focus: letting go
September 10, 2009 | Ministry Life
Every six months or so I put everything on the table. It’s an invisible table, and it’s in a quiet room where I hang out with God.
“Show me, Lord,” I pray.
My nature is to say yes to things I love to do. I learned a long time ago that this “table” was necessary. It kept me on track. It keeps me from getting tangles in a million to-do’s, or taking an event or task that could be performed better by someone who really wants that task or event.
Sometimes nothing goes away. It all stays on the table.
Sometimes there are surprises. A few months ago I felt nudged to let a ministry go. It’s a ministry I love: Real Teen Faith.
Thousands of teens visit it monthly. Teens write behind the scenes, asking tough questions. There is a lot of great content and devos for teens, and parents, and those in youth ministry.
And the best aspect of all? I have been privileged to mentor teens who love to write, and to watch them grow in their skills and dreams.
One of the writers who first came on board is taking over Real Teen Faith. BJ Hamrick is now a newlywed, a twentysomething who is one of the most talented writers I know. She’s been picked up by a great literary agency and is writing books for teens. They aren’t published — yet — but I’ve read them. They will be!
In order to run after our dreams and to stay on track in ministry, it takes focus. Sometimes focus is planning. Sometimes it is praying for direction.
And sometimes it’s letting go. Even if it’s always been “your baby”.
Because it’s really not “our baby”. It’s ministry.
I’m so excited to see where BJ takes this. My hope is to support her 100% as a cheerleader, to back away and let her run with her dreams, no matter what that looks like. I’m pumped! I can’t wait to see new vision unfold.
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Wow…He must have some AMAZING things ahead
September 10th, 2009 at 2:53 pmAwesome faith step! It takes so much to let go. I am thankful that your heart is obedient even when it isn’t easy. It is a faith journey – I can only imagine how it will impact your life/ministry!
September 15th, 2009 at 4:52 pmWay to go, Suz. This is a great reminder to hold all things loosely. The cool thing is, you’ve passed the baton to another woman who can run with it–and you are freed up to do whatever else God has in store.
September 21st, 2009 at 9:21 am