Redemption

The Book of Luke, 24 Days of Jesus – An Advent Experience

Advent, Christmas, confidence, contentment, courage, daughters, Faith, Forgiveness, freedom, grace, Peace, praise, Redemption, Salvation, Trust, Uncategorized, Vulnerability, wonder

My Light is His Light

The house is empty and rain has not stopped falling. I’ll be in for most of the day, maybe all day.

I’m not rushing out the door. I believe it’s okay to stay home instead.

I’m doing better this year, happy with wrapping as I go, not anxious, not nearly as anxious as the years before.

This morning, I return to the Book of Luke. I could linger long and not decide which verses I love most, which I need the most and which ones I am beginning to truly understand.

Understanding God’s word cannot be rushed. It’s a beautiful and profoundly unexpected epiphany after epiphany.

I don’t know how I ever lived without it.

Luke has me unable to share in a way this book is worthy of revealing here on this place I use to write.

I’ll hint here, hopefully compel others to read, the importance of Luke, Chapter 8.

  • Jesus welcomed women who had been used, harmed, or were otherwise damaged, labeled damaged goods.
  • Jesus was a fascinating and purposeful storyteller, he told stories to engage others, to draw them near through relatable commonalities.
  • Jesus convicts us and leads us to self-examination. What are you doing with your “seeds” the gifts you have that God who created you, gave you, gave you good things to share?
  • Are you wasting them, scattering occasionally and then forgetting you left them there? Are you losing sight of them, not caring for them and allowing your thorny choices and character flaws to choke them to the point of uselessness, maybe even death, never a difference at all.
  • What about your light? Do people know you’ve got the light of God’s love in you or do you just figure you’ll keep it to yourself, it’s not your business to be a show?
  • Jesus prioritized His calling, said all of humanity was meant to be His family, He took no opportunities to rest with his family, I suppose they knew it would be so.
  • Times will come that shake us. We should remember the storm and the boat and how Jesus slept through it only to be awakened by the terrified disciples. He then calmed them and the storm; but, questioned their faith, the faith that by now they all, we all should know!
  • He cared about the mentally ill, he healed a man overtaken by demons.
  • He was open to interruptions. He was not bothered by a change in his schedule. He’d been summoned to heal a little girl who was dying. He made his way towards the family through all the curious spectators. Something brushed against him. It was a woman who’d been having her period for twelve years, twelve years of being ashamed, of being a prisoner of her womanly calamity. It’s not a pleasant thought. I would have hidden at home too. But, she had heard. She heard of the women with infirmities who now sojourned with him, they’d been sinful and sorrowful women before; but, no more. She must’ve been hoping for that “no more”. Jesus felt her touch and she felt His. She was healed. Jesus said to her the same thing he wants to tell us all. It may be my favorite line. “And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” Luke ‬ ‭8:48‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    • Do you have a Bible? Find the Book of Luke there or with an app on your phone.

    Luke was an intellect, a researcher, a writer who made sure of his story before he wrote it.

    Advent is teaching me, this thing I’ve called my Advent Experience is teaching me, comforting me, changing me.

    My Christmas gift to me, maybe.

    The Book of Luke, 24 Days of Jesus – An Advent Experience

    Abuse Survivor, Advent, bravery, Christmas, contentment, courage, Faith, Forgiveness, freedom, hope, Peace, Redemption, rest, Salvation, Vulnerability, waiting, wonder, writing

    Jesus was born to bring peace.

    Go in peace, now.

    Go in peace.

    “And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

    ‭‭Luke‬ ‭7:50‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    A Peace I Know

    Luke captured in Chapter 7, more healing.

    Healing based on faith, that comes from seeking.

    A noble man brought a servant of his to the attention of Jesus. This esteemed military officer, the centurion sent word to Jesus, requesting he come and heal the dying servant.

    Jesus changed his course and headed to the home of the centurion; but, was stopped. The man sent word to Jesus that he didn’t want to trouble him, he recognized he was not worthy to have Jesus in his home.

    He added, essentially, I know you have a lot on your plate. He could sort of relate.

    So, he requests of Jesus, healing for his servant, that Jesus would “say the word” and the man would live.

    He was at peace that the man would be healed, he believed Jesus was a healer.

    The Centurion understood faith, he knew it does not require us to see, to only believe.

    “When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.””

    ‭‭Luke‬ ‭7:9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    The servant was saved and the centurion was simply grateful, not seeking any special favors because of his position. He sought Jesus for his servant and humbly made a way.

    The seventh chapter ends with another story of someone who cared nothing about expectations, someone who simply sought Jesus and asked forgiveness of her sins.

    Jesus was invited to dine at the home of a Pharisee, the men around the table most likely planning to pick his brain, to question his presence and to see for themselves how all they were hearing could be possible.

    A woman known for her sinful behavior, heard of Jesus’ whereabouts and entered the home. Her desire to know Jesus made her courageous. Her courage to seek the one who would change her life, make it new led her to arrive at the place she was not welcome by the others but accepted by Him

    She bows at the feet of Jesus, weeping and with an expensive perfumed ointment she’d collected in an alabaster jar, she caresses His feet.

    The men, of course, were arrogant and astounded! This woman is a harlot. Surely you should know this Jesus, here’s the proof, you clearly are not a prophet.

    You have no understanding, no discretion at all.

    You clearly have a different perspective on who is worthy.

    Jesus told them, I came to your home and you gave me little to nothing at all. This woman, she came to me with intention and with humility and she gave everything.

    She surrendered all.

    “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.””

    ‭‭Luke‬ ‭7:47-48‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    The peace that knowing Jesus gives comes with no cost at all; yet it is the most valuable gift of all.

    It is surely a peace I know and will know and know again.

    “O Lord, you will ordain peace for us, for you have indeed done for us all our works.”

    ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26:12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    The Book of Luke, 24 Days of Jesus – An Advent Experience

    Abuse Survivor, Advent, bravery, confidence, courage, Faith, family, freedom, grace, memoir, mercy, Peace, praise, Redemption, Salvation, Stillness, Trust, Uncategorized, Vulnerability, waiting, wonder

    Speaking of Light

    I read last night about a friend who saw the light.

    She stopped her car and ignored the speeding cars to stand on the side of the road because the sun going down could not go unnoticed.

    The same sun is now just a thin line gradually making its way up through the layered navy blue.

    My feet are bare and the ground is cold, I am pleased to find it at just the right second, I saw the light.

    Before sleep last night I read the seventh day’s Psalm. My mind must have been yearning for tomorrow.

    Now, I’m reading again to remember.

    Psalm 31, a psalm of David is a commitment to God.

    “I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul, and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.”

    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭31:7-8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    David asks for mercy, asks again to see the light.

    “Let your favor shine on your servant.”

    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭31:16‬ NLT

    He knew the light was not be taken for granted. He knew his feet failed him at times, ventured from the light.

    Jesus encouraged His disciples to be seekers. Seekers of good, seekers of satisfaction other than wealth, seekers of rewards and riches, not here on earth but in heaven.

    In Luke, Chapter 6, there’s a record of quite a lot.

    Jesus corrects the critical Pharisees, he heals a man with an unusable hand, he named his disciples, teaches a multitude of people, talks about the things we seek that leave us full but empty, talks about loving our enemies, strongly warns against judgment of others, tells us people will know we know Him by the fruit we produce and finally, tells us to build our house of hope on the solid rock of faith foundation.

    Jesus made it his mission to leave us not only, through His death to eternal salvation; but, through the recorded words of his time on earth, He left us light for our lives.

    His words lead us, convince us, challenge us.

    His words give us courage to express and invite.

    Last night, I surprised someone. I’d been thinking about it for some time.

    The church I attend has an exceptionally talented band. The drummer is very good. The guitarists, the singers, there’s not a member not talented, it is impressive.

    The music is not “easy listening” always. It challenges me to allow myself more freedom in worship.

    There’s a guy who’s a rocker in my boot camp class. He requests hard rock of the trainer every session. There’s an occasional obscene lyric, there might be references to party and drugs. The speakers are mounted just above the treadmill and last night I worked out next to him. I concentrated on my own feet, as his feet were pounding hard against the movement and with the bass and loud songs.

    It was just three of us at the end and I reached for my coat and water, deciding to ask him then.

    “Do you have a church?” I asked.

    Caught off guard, he asked me to ask again.

    I did and he answered no and so, I told him about mine and about the music and told him I hadn’t intended to catch him by surprise, it’s just that every time I hear the band I think of how I think he’d like to be there.

    He smiled, this same rough from life around the edges man who’d made me smile before when we were all discussing age and parents and I’d told them all that both of mine were dead.

    He looked over at me and said, “I know they must have been good people because you’re good, you’re a good person.”

    I’m thinking of it now, how he made me feel light, how his words brought light to my long day.

    Jesus did the same. He used His words.

    Words are light and love.

    Lord, tell me what to say.

    May my words come from my heart and may I not ignore your Spirit prompting me to speak.

    “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

    ‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:45‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    May I be unafraid to speak of your light in my life.

    May I continue to seek it.

    The Book of Luke – 24 Days of Jesus, an Advent Experience

    Abuse Survivor, Advent, bravery, Christmas, confidence, contentment, daughters, doubt, Faith, Forgiveness, freedom, hope, memoir, mercy, Peace, praise, Prayer, Redemption, rest, Teaching, Trust, Vulnerability, waiting, wonder

    Lessons for the Learned

    At some point I must have been set on remembering the sermon.

    The margin of my Bible is marked with my interpretations and revelations from a passage.

    “And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

    ‭‭Luke‬ ‭4:17-19‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    The Spirit of the Lord is on me and if you believe in His birth, His death, His resurrection, on you, too.

    God has given us all opportunities to proclaim the good news to the poor.

    To proclaim liberty to those without purpose, those who are trapped in the bondage of sin, shame, doubt, fear, unbelief. To remind myself and others of the gracious rescue from these places.

    To those who are blind, we like Jesus are to help them see the light of the gospel, also known as “good news”.

    We need reminding, all distracted at times and unable to see, our eyes covered by the blinders of this crazy world.

    We are here now to tell our stories.

    Our stories of why we believe, why we know we’re better believing than not.

    It’s that simple. Life before Jesus was not what life with Jesus is and will be.

    Why we’re tempted not to believe at times and why we know we can’t return to that road or jump from that dangerous place again, taking advantage of the grace that will catch us in our fall.

    We’ve heard the Word, we read the accounts and like the crowd Luke wrote about, we are astounded by all the healing, we are now learned ones, for we have experienced salvation and healing and we continue to grow, we continue to be open to His lessons.

    Jesus was born to bring us salvation.

    For thirty some years he was a healer, a teacher, a speaker through parables, readable lessons.

    May I never stop learning, ever progressing towards Him, to be like Jesus. May I embrace the opportunities in front of me to more purposefully tell.

    Most of all, may what is said about me be more consistently true, more about Jesus than about me.

    I want to leave a legacy.

    “and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,”

    ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:9-10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    My surrender is my story.

    Grace and Calling or No

    Abuse Survivor, bravery, confidence, contentment, courage, doubt, Faith, fear, grace, memoir, mercy, obedience, praise, Prayer, Redemption, rest, surrender, Teaching, Uncategorized, writing

    I couldn’t guess if I tried how many bloggers are out there with words floating all about.

    Occasional assertions like a “calling” to write or an unwavering assurance or this I must do. I must write.

    Like so many other things, we’ve a sense of celebrity to it, we read what the successful ones publish, we lean in and listen, we get enthused with the possibilities or we slink away when the reality of luck and timing and perseverance cause us to crash.

    I heard today that about 85% of people have ideas, believe their life contains a story that could be a book.

    Yesterday, I came home from church and I read the words of Paul. I considered writing only momentarily. I rested instead and considered giving up my blog, print all of my favorite posts first and stack the stack of stories atop my desk and eventually pack away in a drawer.

    But, here I am. I’ve returned.

    I changed my tagline because someone skilled in blog traffic and “search speak” assessed my site last week.

    Why not, I thought and then like an optimistic student hoping for a B, I was deflated, my report came back with the number 72, a D!

    I added grace to my tagline, really just shuffled the letters in the line. Least I could do, the only thing I understand how to do.

    I’m learning. I need to be open to the shifts, the sways, the steady steps forward. I need to grow.

    Yesterday, about the time it is now, I sat alone at home with the dog at my feet.

    The sun was warming the edge of the sofa and my Bible on the arm.

    Today was different. 4:30 in the afternoon and it was dark and grey.

    Raining, cold.

    A writing task abandoned, I felt so little like a writer. Feels unlikely, this thing I thought I might do. So, I’m pushing back.

    I tidied up my space, let the next tutorial pause a quarter way in.

    Two sheets of lined legal pad are filled with potentially captivating titles, subtitles, notes and asterisks.

    I put it away and stopped and thought again, you’ll soon be 60, you’ve been talking about this and refusing to give it up since almost three years ago.

    I’ve got notes from church yesterday rewritten twice in three places today.

    Most likely I’ll be writing them again.

    It’s not trying harder. It’s surrender.

    Share your story, yes.

    Who you were and who you are.

    But, mostly notice and follow what the Holy Spirit shows and tells you.

    There is something in me that is greater than me.

    I didn’t nap yesterday, I read Romans 8 instead.

    I have no idea if a book is in me. I thought I surely knew before.

    But, I never surrendered the outcome, the beginning nor the end.

    I never asked God directly.

    I never, in fact even asked at all.

    God, is it your will that I write?

    A book?

    A book that I already gave a title, named and numbered the chapters, and planned the dedication?

    I’m asking now.

    And I’m not trying as hard.

    I promise.

    I surrender my words either stacked up in sheets or bound together in a book, my name across the bottom.

    I pray you will help me, God, teach me to be content either way.

    “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”

    ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    It occurred to me yesterday what a joy my blog is to me. I thought of the feeling when thoughts become words just descriptively fine and I’ve cherished the kind words in comments.

    I thought of how sweet it’s been realizing thus far it has been all me.

    I paused with the idea of what might be. What might be bolder, sweeter, truer when it’s not just me; but, the power, the power of the Holy Spirit in and through me.

    Coming through my words, surrendered for his purpose.

    “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

    ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    I’m curious and excited now, surrendered to his purpose.

    We shall see.

    Have This Hope

    Abuse Survivor, bravery, confidence, contentment, courage, Faith, freedom, grace, memoir, Prayer, Redemption, rest, Salvation, Uncategorized, Vulnerability, writing

    Sometimes, I’ll pray,

    Jesus, be my editor.

    I want to be observant of Him, my life and my art and words, purveyors of Him.

    I want to cause others to consider my present hope in light of my previous trauma.

    No day is the same as any single day before. Our days might be framed and arranged with similarities, coffee, and quiet and an awareness of a bird waking up outside your window, but it’s never just the same.

    Our days, never the same, the exact time the birds begin to sing, their type and from whence they have flown.

    The words I write, the way I consider my schedule, I’m slow and achy or optimistic or something in the middle.

    I repeated a tough time yesterday; but, only in my retelling of its story.

    Very clear, the memory I shared to express a time of a prayer, a plea.

    It was pleasant to tell of an unpleasant time, as if an accidental reminder to myself, you got through that, you are strong.

    All is well.

    Just the reframing of a recollection we’d never aim to repeat.

    All of our regrets, our remorse, and resentment over wrongs done us or by us.

    We need only repeat them as a reference, a reference of how different we are, how decidedly committed to reframing our trials in light of knowing God saw us then and sees us now.

    “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

    ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Pressing on, not repeating old stories, only reading the chapters of our lives, rewritten, edited by God.

    Prompted to write on word “repeat”, remembering times I’ve been brought through, times I don’t ever have to repeat but will recall them in ways to carry on.

    Read other thoughts on “repeat” here:  http://fiveminutefriday.com/2018/11/01/fmf-link-up-repeat/

    31 Days, Freely – Together

    bravery, confidence, contentment, courage, Faith, Forgiveness, freedom, grace, memoir, mercy, Redemption, Salvation, Stillness, Trust, Uncategorized, Vulnerability, writing

    Despite the change in temperature and season, the roses my husband pruned way back are again deciding to grow.

    One by one, little buds have burst into blooms. Before you know it and if the frost is late, we’ll have an abundance of magenta blocking the back door.

    I’ve got an independent streak, resistant to joining in, being corralled together with people who are only a tiny bit like me, at least I believe so.

    And I don’t like to join in if I think people will call me a follower or a fan girl, or for show.

    I prefer to sit back, stay in my place and let Lisa be Lisa.

    That’s not always what God desires. I mean, if you know me I know you’ll most likely not imagine me shouting, jumping for joy.

    Shoot! I very rarely even laugh out loud. I should correct that, I guess.

    I’m so quiet at home, my husband approaches me to say, “you’re really into that, let me ask you something and then I’ll go away…”

    I should probably do something about this too.

    Yesterday, we went to church together, to a new church on the day they were doing something new, moving to their new space.

    We’re not sure where we’re gonna land. We love church, know church is something we need; but, we (I, really and his sweet agreement with me) don’t know yet where we should be.

    I’m afraid this is a growing trend,

    I’m praying. We are praying, we will end up in the church we should be. Sooner than later, I believe.

    Yesterday, the pastor gave a teaching message, how to tell your story with gentleness and respect, explaining why you have hope in God.

    Then he suggested share using the hashtag #gotestify

    It was late in the day that I decided I would. I’m anti-FaceTime. I just don’t think I’m quite that fancy or special and my selfies are very few.

    But, I found a photo I took of my self sitting on the Isle of Palms shore. I hadn’t planned on beach sitting, the day and day before had just about pushed the limit on stress. But, all had been good. All was good. I saw it in my face.

    So, I used this little selfie for my message, my message of me before the mercy of Jesus, how I found it, and how it is changing and changed me.

    Together, with others, I testified and shared:

    The reason for my hope: I was raised to be afraid of all my wrong and potential of wrong and the hell that my life would surely bring. I was forced to “evangelize” with gospel tracts while walking ever perfect and straight lines…then because I knew I’d never keep it all between the lines, I ventured off without boundaries to places way too hard to tell. Then, I had my babies and we later found a little church and an elderly preacher who showed up on his own…to help me in my distress. He was answering His calling, God had already been stirring my soul and he told me about mercy and helped me pray. The road has had its moments, my walk of faith sometimes faltering. But, God has never failed, never failed me yet. So, now I know and believe it more everyday, the opposite of the harmful contradiction that I was taught as a little girl. Mercy triumphs over judgment. And it is this mercy that is the reason for my hope. #gotestify #oldselfie #idontfacetime #writebravely #healedandhopeful #rewritingmybook

    Some people liked it, one appreciated my transparency.

    Many it may have stirred curiosity and some might now avoid me or think I was too much of me.

    I believe I should be brave; but so much more than being brave, I believe I should be grateful and I believe more than ever God is making me able, able to tell my story that will point to Him.

    Lord , help me be consistent. Unsure of all the places this matters, so many, my attitude, my prayer life, my humility and my perseverance.

    My hope is in His mercy, knowing more surely than ever it is forever there.

    31 Days, Freely – Song

    Angels, contentment, Faith, freedom, grace, memoir, mercy, Peace, praise, Prayer, Redemption, rest, Vulnerability, wonder, writing

    waking thought today, October 28th…

    “Jesus, lover of my soul”.

    From some other worldly type place the thought came, these words I repeated in thought, two, three, a few or several times, uncertain of them being verse of a Psalm or a song.

    The sun is pretty just now, the way it shadows my stack of morning table stuff.

    I google the phrase and discover it is a song, an old hymn I must’ve flipped past in the thin pages, seeking backdrops for angels.

    I open my journal to read what I wrote earlier, before church or anything at all.

    Realizing my faith is a persistent faith, more persistent than resistant and that little things are happening, being evidenced in my soul.

    Gradually sticking, this relationship of grace.

    There could be no other explanation for waking up to the words of a song.

    I must be getting closer to His spirit. It can be the only explanation – every morning I’m thinking of God and I’m not yet or quite yet awake.

    Waking up with words like Jesus being the lover of my soul.

    What a beautiful song!

    What a beautiful

    song.

    31 Days, Freely – Whole

    Abuse Survivor, bravery, Children, confidence, contentment, courage, family, freedom, Good Friday, grace, Homeless, memoir, Peace, praise, Prayer, Redemption, rest, Stillness, Teaching, Trust, Vulnerability, wonder

    I kept working because I wanted to finish what I’d begun, I suppose.

    Only partially complete, it would have maybe worried me all day as to what the ending might be, I needed to finish.

    I needed to treasure the whole thing, the pleasant dream that blessed me with blissful sleep past seven.

    Oh, joy, I’ve slept til almost nine!

    I dreamt I was living in my grandma’s house and it was all mine, the whole place.

    It was standing tall and mine for the taking, for the living.

    The room across the tiny hall from my grandma’s room, it was exactly the same as before.

    The hall, like a bridge we were warned not to cross, just a little hollow place between, its occupants, the phone on the wall and the gas heater caused crowded passing through to the little bathroom congregating.

    I was there again and I could hear the long clangy echo of a ring and my grandma answering to talk to maybe my mama, my aunt or one of her sisters.

    She’d pull the long curly cord around the corner so she could see. She’d talk a long time sometimes.

    But, it was mine in my dream, the whole place, last night. The place not standing now was there for me.

    So, I set my mind on fixing up my granddaddy’s room, the one that seemed such a secret, his “Chester” drawers all piled with loose coins, papers and cigars, I started and I cleared and cleaned and made it fresh, different than before, a place to lie down and rest, inviting and bright.

    A place I’d been afraid to pass through, it was mine to make new.

    To make whole.

    31 Days, Freely – Moment

    Abuse Survivor, Art, bravery, confidence, contentment, courage, Faith, freedom, grace, memoir, Peace, Prayer, Redemption, rest, Stillness, Teaching, Trust, Vulnerability, wonder, writing

    Prompted, on this day 26 of 31 to write briefly (I’ll do my best.) on the word “Moment”.

    Sometimes I’ll take a moment to be sure I’m correct in my understanding of the meaning of a word, or look for the definition to broaden my perspective.

    I took time just now to understand “abide” because I always lean towards it meaning something like living some place or staying put and settled somewhere.

    It may be that I think it’s a relative to the word abode.

    No idea.

    a·bide
    /əˈbīd/
    verb

    accordance with, uphold, heed, accept, go along with, acknowledge, respect, defer to

    Yesterday, I met someone who began a conversation with questions of me from the other side of a table. The room was filled with women and the bustle of many conversations.

    She asked me about my choice of the phrase “quiet confidence”, eventually moving to sit beside me. We talked. We laughed and we connected.

    We were interested in each others’ stories from the moment we connected.

    This morning, I’m remembering how I told her it can awkward for me to have an intimate and complimentary conversation, to receive positive and powerful feedback from another.

    It’s as if it’s a challenge for me to agree with another’s words that are good if they’re about me.

    She said something I loved when I told her I don’t like to introduce myself as an Executive Director, it sounds so lofty, so unappealing to me, doesn’t sound like who I ever wanted to be.

    She smiled and told me to accept it, to be in agreement with God’s decision to place me in a place to lead.

    This morning I’ll think of it as abiding with God in his decisions to bring me to a place of leading. I’ll abide in my executive role and demonstrate my confidence because of God’s confidence in me.

    Moment by moment, I’ll abide, be in agreement with God as I carry out my role in His world.

    “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”

    ‭‭John‬ ‭15:4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    I met someone yesterday who gave me an unexpected gift. I’ve decided to accept it, acknowledge her assessment of me.

    Linking with others here:

    FMF – Moment