I’m joining in over at Chatting at the Sky for Tuesdays Unwrapped. Come join in, link up, and let’s unwrap the lovely, messy, and unexpected.
I had just got off the phone from the third person in one day contemplating quitting and giving up on their leadership roles in ministry. But this call was different. There were many questions. Many heart-hurts laying beneath the surface. A true new awareness that maybe they were a leader and it was frightening.
I couldn’t help myself so I retreated to my computer. I needed to clarify some of my words. I needed to encourage once more as I clicked on email. What could I say that would help? What would I say that might make a difference?
And I started . . .
“I would never speak for you for I don’t know your hearts struggles. But what you expressed today – looking from the outside – I see someone who needs to spend a multitude of time with God, not instead of ministry, but because of ministry. You are a leader. You have much to offer. You always have, you just don’t see it.
You are a fighter. You are called. To move on and become who you were MEANT TO BE. Yes, it will be a struggle. So, just take some days to breath, to rest in God. To let Him heal those places that need healing. Let God reaffirm those promises He has spoken to the still of your soul. 
You are but a budding new plant bursting out of the soil. I always wonder how that must hurt – a small fragile green stem pushing up the weight of dry soil. I ponder over the strength of that little plant as it grows through the hard thick places of dark dirt. At each new season, we are but budding plants. Today, you are budding. You can burst forth, if you so chose.”
The gift is we are resillient. God made us just as strong as the budding plant that can push through the hard crusty clods of dirt, if we hang on long enough and keep striving. Yes, it hurts. Yes, it’s uncomfortable. Yes, it is beautiful!
Maybe you need an extra push today to keep on. Maybe you need encouragement. Maybe you need the gift of budding plant. I pray you find the strength to spring forth here.
This is so encouraging. I like the idea that even if it's hard, we are still called to grow, and pursue, and find strength. That is something to be thankful for.
(Thank you for stopping by my blog and for your comment. It is very much appreciated it!)
Being a leader is the hardest job ever… well, second only to being a parent ; )
Thanks for this! It warmed my soul. Thanks for your kind words today also. ; )
following as well,
Heidi
Heidi – being a leader is hard!! Amen.
Callie – I'm thankful to know we have the strength to grow. Sometimes it sure doesn't feel like it though.
What a beautiful letter of encouragement and honesty. So often one feels the call of God rightnow – and feels as though they are behind schedule – when really, the recognition of that voice calling to leadership is a journey that takes you to the place of leadership. Like all great leaders there is a time of preparation, training and building for that responsibility. Great wisdom in your post Alene!
Thanks for the encouragement today! Yes, the budding process is often hard and difficult but always beautiful.
Much needed encouragement, Alene! I'd be less than honest if I said I never had these feelings. Ministry is a difficult, yet definite calling.
Thank you!!
Encouraging post, Arlene. I felt your pep talk through the screen.
Thanks.
Budding and growing is hard. I'm so glad you were encouraged. I'm still trying to let the words encourage me. Thanks friends.
As a leader, sometimes I feel like I am either drowning or wandering in the wilderness. I can tend to take my eyes off of the prize and forget my purpose. I am so thankful for His grace which sustains me. Beautiful post.
Right now I am picturing my ballet lessons from yesteryear. In one exercise we pretended to be seeds which grew into flowers. Crunched up in a ball on the floor, we slowly made our way up – one arm and one leg at a time – until we stood with our arms raised, swaying in the "sun".
Today I want to raise my arms and sway in the Son!
Alene, What great advice! I am bless by reading it. I love what you said about needing to spend lots of time with God not instead of ministry but because of it…very wise advice! Thank you for your encouraging words. I'm soaking them in. And thanks for stopping by to see me yesterday from Tuesdays Unwrapped! Bless you!
I love the metaphor and encouragement and beauty in this post :) Thank you. Whoever of those leaders that was the recipient of these words is blessed by you!