by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
“We
benefit from the faithful artists and influencers who came before us.
They did not live to see the change, but we live because of it. Be
faithful to plant. Release the growing to God. Open up the clenched
fists and let the seeds drop into the ground, let them burrow down deep
and do their secret work in the dark. Sacred shaping happens in the
waiting.” -Emily P. Freeman, A Million Little Ways
In the words of Sir Henry John Newbold, “Let us build for the
years we shall not see.”
We
benefit from the faithful artists and influencers who came before us.
They did not live to see the change, but we live because of it.
Quick! Who just came to mind? And more importantly, will someone recall our face if asked the same question years down the road? If this is to happen, we must be faithful to plant now. We’ll never be younger than we are today and thankfully, we’re never too old to influence others for the kingdom of God.
Growing up, my dad enjoyed organic gardening. (And that was before the organic craze!) Having a box delivered from Burpee Seeds was like Christmas morning at our house. Tiny, round, oval, black, white, etc. Oh, the variety!
Influential seeds are no different. There’s a plethora of ways to open our clinched fists (anything that holds us back from being authentic), allowing us to build for the years we shall not see.
Four seeds in my pocket today:
- Speak truth into the life of another. The world offers up many “yes” men and women. Influencers are willing to show their love by lovingly speaking truth based on Word, no matter how unpopular they may become as a result. Truth rules—and love leads—in the life of one who influences.
- Pray. Too often I’ve heard myself say, “Wish I could do more to help but I’ll keep you in my prayers.” Really? What greater gift we can offer another? “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:15b. (Righteousness, powerful, effective = influential)
- Say no. Many of us grew up believing that if we weren’t saying “yes” to everything (especially in the church setting) we weren’t being faithful. Not true! How can we say yes to the best (God’s desires) if we’re unwilling to say no to the good things? Knowing our spiritual gifts and serving in that realm is a seed well planted. Of course, remaining sensitive to the Holy Spirit is key, as we never know when He’ll ask us to throw out a seed of a different variety.
- Release! We can waste a lot of energy when trying to control the outcome of our planting efforts. Our responsibility is to plant and to allow the seed to do its sacred work in the dark. God will bring the growth in His timing and His ways.
Do you have a seed in your pocket? Please release it in the comment box. 🙂
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 1 Corinthians 3:6
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
A Million Little Ways by Emily P. Freeman rests comfortably in my top ten favorite reads — for a multitude of reasons. In this post back in January I shared one of many sections highlighted throughout the book.
In many (perhaps a million?) ways I think Edie Melson and Vonda Skelton could’ve collaborated on a similar book as their wise counsel over the years often mingled with Emily’s.
One such moment occurred on page 138, where Emily shared how we may not be the first to say it, write it, create it, or believe it—but our saying it may be the first time someone finally hears.
“There is no new truth, dear. All truth belongs to God. Sometimes you simply need to hear someone else say it.” -Steve Lynam
Plagued with self-doubt most of my life, I struggle to believe anyone would “hear” anything I had to say when so many others weave words like well spun silk. Yet, I know God has called me to bang the keys and pick up the pen for a purpose.
Could it be the words He places on my heart benefit “only” a handful of people? If so, I accept it with gratitude. It’s how I prepare lessons to teach, pen words for an article, and mold prose into poetry. My responsibility is to write, releasing the harvest to God’s safekeeping. (1 Cor. 3:6-9)
So in those moments of self-doubt, I remind you as I remind myself: Our calling isn’t confirmed by the number of “likes” on a Facebook post, the number of hits our blog posts receive, the awards that hang on our walls, or contests won.
There will always be others who do things better than we do. Praise God! But let’s not discount how He has uniquely created us to share the good news—perhaps in a way someone has never heard, seen or experienced before. The gift is from Him and the glory is all His, so go ahead — say it, write it, and create it!
“Were you made on purpose? Is there a unique blend of interests, desire, wisdom, quirks, insecurities, and loves that are within you? Can we agree those things are not a coincidence? Could it also be that there are things in you that aren’t in anyone else? That the way God has attached himself to you is a unique way he wants to display his glory to the world?” – Emily P. Freeman, A Million Little Ways
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
While encouraging Piper’s coloring skills last week, the word popped out without warning. I’d promised myself to keep the word Perfect! under wraps, especially with my grandchildren, but there it was in all its glory.
It’s a seemingly innocent word but it can wreak havoc in our psyche if we’re not careful.
From a writing standpoint, this word has left me paralyzed more times than I’d like to admit.
If the “perfect” word doesn’t come to mind, I can’t begin the poem.
If the “perfect” word picture doesn’t happen, how can I finish the devotion?
And on and on.
So pages of uncompleted work scribbled between two thin blue lines remain scattered among our library, shelved by perfectionism.
Perhaps it’s for this reason I can’t get enough of Emily P. Freeman’s book, A Million Little Ways. Asterisks, underlined words and phrases, Wows!, and several exclamation marks find their way on practically every page. Yes, it’s that good.
One favorite chapter Offer includes this wisdom:
When I hoard my gifts and my gifting under piles of doubt, perfectionism, and demand for appreciation, I forget the six pots in Cana filled with dusty water, the ones holding nearly thirty gallons each. I forget how Jesus takes small offerings and turns them around to glorify his Father.
A salty splotch of water mingled slowly with underlined words as I read this paragraph for a second time. Never had I associated my perfectionism with hoarding God’s gifts. All along, I’d considered my finished piece of work as an offering to the Lord—but now I see it’s because of Christ’s finished work that I can find rest in offering my best, but far from perfect work, for His glory.
If you’re struggling to climb out from beneath piles of doubt, perfectionism, or a demand for appreciation, I would welcome the opportunity to pray for you (and ask that you pray for me, as well.) I have a feeling we’re not alone on this journey!
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
