He Got It…
He had a bodybuilder’s physique, tattoos that covered the entirety of his massive arms, and a shiny, shaved head. By all appearances, he might not be the kind of person you’d think would get it. But he did. That’s what we get for thinking in terms of common stereotypes.
I’m sure, for some of us, his job description might not help. After all, he cleaned carpets for a living. He might have been the owner for all I know. That’s inconsequential. What matters is that he got it.
He was cleaning my carpets in conjunction with my residential lease agreement. There were several companies to choose from; I made the call; he came.
He, though, asked the question: “Why are you moving?” Here’s how the conversation went.
“New job,” I responded.
“Military?”, he inquired.
“Nope… I’m in ministry.”
“What kind of ministry?” he probed.
“Well I was a pulpit minister, but now my wife and I are going to work with a children’s home in Portales.”
He developed a look on his face that said it all. He smiled with a particular look on his face, shook his head, and we continued to converse about which home we were working with. But as we parted company, I couldn’t help but think to myself…that guy got it. He really got it.
My decision to give up pulpit work for something else hasn’t been well received by all. There are not few who believe that pulpit work is about the only to do ministry. I use to think that myself.
I knew there were a variety of spiritual gifts one might use, and they weren’t necessarily connected to a preaching ministry (Romans 12: 6-8), but I still thought pulpit work was the only legitimate way to serve. Youth Ministers were a waste of money. Family Life Ministers were silliness. Both might be “unauthorized.” Looking back, I wound up being the one with the silly thinking.
Real ministry happens when service takes place in the name of God. It might be at a church building, a homeless shelter, and/or a children’s home. Scratch that…I’m now 100% certain that it happens at a children’s home. It is odd, though, to see who really gets it.
douglasryoung.net
I get it! I think when you’re called, you’re called. You just put on your shoes and wait for marching orders. I have been active in AA for years. I know that’s God’s work. A lot of people think those in AA are heathens that don’t know anything about God but I know a ton of people who have found God in the rooms of AA. Church people tend to look down their noses at those in recovery (unless it’s Celebrate Recovery). Many in recovery have tattoos… hey! Maybe there’s a correlation there… hahaha! Anyway, people didn’t give up their brains or hearts when they chose to get tattoo’d. I speak from experience. (BTW, those tattoo’d arms are called “sleeves” for future reference)
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Thanks Melanie. You work in the trenches and I’ve always appreciated that about you. Love you!
Doug, you continue to be a light and touch so many lives…this is a true Christian example of living a live that makes a difference. Thank you sharing your family and faith with each of us, a man of God is noble and honorable in every aspect, thank you for helping us to see this through your life. We get it! Miss you and look forward to seeing you again soon!
Thank you, Marti. Miss you too. Let me know if you need something. Anything.
I know that some might disagree with what ministry is or isn’t, and I applaud both of you for your ministries. Many more are needed in the “hands on” field of ministry. My problem is, from the article and Melanie’s statement, that the cast is set that the majority feel this way. Doug you know how I feel about things but I believe this with certainty, that it is normally the minority that yell the loudest, and their voice is viewed as the majority. Yet such isn’t true. The critics voice is often the one we unfortunately listen to the most, and hold on to, though the supporters voice is always in our ear and we forget about it.
Clay… You are right. My intent wasn’t to paint with such a broad brush. My intent was to contrast a perspective that might not necessarily the majority, but as it relates to me has been the perspective from which most have been outspoken, with that of someone I didn’t even know. He, in my mind, had a sense about him that suggested something to me. That was the point. Thank you for chiming in, my friend. Love you, immensely.
Doug, I think the Children’s Home will be a better place for having you and Tisha there. I applaud you both for taking this step in your lives to help children in need. I know the kids will learn from you, and you will learn from them. Good luck and God Bless you and your family.
Kristen…Thank you very much. It means a lot. For the first time, in a long time, we are developing the sense that we are ministering to make a difference. That is something that will sustain us.
Just for the record, I wasn’t “yelling”, Clay. I was just sharing my experience. I know I’m a minority in the coC. I do not yell about being a recovered woman but when it comes up in small circles or groups, people react and treat me/us differently after that. I’m not criticizing either. I have always supported Doug and Tisha and my own church leaders. Hope I didn’t come across as a “minority” with a chip on my shoulder because that’s far from the truth. Just wanted to clear that up. Love you too, Doug!! You and Tisha are the BEST!!
Melanie…I don’t think Clay was addressing you. Clay knows me well enough to know that I write for various, not the least of which are to address things and people who need to see things for what they are. Clay is one of my best friends. He is just trying to keep me in check and I appreciate that.
When you pledge allegiance to the Messiah Jesus of Nazareth, your entire being is a living ministry. Never! Never! let anyone tell you or make you think otherwise! May the Spirit be with you and take you places you have never been my friend!
Gal.5:1….
No doubt bro. It has taken me years to see that, but God has opened my eyes, finally. Love you bro!