By Deanna Porterfield,
songwriter and vocalist

“That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, That they may arise and tell them to their children, That they should put their confidence in God.” -Psalm 78:6-7a

Have you ever felt a stirring deep within your soul? The kind of stirring that lets you know you were created for purpose, that you have great value and dreams, but you just aren’t sure how all of these promptings fit together and why you have these stirrings to begin with? 

I understand what that feels like. I’ve experienced my heart at times responding to that stir, like a pendulum swinging back and forth as I wonder, “What in the world am I doing? What is my purpose? Are my dreams of value?”

I’m happy to share that although much of the time I have no idea what I’m doing(!), I can confidently say I’m learning that my purpose is great, my dreams matter, and guess what? Yours do, too! 

During an incredible journey with a group of writers in Scotland, I felt moved to explore my family heritage at a deeper level.  I wanted to know more about my ancestors. Who were they? How did my family end up in America? What was life like for them?

I already knew from my mother that her father’s family was from Scotland and Ireland. I had done some research through a family book she had that went back quite a few generations explaining the Kennedy’s family tree. And though I enjoyed reading of the bravery and tenacity of the men and women in those worn pages, it just felt like there was more to uncover.  A “prayer walk” in Edinburgh, Scotland increased that feeling I had even more.

During our second full day in Scotland, we found ourselves delving deep into the Christian heritage of its land. By evening we were walking the streets of Edinburgh in groups, praying for the people that lived in this beautiful, historic city and giving thanks for those who went before us bravely proclaiming Christ as King.  We learned that for many centuries ago, it cost them their lives.

The night felt dark physically and spiritually, but we all boldly walked around the city as though we were on a great mission, and we knew we weren’t alone. It was as if the Lord Jesus was entreating through us for the people to be reconciled to God.

When we gathered back together later in the evening, our stories of how God moved in our time of prayer-walking were powerful.  The group I was with had prayed next to St. Giles Cathedral, which is where John Knox (c. 1513 – 24 November 1572)was minister and led many in the start of the Reformation of Scotland.  We stood over a marker that served as his possible place of burial, and we prayed. Since this marker felt significant to me, I’d taken a photo of it earlier in the day.

During our night walk, we’d found ourselves back at the same marker in the street again. I couldn’t help but wonder how many lives this man touched and how future generations had been (and would continue to be) affected because of his faithfulness. 

When I returned back home from this inspirational trip, the stirring I continued to feel (along with the prompting of a dear friend) caused me to pursue an ancestry website. I was amazed at how far I was able to trace back!

Before I knew it, I was back to the 1500’s and discovering a new treasure about my family heritage:  My 10th great-uncle was John Knox!

The very same man I had learned about in Scotland, remembering and honoring during my Edinburgh prayer walk, is in my own family line of ancestors. What?!?  Wow!

Was this why I felt a stirring there? I like to think so.

But I believe the stirring also served as a reminder that many have gone before us praying for future generations to be faithful and passionate in loving God and making His love known.  It makes me determined to do the same.

I know it was no “coincidence” that I ended up back at the marker of John Knox during our evening prayer walk.  It’s also no coincidence that I was a part of writing a song called “Generations” while we were in Scotland.  It is now on my friend Lisa Hentrich’s Scottish worship EP, and it has new layers of meaning for me when I hear it.

• Purpose? You betcha!  I am learning to enjoy fellowship with our Creator and share that joy with others.

• Value? Uh-huh! Made in the image of God!

• Dreams? Yep. Yep... and one more yep! Awakening in me daily, as I get to know God’s heart more and more.

When you feel “the stirring”, don’t ignore it. Ask God to show you how to act on it. You never know where it will lead! 

Prayer:
Father, I know I don’t always “get it right”, and there are times I feel as though I am wandering around in circles.  But You are right here with me. Show me how to act on the stirrings You put in my heart.  Thank you for those who have gone before us in prayer that carries forward to bless me here and now, and help me do the same for others after me. I know those before me haven’t always “gotten in right” either, but you seem to look beyond our faults and see our needs. You have always been faithful. You will always be faithful. May we be the same... because of Your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

About Deanna Porterfield

Deanna Porterfield is as songwriter and vocalist living in Nashville, Tn. Having spent 10 years on the road with a Southern Gospel trio, she fell more in love with God’s people as she heard of their victories and heartaches while going from town to town ministering to them through music and testimony. She and her husband, Keith, have two grown sons, a daughter-in-law, and two foster grandbabies that put a smile on her face just mentioning their names.

Deanna’s reSOURCEs

Favorite Bible translation: NASB - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1&version=NASB

Favorite Books: Lifetime Guarantee by Bill Gillham, The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

Favorite Podcasts: Let My People Think by RZIM , CrossExamined with Frank Turek

YouTube favorites: Tornado Documentaries (I’m fascinated by weather)!