my collection of shells, rocks, glass, and coral shards populated jars and dishes collecting dust on my bookshelf. It wasn't until my senior year of college, as I was finishing my art degree, that these pieces of my homes all around the world came together in a cumulative work (pictured above). As an artist, I had a vision that my random collection could become a purposeful mosaic of precious little things: deserted and overlooked items redeemed to a beautifully documented history of the artist’s value-imparting gaze.
Isn’t this how God sees, values, and uses us? Most days, I couldn't be more excited to move to Southeast Asia. Most days, I am confident of my role in obeying God's command to "go and make disciples of all nations." But... some days, the weight of sacrifice, grief, and responsibility hits harder than the excitement. Some days, the reality of everything I'm giving up and the weight of all my weaknesses, shortcomings, and fears cause me to wonder if I have what it takes. I question, ”Why would God choose me?"
The truth God whispers to me in my doubt: You are my precious little thing. My eyes see you truly and I choose you. I am an artist, I have a purpose for you, you are a part of something greater than yourself. Participate in my beautiful work that redeems and delights in discarded things.
“You will no longer be called Deserted, [...] instead, you will be called My Delight Is in Her." (Isaiah 62:4)
Like a little shell among thousands on the shoreline, I am overwhelmed with wonder that God’s eyes would light upon me, pick me up, and deem to use me to create a masterpiece. My piece, called “Precious Little Things,” is the wallpaper on my computer desktop. This GoWeek, as I’ve written hundreds of emails, curated contact lists, scheduled meetings, and engaged in countless other administrative tasks preparing me for full-time fundraising, this image has been the backdrop. It has served as a reminder: do not be afraid. Do not be overwhelmed. I’ve got you in the palm of My hand, My delight is in you. I have a purpose for you beyond what you can see or imagine.
I’m not dropping everything and moving overseas because I’m confident in myself—my ability to fully reflect Christ, my ability to meet others' needs, my ability to fully see, hear, understand, and love those I encounter—not even close! I’m too aware of my smallness and brokenness! BUT God loves my heart that breaks for the 1/3 of the world that doesn’t know Him. God loves my openness to learn and be transformed. God loves to use small people to accomplish His magnificent will. I’m going because God saw me, loved me, and chose to welcome me into the masterpiece He is creating. He welcomes you too!
A tune for you: Available (Live) by Elevation Worship