This past weekend, I had the absolute blessing to be with pastors and their wives in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I am privileged to lead a ministry called The Strengthening Project (Proyecto Fortaleza en Español). This ministry exists to pour into pastors and their ministries by strengthening them spiritually and renewing their marriages. Given my field of study, I focus on the spiritual progression side of our ministry and we have others on the team that focus on the rest.
Our theme this past weekend was, The Love of God – Our True Foundation. I spent time reminding the couples that God truly loves them. As pastors, we know this truth in our minds and we certainly tell our people regularly, but often we do not slow down and listen with our hearts. I challenged them to use the retreat as a time to be still and deeply reflect on just how much God loves them. Our sessions were well received and the emphasis on slowing down and reflecting resonated with each of them.
After one of my sessions, one of the men there, a dear friend of mine who lives in the Domincan, asked me very directly, “How do YOU do what you have just shared with us.” Being a bit caught off guard by his question, I answered by saying I have many opportunities to attend conferences and retreats like the one we were leading – the difference is that there is a monetary cost when I do. That is why we offer our retreats to pastors and their wives at no cost to them – we know the people we are serving would not have an opportunity like what God provides through our ministry if we did not exist.
I could tell that my answer did not satisfy my friend. As I pondered his question, it dawned on me, he was not asking “how” I do it but “if” I do it. I looked at him and said, “In English we would say, ‘Do you practice what you preach,’ – is that what you are asking?” He smiled and said, “Yes, that is what I am asking.”
In that moment I felt conviction and a bit like a hypocrite. It is much easier to tell people about the importance of slowing down and spending time with the Father. But for a type A personality that is overly task oriented and time sensitive, it is much harder to practice than to tell other people to do so.
And so . . . one of the first places I knew I needed to get back to is a place of making time for being still and resting in God’s word as I listen to His voice.
The second is here – – this platform of Clay In the Hands has been, since its inception, a place I have shared how God is speaking to me, a place where I can encourage others to grow in faith, and a place to be authentic as we seek Jesus together.
Thank you Russell for calling me out graciously and with a smile. I now have a renewed commitment to spend time daily with the Father and to share my thoughts here. May we continue to walk in The Way together.
Clay in the Hands 