Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: At the Pulpit (11/15/07)
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TITLE: God is like... | Previous Challenge Entry
By Rebecca Jones
11/16/07 -
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“No, I’m not kidding. You know that God speaks to your heart. And besides, you used to be a disc jockey, AND a copy writer; so what’s the big difference between speaking to thousands of people on the radio versus a small group, or writing a sermon versus a commercial, for that matter?” My husband replied, a huge grin plastered across his face.
“The difference,” I stated with fear in my voice, “is that I used to speak into a microphone in a room, all by myself. There will be PEOPLE that I’ll actually see, there! And besides,” I reasoned, “who will teach Kid’s Church? You know I do that every week.”
“Oh, that’s a breeze – I’ll teach Kid’s Church,” my uninformed hubby responded.
Kid’s Church is a breeze?! If I would have refused previously, I couldn’t do so once he laid down the gauntlet! “Okay, Mr. Pastor, oh, hubby of mine – I’ll DO it! I’ve got tons of those funny quips that people send me over the internet! I’ll have it all put together in NO time. And THAT will be a breeze, my friend,” I said as I kissed him.
Then I set to work. I found the funny little ditty about all of the ironic things we learned from our mothers. I dredged up the anecdotes about how God is like various cleaning products. I started to put those little items together; and then, I started praying that God would bless my “pulpit talk.”
Suddenly, a whole new set of ideas started occurring in my mind. Verses were flowing through my spirit, yet not one of them contained humorous overtones of any sort; the words that started flowing from my being and onto paper actually provided much exhortation and inspiration. Suddenly, I knew I wouldn’t discuss how God is like Visine.
To my surprise, my sermon was filled with what the inner part of me feels and believes, when I’m alone, studying the Bible and conversing with the Father. As a means of self-protection, I realized I hide behind a façade of humor. The Lord started to bring out the part of me that I usually save for my husband, family, and Him. The thought of presenting an unveiled version of myself frightened me, as I have found solace behind my funny mask. My humor has hidden the times I have felt shame when my little “PK’s” are anything but perfect angels, the anger when a person criticizes mine or my husband’s fashion choices for that week, and the frustration when a sermon is not given the nicest reception. My husband had told me numerous times to let the comments roll off of my back, but I could not do it as easily as my husband.
Standing before the entire congregation that Sunday and speaking the words the Lord placed upon my heart was frightening. But, it was also eye-opening. I saw the world that my husband sees. Some people sat with down turned faces the entire time. Others looked at their watches every two minutes. Still other adults who complained to me about “noisy” children during praise and worship talked to each other the entire time. If I had had a tissue, I could have wiped the spittle from the mouth of one sleeping parishioner. And then there were those who smiled and nodded in agreement when I made a point that was meant to touch the heart. They warmed my heart. God also was telling me that I didn’t need to be perfect; I only needed to follow His lead.
After service, the adults said they loved my message; children emerged excitedly from Kid’s Church, telling how great Pastor was at teaching them.
My loving husband emerged from Kid’s Church, looking like he had endured a marathon run. We hugged each other and commended each other on the jobs that we each do every week, vowing we’d never take each others’ jobs for granted. I learned about my husband, myself, and my Lord. I’ve spoken many times since my husband first presented the challenge to me; and now that I think of it, the next time I speak, I’ll have to tell everyone how God is like Joy dishwashing liquid….”
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