I wrote these thoughts in my journal and wanted to share them with you…
God is Pura Vida, Jesus is Pura Vida, missions is Pura Vida and most importantly, family and brothers and sisters in Christ is Pura Vida. Pura Vida means “pure life”. To me, it means so much more. Although this is a beautiful way to say, “I wish you well,” I look at this phrase with so much more meaning than that. I find myself diving deep into culture. I’m sharing space, meals and conversation with locals and get to hear their hearts, their passion for life. I see their hearts desire to know pure life. I want the people I encounter to know the only truly pure person there ever was or will be, is Jesus Christ. This saying reminds me of the truth written in Hebrews:
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22
I long to show others the life giving, pure love of the Lord. His love and sacrifice has washed over me, giving me a clean and pure heart. His grace and forgiveness is the only the thing that brings pure life, Pura Vida.
So here’s my Pura Vida:
I declare life over the church of Costa Rica.
I declare a deeper reliance on God and not of self.
I declare an increase of hope and boldness of spirit.
I declare love to all, in every nation.
For me, I declare freedom over fear.
I say, “No more cages, and more dancing in the rain.”
