Shepastor: “Has Anyone Told You Lately…”

The other day, one of our clergy sisters, Rev. Kesha Williams quoted a line from the movie, The Help on her Facebook status, “You is Smart, You is Kind, You is Important!”
This line came from a scene in the movie where an African American maid, “the help” was speaking to a little southern girl that belonged to a wealthy White woman who made little or no time for her child. For all intents and purposes, the maid was her primary (and possibly only) source of love, nurture and affirmation. I imagine as the maid recited those words to the little girl, she was re-affirming something within herself – despite what others may think about you, say about you, how they act as if you don’t exist or the way they ignorantly treat you – you have to remember to proclaim and affirm your own self-worth.

Today, Shepastor just wants to remind you of the importance of remembering who you are…

Shepastor: “Has Anyone Told You Lately…”

In ministry circles, it is not popular to discuss such. The attitude often is that we who minister should not be concerned about getting affirmation, feeling appreciated or being told about the good that we do every now and then. Although discussions of “clergy self-care” are a buzz, sharing openly and honestly about our need for nurture is frequently frowned upon. Many are reluctant to ask for prayer for themselves for fear of looking selfish.

Many ministers, therefore, go around bruised and bleeding internally, wearing a smile externally. Over time, the pain, the bruises and the brokenness can harden our spirits and deplete our sense of beauty, worth and purpose. When our vessels are bone dry we have nothing left to give but the residue of dust and chipped pieces at the bottom of our beings. May the Lord use us to be “the help” and remind one another, “You is Smart, You is Kind, You is Important (and let me add one more) You is Beautiful!”

If we will covenant to lift and encourage one another, the flow of support, nurture and love will help to carry us over the sometimes bruising impact of ministry.

If no one has told you lately, I will tell you - You are BEAUTIFUL, You are making a difference in the lives of those you don’t even know. Your sphere of influence is broad and wide. The Lord is using you to bless many and magnify His name – keep making a difference for the Kingdom!

Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com

Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris