Ministry Minded

A few months ago I heard an ad on Star 93.3 for a Women in Ministry appreciation breakfast. I said to Dean that I thought the event sounded fun but didn’t feel like I was serving in ministry, despite my desire to do so full time one day.  He encouraged me that I was serving at church. The ad said if you lead or even just volunteer than you should register for the free event. I thought about it for a while and the busier I got serving at church the more I decided I would think about going; but I didn’t want to go alone.  So I thought of all of the women I respect and admire for the time and talents they give to serve others.  I sent them an email asking them to join me at the event.

Several sounded eager to join me so we all registered and awaited the day of the event.  We all met and hung out during the event.  I love helping others connect with those they don’t know, especially when I know they share common interests, and my heart smiled as I watched these women who don’t really know one another pour out their hearts to one another.  As I drove home I was in tears as I realized, that while I might try to deny it  I frequently lead others. Even when we don’t realize it or intend to, we either bring others together or push them apart.   I remembered that everything we do affects others.  My simple decision to email these women gave us all the chance to connect with each other, enjoy a time of community and worship and to feel like we are a part of something bigger.  I could have thought about going to this event and decided not to, but I didn’t.  I value others and have a desire to see them achieve their fullest potential. Sometimes that means I go out of my way to invite others along with me on this journey so that we can both move towards a closer walk with God and each other.

At the ministry breakfast, Laura Story shared her story and it hit close to home.  Like her husband I struggled with many unexpected medical setbacks.  My life has been shaken and turned upside down repeatedly due to these medical problems. At school this week I gave a devotional which included some similar thoughts to what Laura shared at the ministry breakfast.

Earlier last week I listened to a message that inspired me to lead others.  I have always felt unqualified to serve. It’s kind of why I wanted to go to a Bible college instead of a secular one. I wanted to feel qualified and prepared for ministry.  Earlier this week a speaker talked about how God called the unqualified and how He can use any of us. At the women’s event, Laura Story emphasized how we can use our story to help others.

I’ve got a story, one with ups, downs, and lots of mercy, redemption, and an amazing Savior.  The plot line has lots of action and no one could ever say it’s boring!  But, it is not one I would have ever chosen for myself.  I’ve been hurt, let down, broken, and damaged (sometimes feeling like my heart will never mend) repeatedly.  But each time God was there to bring restoration.

I don’t know what God is calling me to do, but I no longer feel unqualified to do it.  I have a story, talents, and a desire to serve.  All I need now is to find the setting, supporting characters, and a blank piece of paper so I can begin to write the next chapter of my story.

I look forward to dragging others along with me as I live out the call God has on my life.  I have some amazing women role models in my life and I hope one day someone can say the same about me.  For now I will continue to surround myself with women who serve the Lord and others selflessly and pray a little bit of their greatness rubs off on me!