Why are people moving to Oklahoma?
We moved to Oklahoma this month and I was pleasantly surprised to find LOTS of people are moving here. People from California, Washington and Oregon, and yes, even people from Colorado.
After marrying, I left my birthplace and repeatedly proclaimed: "I'll never move back to Oklahoma if they give me the WHOLE state!" Famous last words, right? Have you ever said "I'll never" and God just laughs and says, "we'll see?"
My famous last words were based on negative memories from childhood. And negative impressions buried in your brain can be long-lasting, no matter the subject. Fear, stubbornness. or doubt help cement them into a crypt which sometimes takes dynamite to blow to pieces.
Yet, remember this: After the explosion, a new life can begin. Because what is also true is God knows what He’s doing.
A Facebook memory popped up today with this quote: “Is your relationship with God sufficient for you to expect Him to exhibit His life in you? To dare to let God be all He says He’ll be?” For me, I had to ask: “What if that means moving back to Oklahoma?” My answer (after some thinking and praying I assure you,) was Yes.
What might it mean for you?
It starts with a decision – I’m going to let God be all He says He’ll be, even if it’s different from what I had imagined or planned. “I have decided” – such freedom in those words! (See chapter 4 of Yes! I Said No! – shameless plug)
In our new life in Oklahoma, we start by
• Celebrating what is already here:
Beauty in nature, Bondi bowls from Australia, and friendly people who wave when they see you. The icing on the cake is that we are now closer to my family!
• Next, learning about people, places and things around us.
I learned about a couple of courageous women from Edmond, our new hometown:
Shannon Miller is an American artistic gymnast and seven-time Olympic medalist.
She’s also a cancer survivor. She writes: “My life had finally settled into a wonderful pattern of purpose and contentment…Then cancer happened – shocking and unexpected just like it is for the millions of other people it attacks every day. Having Olympic medals didn’t count for a thing when facing this dreaded disease, but my tough training did. I knew how to set goals, eliminate negative thoughts, accept help from others, and keep moving forward one small step at a time.”
Great advice, Shannon!
“Leaping Into History” – This sculpture honors Nannita R.H. “Kentucky” Daisey who gained fame during the Oklahoma land rush on April 22nd, 1889, when she literally leapt Into history by jumping from the cowcatcher of a Boomer train and marking her claim just north of Edmond with stakes and her petticoat. Catching the caboose for the ride to the Land office in Guthrie, she became one of the first unaccompanied women in the territory to file for a land grant in her own name. As a political activist, journalist and teacher, she continued to enrich her fellow Oklahomans for the remainder of her life, typifying those who have served to make our state great.
Why are people moving to Oklahoma? There are many reasons. I, like Nannita Daisey, am leaping into this new adventure, marking a claim in Edmond and looking forward to making a difference.
I encourage you wherever you live, to fully embrace your life – your city, your state and your purpose. Because God has a purpose for you just where you are.
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