Mobilizing People

Stuck.
It’s a place we’ve all been.
Jammed between inspiration and calculation.
Inspired to do something different,
But calculating all the reasons we can’t.

As a pastor’s wife, I’m an influencer.
As a disciple, I’m a people mover; a mobilizer.
Consider Jesus’ words, “Follow-Me”, “Pray with me”, “You feed them”, “Go.”
Jesus continually moved his followers to new places.

MOBILIZERS INITIATE LEADING PEOPLE TO THE NEXT LEVEL

This white-haired lady meandered around our church’s Mission Center.  Some of us have gray hair and hide it (Thank you, Clairol!). Jane wears her white hair well. Cute, bobbed-cut white hair!

Sensing her reluctant eagerness I asked, “Are you thinking about going?”
Her answer was one I hear all the time.
It’s one I’ve used many times.
“I want to, but I don’t think I can.”

Regardless of the topic – Bible study, prayer, leading, etc
We all risk sliding down the “SOMEDAY SLOPE.”

Someday, when I get married then I’ll…”
Someday, when I have money, then I’ll …”
Someday, when my kids go to school then I’ll …”.
Someday, when I’m not working then I’ll …”
Someday when I have more time then I’ll …”

                                   “Someday” passes us by
                                                while we live everyday
                                                       until “someday” never
                                                      occurs any day.
Then I hear,
Today, I’m too old so I can’t…”

MOBILIZERS SPEAK VALUE INTO WHO SOMEONE IS AND VISION FOR WHERE THEY COULD GO
Jane was stirred to go, but planning to stay. She reasoned that her age disqualified her.  Her age, however, made her perfect for furthering the kingdom.  It took a simple of story of helping her match the stirring in her heart with what she couldn’t see.  The village she was considering going to highly respects older women. I simply told Jane, “Because you have gray hair, your voice will speak louder than any seminary-trained pastor.”
 

MOBILIZERS HEAR PEOPLE’S FEAR BUT FEED THEIR FAITH.

When God stirs our hearts, there is fear that accompanies the new God- possibility.  It’s a normal spiritual rhythm that builds trust. Although Jane had fears, so did her husband.  “There’s no way my husband will let me go,” she said. “Plus, I don’t have a passport.”

Her circumstances didn’t seem to line up with the stirring in her heart.

MOBILIZERS LEAD OTHERS TO SEE OBSTACLES NOT AS ROADBLOCKS BUT OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD TRUST IN GOD.

God was doing something, but what?  I didn’t know. She didn’t know. We both agreed to pray and ask God what he was doing.

Two days later I received an email from Jane – “My husband is practically filling out my passport application for me.  We are expediting it tomorrow.”

MOBILIZERS LEAD PEOPLE TO AN EXPERIENCE WITH GOD THAT CAN ONLY BE EXPLAINED BY HIM.
 
Two weeks after our conversation, which really lasted about as long as it’s taken you to read this blog, I received another email.
 
“I never expected that getting my passport would be a worship experience. Thank you for being an audible voice of God.”
 
Truth is, it was a small moment that could have passed by.
Truth is, it didn’t require giving a motivational speech. God was already moving in her heart.
Truth is, she was fully aware
I didn’t do anything,
she didn’t do anything,
and God did everything.

Journal Time

As October ticks away, we draw closer to the holiday season. Is it a busy time in your ministry? What suggestions can you offer to encourage your fellow ministers’ wives to keep the season as simple as possible? What are ways you draw together as a family?

Journal Time

Fall is here! What a beautiful time of year! How do the changing seasons reflect your spiritual growth? Feel free to share your thoughts, start a discussion, and then come back to interact with anyone else who drops by!

Journal Time

We’re back around to that time again, our bi-weekly Journal Time. What has God been showing you over the last two weeks as you’ve spent time with Him? Can you share something that might encourage the rest of us? Is there something that discussion might help? Share away, and let’s start a conversation!

Journal Time

It’s that time again! What have you learned this week in your time with the Lord? What can you share with the rest of us? Can’t wait to hear from you and get to know you better through this share time!

In it Together!

Our Facebook page has had many great discussions lately. Some have made me smile with a been there/done that smile. Some have made me sit back with a sad groan and look of pity on my face because I’ve been there and had that done to me. Others have made me laugh out loud because church stories really are hilarious.

What has struck me so strongly with these posts is that no problem is unique. The situations women are posting are not new to many of us.

I’ve said many times that every church has a “Marilyn” in it. Her name might not be the same in every church but the attitude is! Churches also have a “Betty.” She is the gift God gives us to help us endure “Marilyn.”

Our stories are alike. The specifics may be different but the stories are the same. Our kids have been yelled at and yanked up. We’ve been told how our husbands need to do their job better. We’ve all been given that “look.”

This is why making friends with other ministers’ wives is important, because we understand. We know the bad times and will grieve with you. We know the good times and will celebrate with you. The mw’s don’t have to be your best friends, but have one or two in your phone so you can send a quick text in a time of distress (real or imaginary), or let us know what’s going on on our Facebook page. We might not have all the answers, but we will pray and offer advice. You can take it or leave it but there’s nothing like knowing that you’re not alone.

I often say that being a minister’s wife is an honor and a privilege. It is. The times we see God work fantastically in the lives of those we are called to serve are pure joy and a gift from God. They make the other times, the more dreadful times, worth it!