We recently volunteered at a food pantry. I was charged with taking their groceries out. I went back to my teenage years at my first job when I was a bagger. I loved it. The talking to people, asking how their day was going, just being friendly. It was great. The more I blessed others, the more blessed I felt. We have to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We might be the only Jesus some people see. Thanks for the starfish analogy. That'll keep.
This is beautifully needed. I have to confess this is something I don't struggle with as often. I have a natural tendency to see people, but I think it comes from feeling unseen and unvalued over my life. I pray that we all will do this better. Thank you for sharing!
I'm so glad we have people like you who can model cherishing and seeing others well. I have a few friends in my life who are really good at this and it is a gift.
Well done! Churches will survive and flourish if they truly followed God's guidance. Arrogance and despotism coming from the pulpit are anathema to the Gospel. A certain denomination has churches that believe in this mode of running a congregation and others do not. Guess which one is thriving and which one is dying. I have heard the "body" message numerous times with no application. Yet, others had real meaning. (Forgive me for wandering.) Pastors are to be listeners and followers of Barnabas, not demeaning Herods. Fortunately, God gifted me with the ability to listen, not criticize, and await the Spirit's urging to speak with the appropriate words. After years of spiritual abuse my sensitivity to those in need of a "listener" has increased. Thanks for "listening" to my ramblings but after 40+ years of serving and now with the pain of abuse and no church home...yet...I continue to read your encouraging words at the beginning of each day. Thank you!
May God richly bless your efforts and wisdom. -Ray in Michigan-
Praying you find a church home soon. Of course no church is perfect, most are just a bunch of people doing their best to love God and love people. Lots of forgiveness and grace needed!
I was so thankful to see you delve deeper into this awareness, and share your thoughts. I think this has the makings of a really worthwhile sermon. I'm loving your 'ooofs'. Because that reaction signifies the depth of your insight, and what needs to change, in all of us. So, ponder some more, gently, on intentional listening and what this reflects of Jesus. Love, Jen.
Your starfish analogy is a wonderful one. When I think about the Church I serve, the Body of Christ, there can sometimes be a tendency to elevate the priest as though they are the “head”, placing them on a pedestal above everyone else, with unilateral authority over parish council, wardens, treasurers, and the wider parish community.
You are so right to remind us that Christ alone is the head. The Body of Christ is united through all its members, each called to serve faithfully as part of the Church God sends into the world he loves 🌱
I’m with you on the challenge Em, it’s something that I have been shown through the 31 days pursuing wisdom. I find it hard to remember to check back in with people or remember what their worries are days later (brain fog issues) and then I feel awful- I pray the Lord will continue to prompt and remind me.
We recently volunteered at a food pantry. I was charged with taking their groceries out. I went back to my teenage years at my first job when I was a bagger. I loved it. The talking to people, asking how their day was going, just being friendly. It was great. The more I blessed others, the more blessed I felt. We have to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We might be the only Jesus some people see. Thanks for the starfish analogy. That'll keep.
Love this Maury. Thanks for sharing.
This a beautiful ministry and a form of sharing the Good News without actually 'selling' God!
It is who you are to others that shows to whom you belong 🌱
This is beautifully needed. I have to confess this is something I don't struggle with as often. I have a natural tendency to see people, but I think it comes from feeling unseen and unvalued over my life. I pray that we all will do this better. Thank you for sharing!
I'm so glad we have people like you who can model cherishing and seeing others well. I have a few friends in my life who are really good at this and it is a gift.
Well done! Churches will survive and flourish if they truly followed God's guidance. Arrogance and despotism coming from the pulpit are anathema to the Gospel. A certain denomination has churches that believe in this mode of running a congregation and others do not. Guess which one is thriving and which one is dying. I have heard the "body" message numerous times with no application. Yet, others had real meaning. (Forgive me for wandering.) Pastors are to be listeners and followers of Barnabas, not demeaning Herods. Fortunately, God gifted me with the ability to listen, not criticize, and await the Spirit's urging to speak with the appropriate words. After years of spiritual abuse my sensitivity to those in need of a "listener" has increased. Thanks for "listening" to my ramblings but after 40+ years of serving and now with the pain of abuse and no church home...yet...I continue to read your encouraging words at the beginning of each day. Thank you!
May God richly bless your efforts and wisdom. -Ray in Michigan-
Praying you find a church home soon. Of course no church is perfect, most are just a bunch of people doing their best to love God and love people. Lots of forgiveness and grace needed!
The starfish was a clever analogy. Happy Shabbat em
Thank you!
It's funny to me that you feel challenged by this because I feel like you make so many feel so seen. I love you, and this!
💛💛💛
This is beautiful and very thought-provoking.
Thanks Daniella!
Hi Em,
I was so thankful to see you delve deeper into this awareness, and share your thoughts. I think this has the makings of a really worthwhile sermon. I'm loving your 'ooofs'. Because that reaction signifies the depth of your insight, and what needs to change, in all of us. So, ponder some more, gently, on intentional listening and what this reflects of Jesus. Love, Jen.
Thanks Jen!
Your starfish analogy is a wonderful one. When I think about the Church I serve, the Body of Christ, there can sometimes be a tendency to elevate the priest as though they are the “head”, placing them on a pedestal above everyone else, with unilateral authority over parish council, wardens, treasurers, and the wider parish community.
You are so right to remind us that Christ alone is the head. The Body of Christ is united through all its members, each called to serve faithfully as part of the Church God sends into the world he loves 🌱
It can be so easy to elevate others without even realising it at times. Glad this was encouraging ✨
I'm challenged by this. I'm still learning to follow Christ as my true head as a Christ-follower.
I’m with you on the challenge Em, it’s something that I have been shown through the 31 days pursuing wisdom. I find it hard to remember to check back in with people or remember what their worries are days later (brain fog issues) and then I feel awful- I pray the Lord will continue to prompt and remind me.
💛
loved it