Friday, September 12, 2008

Eyes To See

The other day, I found myself in a rather uncomfortable situation. MLH and I were in a meeting with some believers who have started a service organization. Some months ago, I had been invited to “help” with this group. I went, albeit tentatively. You see, when I show up, people think two things:

(1) Oh, yeah! Janie’s here! She can help us raise money! And…
(2) Oh, yeah! Janie’s here! She’s a great organizer and promoter, she’s got a great reputation! She can help us bring people into our organization (which often translates to money.)


This meeting was no different than others in that respect. Matter of fact, they even spoke aloud, in almost the same words, the (2) sentence above.

The gifts of God are without repentance, and I know that. I know that the Lord has blessed me greatly. And I’m learning that to make my yes, a yes. I’m also focusing on the more difficult thing, to know when to say no, and when to say yes. It’s been a hard lesson for me, but that’s how it is. Just because I choose to take on a certain cause, whatever “it” is, doesn’t necessarily mean that God will bless my work in that cause, or that the cause will thrive. And I confess I’ve gone before the Lord many times, and taken something on that the timing wasn’t right, or something else was wrong. Instead, I should have waited on Him. So, I’ve learned a lot. And, I’m still learning.

Anyway, back to the meeting. The leadership of the group was talking about how to reach others for Christ, grow the chapter, and raise money, in order to further reach people. And almost as one, they looked at me, and one guy reaffirmed my gifting detailed above. Talk about pressure.

I took a breath, and asked for permission to speak, and was granted such.

To begin, I reiterated their recent words, illustrating, in my perception, how they saw me. I then encouraged them to open their spiritual eyes – and endeavor to see people after the Spirit, and not by the flesh. In seeing after the Spirit, I believe we will all be more open to the opportunities to love on people. I share my belief with this group – that this meeting, the very idea of it, is a great thing. I believe a meeting of believers should be a place of refreshing, and encouragement – a place of respite, as it were, especially in this specific organization. And that if we love on people, they will come. They will want to be a part of this organization.

In ending my turn to talk, I spoke of that one thing – loving people. If I were going to categorize the way that MLH and I walk, I would probably say that we do it rather organically. We don’t follow a prescribed method, pass out tracts, etc. Actually, it’s probably rare, though not by design, that we speak the name of the Lord before others, yet we believe. It's our desire His will become manifest in our lives. We hang out at shoots, events, industry happenings, conferences, hunts and work. We meet people where they are. We strive to see and sense the Lord’s will in any situation that might present itself, seen or unseen. Mostly, we just love on people, wherever we are. That’s who we are, and what we do. And it’s our hope that those people smell the very fragrance of Christ and are drawn unto Him. That’s our hope.

Okay, rant over, and I think (heh) I just preached to myself. Maybe I needed a reminder.

Thanks for letting me breathe.

8 comments:

jill jill bo bill said...

ooooh girl! I am right wij ju on dat! Seriously!

I will pray that you will know. Without a doubt. just be still for now. And wait on Him.


Love ya!

jill jill bo bill said...

Do you think I might be getting the fragment sentence condition or WHAT? I have been doing. that. lately...I am sick I tell ya! Sick.

Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poet said...

God gives us gifts and talents for a reason but, remember this:
"Train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." This has applications beyond the obvious. "...the way that he should go..." is speaking to that child's "bent" -- the way he was designed. Sometimes our job is to mentor others to develop their gifts and talents -- especially if they are similar to our own. They become our spiritual child. It is our job to help them to grow. Maybe, you need to identify that person who has the gift and get him started rather than always doing it yourself. But --- you know all about that from your day job, don't you?

That Janie Girl said...

Thanks, Jill. Somehow, I knew you'd get it.

And as to de fragmt,yup,u dere.

Chris - thanks, I needed that reminder, as well. And you're right.

Gwynne said...

Janie, you say it so well, and it is so true. The root is Love. You and YLH set such a wonderful example!

Doozie said...

very refreshing....I like your brand.

If people want to reach others, they need to realize that just because you don't appear poor, doesn't mean you are not. I'd went through countless struggles and because I'm not a squeaky wheel, because I have a decent car and clean home etc, I guess when I DID ask for help some thought I wasn't sincere?

I think being aware and alert to others plights is the right track. And as you know, single mothers are lacking in many areas. Car issues, lawn mowing, home repairs, etc. I wish that more church goers would realize that just because you're not on the welfare doesn't mean you don't need some help and support.

I hope you can reiterate this to the others in your group, because you are someone who really understands.

Rae said...

You make good points..! Good rebuttal and good that you reminded yourself in the process!

That Janie Girl said...

Gwynne - thanks, ma'am.

Doozie - I agree with you, girlfriend. I wish people would "do" more and "talk" less. Walk the talk, as it were. And being a single mom is H.A.R.D.

You rock at it. And as for reiterating the message to others, well, I think I will. Thanks for reminding me!

Library Girl - Sweetie. I always need reminding.