Calmness, intentionality and awareness may indeed be the key — the key to how we respond to what’s coming up next or whether we see the opportunities the Lord places in our paths.
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As I reflect on the past 30 years serving with The Alabama Baptist, I’m encouraged by the growth I’ve experienced (and continue to seek) as well as how our team digs deep, adapts as needed and strives to work out our ministry calling with excellence.
Hold on to Jesus
Even when we can only see the next step in front of us, we choose to take that step in confidence, holding on tightly to Jesus and keeping your needs in mind.
Wouldn’t it be freeing to move along in all parts of life with that kind of courage?
Sure, we need to fully evaluate many situations we encounter, but sometimes we assess to the point of becoming paralyzed.
Think about a time you sensed you should participate in something outside your comfort level or noticed someone and learned of a need they had.
Were you calm, or did you become anxious? Did you make intentional efforts toward the next logical step, or did you pull back? Were you excited the Lord had blessed your awareness with the opportunity, or did you silently begrudge the expectation to act?
We certainly can’t solve every problem we encounter nor meet every need, but we can do something every single day. It might be as simple as a smile, an encouraging word or a hug.
Prayer and openness
It definitely should include prayer and an openness to follow where the Lord leads without fear, hesitation or pouting.
I am told my great-grandmother had limited capacity for other people’s pain. “I’m sorry to hear that, but I’m just not able to worry about it,” she would say and go about her business.
Through the years, I’ve heard people (sometimes even church folk) say, “I’m sorry that’s happening, but it doesn’t impact me, so I’m not interested.”
Pain, disappointment, poor life choices, broken relationships, addiction, mental health struggles, loneliness, exhaustion and more are leading to extremely difficult life circumstances for many individuals and families all around us.
And for a massive number of people in countries such as Iran, Venezuela, Nigeria, Ukraine and many other areas, the living conditions are beyond what we can even comprehend.
When and how should we as Christ followers rally to respond?
30 for 30: Celebrating three decades of partnership, friendship
Help me celebrate my 30th anniversary as a full-time staff member of The Alabama Baptist, Inc.
It’s easy. I’ll list 30 suggestions, and you pick your favorite.
The goal is for each of the 30 items to be contributed by at least 30 individuals or groups. We’ll keep you updated on how the 30 for 30 celebration is going throughout the year.
Email me at jrash@tabmedia.group or call 800-803-5201 to let us know which item you covered.
Ten options are on the table for now with more to come soon. Here’s a starting point:
1. Set up a bulk order of 30 copies (or more) of our new Kids Edition.
2. Recruit 30 people to follow one of our social media channels — Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
3. Donate $30.
4. Recruit 30 people to subscribe to our YouTube.com/tabmediagroup channel.
5. Read 30 articles (every word) in the next few print editions.
6. Click on and read (skimming is OK) 30 articles on thealabamabaptist.org site.
7. Click on and read (skimming still OK) 30 articles on thebaptistpaper.org site.
8. Find 30 mistakes, outdated information or general problems with our websites (we know you’ll find some). Start with tabmedia.group.
9. Tell 30 people what you like best about The Alabama Baptist and how they can subscribe.
10. Send us 30 people’s email address (with their permission of course) to sign up for our Monday-Wednesday-Friday Highlights email newsletter.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This editorial was written by Jennifer Davis Rash, president and editor-in-chief of TAB Media Group, for her Rashional Thoughts column and will appear in the January 22 edition of The Alabama Baptist newspaper. To subscribe, click here.
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