Archive for lessons on life

Thoughtful Tuesday

Posted in General with tags , , , , , on June 16, 2009 by tamodom

Oh what a big thought to have on this Tuesday, June 16th, 2009!

Today is a mark in my history because I was given a promotion in my job at Charleston Southern University. After four years of living the  student life and being involved with the mission of the campus, I took the position as Ministry Assistant in the Campus Ministries Department. Then at the end of six years of administrating, organizing, planning, managing, helping, serving, mentoring, designing, photographing, video editing, mailouts, cleaning up, setting up, running computers, making music mixes, and much more…I will now assume the responsibilities of Director of Women’s Ministry and Creative Arts.

Some say that this is long overdue for the amount of work I do. To me, it is a true blessing to see what God has brought me through to prepare me for this moment. So to rebutal others’ thoughts I would say that this is all God’s timing. No – I am not trying to be over spiritual about that, because I don’t know that 2 years ago I would have even been ready for such a thing. Because Satan loves to attack my thoughts and tell me that I am not competent to do the things set before me then I tend to doubt myself. It had come to a time when not only was God tugging at my heart for some kind of direction change. but He was confirming that through other people.

There were so many people who God used and I want to thank all of them. This is by far not all that has had a part in keeping my spirits up, my heart encouraged, spiritually accountable, and focused on the mission. I had people like Mrs. Joyce who would ask me to meet with girls that she wasn’t sure how to connect with but had concerns they were headed in the wrong direction. I had Mrs. Glenda who was always encouraging me that what I was doing with each girl one at a time was making a difference. Then there was Corey who has forever been my biggest fan and support. Or how about Ms. Mead who kept telling me how priceless my work and heart to serve was to the school and the students I was touching each day. There was Dr. Ratliff who always showed appreciation for every small work I would do for Student Services and always looking out to protect me. How about Danyel Bellush who was willing to allow me in to mentor and be a part of her volleyball program. Then my prayer warriors, Mrs. Jan and Mrs. Sherry, for praying me through the ups and downs of ministry. Definitely can’t forget all of my students who continously have been supportive, encouraging and the very reason I have opened my heart to continuing in ministry. But none of this would not have been a reality if it had not been for Clark, Dr. Rick and Dr. Hunter coming to the realization that there is a need to serve the 60% of our campus made up of women and the fact that millennials are image driven. Not only did they recognize the need the supported it but they took action. I am very thankful for them to go to bat for me and make sure a unrealistic change came about in such a short amount of time. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Now what does this mean? Well, this is where I don’t have much time to think things through, but I definitely need to be still and know that He is Lord. He is going to carry me through and continue to give me favor in the things He has called me to. Yes, the scripture that says he will not give you more than you can handle is a scripture I will cling to in the days ahead. It is all new uncharted territory for the university and for myself. How will things play out? Will the girls be receptive to me? What is the best way to reach the unreached? Who is the best person to chaplain the Women’s sports teams? Where will we go for the women’s retreat? How will I learn more about graphic design and web enhancement? Does this mean I get to do more photography? How many girls I will be able to mentor realistically? Yes – as you can see – I have a lot on my mind.

I will keep you posted on the things God lays on my heart to develop and grow Godly women on the campus of CSU. Thank you again for all of your support, prayers, love and encouraging words!

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Boldness vs Silence

Posted in General, God, mentoring with tags , , on October 28, 2008 by tamodom

Boldness

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Boldness is an opposite of being shy. A bold person may be willing to risk shame or rejection in social situations, and willing to bend rules of etiquette or politeness. Boldness does not necessarily mean obnoxious; it is possible for one to be bold, while staying silent.

Silence

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Social

Silence in social interaction is the absence of speech. According to cultural norms, silence can be interpreted as positive or negative. For example, in a Christian Methodist faith organization silence and reflection during the sermons might be appreciated by the congregation, while in a Southern Baptist church, silence might mean disagreement with what is being taught, or perhaps disconnectedness from the congregated community.

In spirituality

A silent mind, freed from the onslaught of thoughts and thought patterns, is both a goal and an important step in spiritual development. Inner silence is understood to bring one in contact with the divine or the ultimate reality of this moment.

So I am not so sure why those two words came to mind today but I had decided I was going to write a blog today and that is what I sat down and typed. Interesting enough, those two words are relative to one another, yet so uniquely distinct.

I want to be BOLD and not silent many days, but some times the Lord brings me to a position where I have no words to say and therefore I remain SILENT.

What does the bible tell us to be?

Proverbs 28:1 says, “The righteous are bold as a lion.”

“in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.” Paul writes in Ephesians 3:12.

….come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” Hebrews 4:16

The KJV in Hebrews 13:6 says, “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

It seems to me that it is important for us as Christians to come boldly to the throne of God in our prayer, in our lifestyle, and in our words. Prayer to the Lord should be intently seeking an answer from the sovereign One. Boldness is having the guts to ask Him for things and to tell Him your expectancy. How about in your lifestyle…Do you wear things the rep’ Christ? Do you surround yourself with people who rep’ Christ? Last, what about those words that come out your mouth? Are the words of TRUTH or are they just simple conformity? I am going to be completely honest… I am often a wimpy Christian and I coward behind someone, something, or a bid SILENCE.

Hmmmm.. SILENCE! Now what does the Bible say about this?

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” says King David in Psalm 46:10.

1 Peter 2:12 – “Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.”

The Prophet Habakkuk said, “The Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him” (Hab. 2:20).

As we have seen, “wait on the Lord” often means “be silent before the Lord.” It is necessary that we collect our thoughts and quiet our hearts for worship and adoration before we can truly pray. “My soul, wait thou only upon God” (Ps. 62:5) is the equivalent of saying, “My soul, be thou silent unto the Lord; remain still in the presence of the Lord; stop what you are doing, and seek the Lord.”

I have to admit I do not slow down and sit still to even be SILENT, but yet when I am intimidated and shy and wimpy about bringing forth TRUTH and EXPECTANCY I will sit in silence. Does this mean I am defeated? Probably not, but I should yield to this lesson from the Lord. When I need to be SILENT I want to be BOLD and pretend I know everything I need to gain awareness, likeness, etc.

Here is a cool article I found about Waiting on the Lord and being silent and still.

Now here is the challenge.

Will you be silent OR bold!? Or will you be BOTH!? I believe that we’re called to be both. I want to be both.

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