I don’t know about you, but I can’t believe what’s going on in our country and world…a sentiment I’ve expressed before, promising not to get political…same is true here. Too many bizarre things to list, the question that often comes to my mind is, “what can I do about it?” After all, the issues I’m referring to are national and international. I’m not involved in politics. I don’t have a platform. With rare exception, I’m not known…I don’t have a voice. And although I’m not complaining, my wife and I don’t have the wealth to make any significant impact. So again, “what can I do about it?”
Related, two of my favorites of our faith are Matthew Kelly (https://www.matthewkelly.com or https://www.dynamiccatholic.com) and Rev. Rick Warren, who I’ve mentioned before. Their messaging really speaks to me, whether it be their books, blogs, or talks. I’m going to reference both in relation to this blog.
It’s my lived experience that God gives us an opportunity to make a ministry out of our messes. Rev. Rick recently wrote in a post:
- Life is full of heartache. We suffer, feel lonely, discouraged, and face criticism. And sometimes that can feel unfair.
- Ask yourself this: Did Jesus suffer? Was he sometimes lonely? Was he tempted to be discouraged? Was he misunderstood and criticized unjustly? Yes! Jesus understands suffering better than anyone.
- None of us are exempt from suffering, loneliness, discouragement, or criticism, because God is developing in us the character of Christ. In order to do that, He takes us through some of the same struggles that Jesus experienced.
In another post Rev. Rick states:
- God will give you all the grace you need to endure hard times. But he also wants you to be willing to use your experiences to help other people. God doesn’t want you to waste your hurt! He may let you go through a period of darkness, depression, or discouragement so that you can comfort others with the same comfort he gives you.
- Your greatest life messages always come out of your weaknesses, not your strengths.
- The things in your life you wish you could change are often the very things God wants to use to help you grow in spiritual maturity and as a ministry. While God works in you, he also wants to work through you to help others.
Matthew Kelly wrote a book called Holy Moments. It speaks to how each of us individually have the opportunity to change others’ lives on a regular basis, one Holy Moment at a time. Like all of Matthew’s books, a great and easy read.
I think the answer to the question I pose above (“what can I do about it?”) is in combining these two concepts. In my life, it’s those things that I’ve most struggled with that God has most blessed in me helping other people…making a ministry out of my messes. Add to that the idea of Holy Moments, whenever you get the chance, on a regular basis. And although a Holy Moment doesn’t have to be specific to your giftedness, often born of your challenges, blessing others with your experience is a great way to do it.
How do I impact the craziness in the world? How do you do it? One Holy Moment at a time, using the gifts God gave us, given the experiences He’s blessed us with.
As always, please email me at [email protected] with questions, concerns, comments, or prayer requests.
God Bless you on your Path to Peace, Joy, and Fulfillment!!!
Remember…God made you for Greatness!!!
Mark Joseph