Degaje

Nenpot sitiyasyon ki paret devan mwen, m'ap degaje m', gremesi Kris la ki ban mwen fos kauraj.... Whatever situation appears before me, I can make do thanks to Christ who give me strength and courage. -- PHILIPPIANS 4:13

This was from our sermon at church yesterday. Two of our new ministers were in Haiti when the earthquake occurred, and they survived, and spoke yesterday on their experience. WOW. Our church has a small orphanage and school near Port of Prince, and suffered great devastation when the earthquake hit. They shared many personal stories of what happened to them, what they went through, and what sense they have been able to make of it. They went there to serve, but it ended up that they were actually served by the Haitian people.

They began the sermon reading the above scripture in Haiti's language, Creole. The word degaje stuck out to me, not because it was such a beautiful word to say (pronounced day-ga-jay), but of what it meant: MAKE DO. I loved the refreshingly new translation the Creole scripture brought to me: I can make do for it is Christ who gives me courage. Too often it seems people take PHILIPPIANS 4:13 too literally. This gives it a deeper meaning, the one I think was intended. It's not about doing; its about making do- in whatever situation that appears before me. It isn't about having the best house, newest car, latest fashions, or 'keeping up with the Jones', ' it is about being thankful for what you do have and using it to celebrate your life and loves, and being true to your heart. That is what God wants for all of us, right?

Our ministers explained how the Haitians were such amazing people. Here, in the midst of devastation, they banded together out of love, and continued on with their heads held high. Degaje became a common phrase to everyone.
"You don't have a roof over your head?
Here's a tarp."
Degaje.
"You are out of food?
Here, I found some rice. I will give you half of mine. "
Degaje.
"Your child is injured?
I will go find some aid for you, but first, may we pray together?"
Degaje.

The accounts of the Haitians never ceased to amaze me. Instead of fearing for what will come of their lives, they banded together as one nation, trusting in the Lord, and doing His work. They taught me, an affluent American citizen with some comforts they may never even know about, what life is really about: making do and trusting in the Lord that he will give me strength.

I encourage everyone this week to simplify life. and DEGAJE.