07/09/2023
Dear Sr. Leader:
It’s been sometime since I’ve written this “A LETTER TO SR. LEADERS”. However, I am compelled to do so this evening.
As I prepared for a presentation to an assembly of employees, I was inspired to set my focus on “meeting them where they were”… personally, instead of professionally. The temperature of the ballroom, wreaked with “life’s concerns and frustration of uncertainty”, to all ends. Through many years of interactive experience and observation, I have resolved that people will never be their “best selves” in or at anything, if they are not their “best selves”.
It is true, we cannot force anyone who is not willing to do better, be better and aspire for more. It is also true that if force is required, the end result, though somewhat productive, will be futile.
As you are focusing on strengthening, empowering, rebuilding and preparing for the next phase of ministerial process; I’m hopeful that you will abort your efforts, depositing into persons of whom “force” is essential to accomplish attentiveness to your voice. I am also hopeful that you will understand that this position isn’t cold, heartless or non-compassionate. In fact it is filled with warmth, heart and compassion. Your consistent investment of personal example, instructions, activities to build faith, your availability in celebration and distress, your prayerful consideration in preparation for Bible study sessions and worship experiences where you are yielded and consistently used as an oracle of God to deliver messages which inspire…breathing life and hope, resulting in spiritual as well and natural health….we could continue for days mentioning the essences and strengths of your commitments. Nonetheless, one should never forget the old adage, “You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink.”. I would like to add to that.…”You can lead a horse to water, and no, you cannot make him drink. Yet there are times when they appear to drink, and as soon as you are inattentive for a moment, they will spit the water out.” Your warmth: Leading them to the source. Your heart: Providing the substance needed. Your compassion: Being consistent.
It’s okay, if this decision leaves you with the “Remnant”. Perhaps God is shifting things so that you can acquire more, with less. Trust the process. You haven’t anymore energy or time to waste. Neither should you be available to “spend all of you”. You need YOU to be okay!
Remember the instructions of the Lord in Matthew 10:14 ~ “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.” The same instructions are reiterated in Luke 9:5 ~”And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.” However, at this stage of release, additional information is given to affirm the decision: ~shake the dust from your feet FOR a testimony against them~
You’ll survive the chatter without fallout, if you remain focused. As you continue strengthening, empowering, rebuilding and preparing for the next phase of ministerial process…their “works” will testify against them.
…to be continued
