I read once an illustration that shared how President Woodrow Wilson had a housekeeper who was always nagging him. Nagging about how she and her husband didn’t have more prestigious positions in life. One day she had approached the President after hearing that the Secretary of Labor had resigned and flat out asked him (the nerve, boldness!!) to appoint her husband. She said something like “my husband is perfect for his vacant position. he is a laboring man, knows what labor is and understands laboring people” (stop laughing).
With that, the President said, I appreciate the recommendation but this is an important position, requiring an influential person. She rebutted with BUT, “if you made him the secretary of labor, he would be an influential person!”
Amateur. LOL. Isn’t it just like people observing on the side lines to make a judgement call on what it takes to be in a position or worse yet thinking they have what it takes to be in a position. Geesh. There are so many people that think that a title will earn you influence. No sweetie. A title doesn’t cut it! A title only gives you a chance, an opportunity to try out what you think you already figured out in your head. It gives people time to make a call for themselves if you should or should not be in that position based on how you are doing!
July 5th I start a Summer Soul series in my church in hopes that we will get people thinking about “emotionally healthy spirituality” because so many people are dying for positions, titles, status but not so many are dying to get healthy so that when they are in those leadership positions they will be able to have and be a positive influence. Good leaders gain an influence that is usually beyond their role, bad leaders, “spiritually immature leaders” usually shrink their influence to less than when they actually had no position!
Get this one thing folks…a title, a position, doesn’t make a leader but a leader can certainly make a position. A title doesn’t cut it so stop trying to brown nose those in positions that can “grant” you leadership and start working on YOURSELF to be as healthy and aware as you can possibly be and trust me GOD WILL OPEN DOORS FOR YOU and when he does you will be ready to be a positive influence in the lives of many!
Love, Peace & Soul!
Wonderful words of wisdom - Afterall God’s desire is for us to enjoy good health and to have our souls prosper - I think too many of us forgot that scripture.
(3 John vs. 2)
Yes, my dear since I’m now living in the new dispensation of the (50’s) which is the new (40’s) - well for some, I take care of myself a lot better - I feel great- I like this new look - sister so does my hubby
My position is to my husband dearly and to love others as the Lord does.
Not so nice a place to be - even when the arrows come- ouch…but by His Grace we overcome.
Amen, Pastor Liz. It’s so important to prepare yourself for what the Lord may do with you. Even though we may not know specifically what that is, that’s the beauty of the organism of the Church. Find something to do, anything to do, to serve in the Church. Whether it’s helping out that overwhelmed Sunday School teacher, or volunteering to go out with the evangelism team. Or raise your hand when the pastor asks, does anyone want to pray? Try out many different ways to help in the Church and you will likely find the thing that you will love (God has probably put that in your heart).
And if you don’t find anything, ask your pastor. I’m sure she/he can make a few suggestions.
God bless you.
Dear Dr. Liz,
I don’t claim to have arrived to where I have been totally perfected for I know that comes when Christ comes.
Becoming aware of the work that needs to be done in my life has been the best thing I’ve ever done. As I have faced many difficult times in this journey we call life. The growth and knowing the areas that stunts or holds back my growth has made all the challenges smoother for me and eisier to accept. Awareness is a gift and I thank Almighty God for it. I as well have always believed that “a title” says what you should be or should be doing but it doesn’t necessary mean that is what you are doing. I welcome being healthy in all areas in my life. Thank you!
Ladies thanks for the comments. I appreciate you sharing your voice. You are welcome here.