I was in the band this morning at church... and I always learn so much while I am up there. Not only is it a totally different experience to play the music as you worship, but it is a place you get to see the congregation with totally different eyes (from a whole new perspective), another aspect of life to be held in accountability within the church and an opportunity to come together, unified, as friends as we worship. I LOVE IT! It truly brings me so much joy.
Today was just this intense bombardment of heart-wrenching revelation and a need for prayer and encouragement. As I watched the congregation this morning certain things (people... men) stood out.
Some guy I had never seen before worshiping with one hand raised and the other held close to his heart... even though I don't know who he is or what his story is... I could see that his heart was totally engaged and that there was even more going on there than his actions could express.
It brought warmth to my heart.
My little 7 year old cousin who is learning to read. He stood there at the back of the church on top of the seat so that he could see the words. There was incredible determination and pride on his face as he sang those words.
It filled my heart with hope and courage.
A friend who stood and recited the words from memory as his eyes were closed tight... trying to contain the tears that flowed down his face. Then his expression changed and he just let the tears fall. Unashamed.
It brought tears to my own eyes, and broke my heart in a different way.
A dear friend who I prayed with for his family wept as he (we) pleaded with God to soften and capture their hearts.
It reminded me that we still sometimes have to fight for what our hearts desire. We need to ask for it.
After the service a older fellow and dear friend came up and simply told me that I was beautiful.
I was touched.
These are the men of the church. Sometimes I don't know if they realize how influential they really are. And God really hit me with this call to pray and encourage the men of my church. They are called to stand and take charge and lead and.... well..... there are so many strong women in the church... and I am afraid that we sometimes as women take too much pride in the fact that we are strong women, and we steal the jobs and confidence of the incredible men around us. I feel like there is this huge need for a revival among the men of God. Guys... we need you to rise up! I am praying for you and am here to support you. I am sorry if in the past I have done anything to discourage or undermine your place of leadership. I want you to know that you are important, influential and valued. What you do has an effect on the rest of us. You are an important part of our congregation and we need you to take a stand and walk into the leadership role God has called you to.
God created men as the leaders and women as the supporters (I am not saying that women shouldn't or can't lead...) and I think sometimes women take it the wrong way and feel we need to prove ourselves. Girls!!! this is so important... lets stand together and support the men in our lives. Our fathers, brothers, husbands and sons. Show them you care and value them. Encourage them as the head of the house. Honour them. Show them love. Pray for them.
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