I was recently asked why I titled the second series of my Little Changes Big Results(TM) Online Group, Healthy American Woman. More specifically, why did I choose the word American versus Godly or Christian? I was purposeful in my selection of words.
In my thirty-five years (in 2011) of being a Christian, three of my six Christian pastors have had immoral affairs and numerous well-known Christians have gotten divorced or done something incredibly hurtful to the name of Christ. Through each setback, I've become all the more determined not to shame of the name of God. I have also determined to mentor all who would follow me in the ways of God that create strength of character, depth of spiritual connection with God, and a passion for reaching others with the great Good News.
Because we live in America, we have the privilege and freedom of sharing our faith with our neighbors and the world. It is my desire to encourage women of all ages and in every stage of life to become whole and healthy in their spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental lives in such a way as to draw all others--seekers and believers--to the one person, the one God who loves us and them enough to die for us.
I am calling each of you to become healthy American women who live in such a way as to influence and impact our culture.
We will begin, on Wednesday, January 5, 2011, to embrace, discover, and develop the first non-negotiable trait in this series: Perseverance.
Are you "in?"
Happy New Year!
Becky
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Happy New Year! I am definitely "in." I probably will miss the live calls for both groups, but I'm committed to listening to both of them when I get home from school on Wednesdays.
ReplyDeleteBecky, I was struck by the last two sentences of your second paragraph this evening and feel compelled to share a story. This afternoon, as I was upstairs putting away some Christmas decorations, the doorbell rang, and it was accompanied by a light knock. Certain that it was my next door neighbor, I dashed down the stairs and opened the door without hesitating. Instead of my neighbor, two college-aged young women stood at the door, and they asked if I had a moment. Having recently come from a huge youth missions conference in Baltimore, they wanted to know if I would take a couple of postcards, fill one out, share the others with some young people, and drop them in the mail so that we could all receive some free Bible Study reading guides. They also gave me a colorful handout that began, "An apple a day keeps the worries away." Each red apple on the paper contained information about a particular health fair, nutrition seminar, or stress and mental health program being held over the next several months at some churches not too far from my home; each event is free and open to the public. I told the young women that I am active in my own church and participate in a Bible study, but that I would be glad to take a couple of the cards to share with the youth at church.
The girls never asked for money, tried to persuade me to listen to doctrinal matters, or in any way "pushed" a product or service. They did, however, ask if I would like them to pray for anyone or any need before they left. After thinking for a moment, I asked them to pray for Kelsey, the young girl at my school who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the femur 15 months ago, underwent major surgery, followed by rounds of chemotherapy for most of her senior year. I explained that Kelsey had a good summer and went off to the University of Maryland in September, only to have her hopes and dreams dashed when she contracted a virus, ended up in the hospital, and then discovered that her heart had been so weakened by the chemo that she is now on a waiting list for a heart transplant. I also asked them to pray for Kelsey's mom, Terri, who teaches at our school and whose faith has been shaken by the events of the last year. . . . Anyway, Katia, the young woman with a thick German accent, offered such a beautiful prayer as we stood there on my front porch that I found tears running down my cheeks. I am not one to show emotions in public--especially to strangers, but something about this prayer and both girls' demeanor really touched me. Katia ended the prayer by saying something like "and Heavenly Father, may Your angels come to this household and bless all inside . . . ."
In just a few moments they were gone, and as I closed the front door and returned to my work upstairs, I couldn't help being reminded of that passage from Hebrews that says, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
I think this is going to be a really special year!
God bless and good night!
Wanda
Wanda, Thank you for sharing that story. January 1st reading was amazing. I was talking to someone I gave a bible to last year and asked her if she had read today's reading. She said she had got out of the habit a few months ago and didn't even know where the bible was. We had a nice chat and hung up the phone. 30 minutes later it was her again she was bubbling over what she had found in the bible and wanted to share it with me. God has something for us everyday if we just invite him in to our world.
ReplyDeleteTaking my husband (not a church goer) and my college boy to hear Becky at her church tomorrow. Praise God!!
Oh, Robbie! That's wonderful! I'm sure that all of you were blessed this morning! I'm eager to hear all about it. . . .
ReplyDeleteThis evening I've been working on the church bulletin for next Sunday. Sometimes if there is extra space on the back, I look for a motivational quote to use. I found this one and think it is a good one for our groups: “The secret of my success? It is simple. It is found in the Bible, ‘In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.’”
~George Washington
Goodnight!
Wow! I am inspired by all of the above! Thank you for blessing my evening Robbie and Wanda. Love the quote Wanda. You are an amazing lady with all that you do - you are an ispiration to all. Thank you Becky, I am "IN" for the long haul. Romans 12:12 "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing steadfastly in prayer."
ReplyDeleteToday was a blessing indeed!!! We all (husband included) felt the presence of God at church today! Just wanted you to know, more later.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments. I feel right at home and Yes I am "IN" all the way.
ReplyDeleteI will listen to the Podcast when it comes out.
ReplyDeleteWanda I just love your God Stories.
Have to share 2 things I hear today: "The Hour of Power" is the one hour a day we spend with Jesus. Without it, we have no power, nothing. (to be transformed,to love like Jesus, to do anything).
ReplyDeleteAnd, from Mother Theresa: " If you are too busy to pray, you are too busy."
I'm in.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to all the group will be doing in this new year.
Enjoyed reading the posts, and hope to catch the podcast.