In what ways would you attempt to restore your spirit in this scenario?

[justme6272]

Let's say that while sitting in the midst of a small group men's-only or women's-only weeknight Bible study at church, you make the decision in the middle of the meeting to part ways with that church. You believe that 99% of other people in your situation would just leave without telling anyone why they are leaving, which never changes anything, so you decide to be a little different, risking that someone's attitude may be 'don't let the door hit you on the way out' and not really care.

So totally unplanned, it turns out to be your last weekly meeting with 7 people present and you announce that it's your last week with them, and that you don't expect to see any of them again. As the group's ending time arrives, 4 of the others get up and leave while you're talking about your 'issues,' while 2 patiently stay and hear you out about things that have been said by teachers in the church that you don't agree with. There are no pastors or official teachers there, just 1 facilitator who had already announced from the beginning that they would need to leave early anyway, does so. However, the church has the facilitator in their back pocket in that the facilitator will always side with anything and everything the church does, similar to how a 'yes man' never challenges anything. So what you had to say will most assuredly get back to the power structure.

After you leave, you feel you totally made the wrong choice and should have been one of the 99% who quit without telling anyone, even if it meant none of them goes home that night knowing that they'd never see you again. Satan is probably doing a celebration dance right now. Your concern at this point is more that God would find fault with how you handled it, than what anyone else at the meeting thought, and that God would not bless and prosper the plans you thought he had in store for you, .....your ministry goals, as you close that church's chapter in your life and move on. Had you just quietly left like 99% would have done, this wouldn't even be an issue for you, since God wouldn't have a reason to be mad, but it's too late now.

What steps, if any, would you think of taking to restore you spirit besides prayer and asking God's forgiveness if he feels you handled it the wrong way? Or would you feel that's about all you can do?

P.S. - Rightly or wrongly, going back to the group and apologizing in case anyone took issue with what you did won't be an option, so there's no need to list that as a step. Assume you're done with the group and the church in all aspects and you regret ever joining the church to begin with, especially now.

 

[bèlla]

What steps, if any, would you think of taking to restore you spirit besides prayer and asking God's forgiveness if he feels you handled it the wrong way? Or would you feel that's about all you can do?

I'd confess my concerns to the Lord and repent for any wrongdoing. I would probably pray Psalm 51 first and leave it with Him. Musing over things like this is how condemning spirits arrive. I'd cast it down every time that happened and pray against all spirits of condemnation, fear, and guilt in the meantime.

Sometimes things won't stay on the altar. We pick them up again. Rinse and repeat until it's gone. Affirm your calling and purpose through daily affirmations. Make sure that's the last thing you say before heading to bed.

Finally, seek the Lord's counsel on a better strategy for future reference. And take your time before joining a new church. Make sure your mind, heart and spirit are on one accord. It takes a while to see how things are in a new environment. Good luck.

 

[justme6272]

Thanks. I had your reply points numbered to respond to but they got deleted somehow.
1. I think Satan arrived without waiting for me to muse. I sat there trying to decide whether to say anything, even voicing in my mind, 'no, don't,' but I think he got the better of my brain.

2. As a cursed night owl person, I always put on a streamed sermon from a pastor I like and hope to fall asleep to that if able. If it works, I can always listen to it again, on demand, some night when I can't sleep. It's better than a sleeping pill if it works.

3. I've always done that. I don't even like formally joining a church cause I don't find it Biblical, and I vow not to do it again after hesitantly doing it last time and regretting it. Church policy often dictates 'you can't be part of our praise and worship music team (or whatever area you want to 'serve' in) if you don't join our church.' The exceptions are whatever jobs they have the hardest time filling. But I've learned 'never say never' so we'll see. I might 'compromise my convictions' and make an exception if I feel the Lord's leading to set it aside, but I doubt that will ever happen.

4. I'm starting to think 'if you have doubts whether you should even be there and can't attend wholeheartedly, then find another church if you have the option.' (i.e. assuming the town is big enough to even HAVE another option). I watched a video just today where the teacher was talking about the initial building of the tabernacle, and how God wanted those taking responsibility to do so 'wholeheartedly.' Same with the subject of financial giving. So that idea appears in the earliest history of what could be deemed documented organized religion.

I hope this makes sense, but I think we need to ATTEND places where our spirit can thrive, not make us question whether we should even be there or not. How pathetic is the latter?

I had kinda gotten overextended with Bible study groups anyway. Worse yet, I had chosen the wrong ones to be overextended with! I thought about cutting some out altogether, but thought I'd miss friends and regret it. Then I figured, since time consumption is the problem, just don't go to each one as often, but stay in touch less frequently. Then after this incident, realizing the 'issue' is more than just time consumption, I'm going back to Plan A. When I lose 'church friends,' (acquaintances more than real life friends), so be it. It's a leap of faith that the slack will somehow be picked up elsewhere.

I don't think God wants us to agonize over groups or churches we attend. I see so much frustration in posts on this site, it's amazing anyone goes to church at all. Someone was saying this week how back in the heyday of church attendance in America, people would not ask, 'Do you go to church?' but rather 'Which church do you go to?' It was assumed at the time that of COURSE they did cause the majority of people did.

I know a woman who faithfully attends an apostate Baptist church after raising her sons there, but they won't go to church now. One of their wives said, "We're tight with God, we just don't need the church." But this is contrary to scripture which says that believers are suppose to gather together. I can't quit altogether cause I'd feel like I'm violating scripture. Obviously they don't feel the same way, or don't care. Makes you think about the verse, 'Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.' They seem to have failed. But I digress...

 

[bèlla]

Thanks.

You're welcome.

1. I think Satan arrived without waiting for me to muse. I sat there trying to decide whether to say anything, even voicing in my mind, 'no, don't,' but I think he got the better of my brain.

He's quick but I'm glad you followed through if you felt it was the right thing to do.

2. I always put on a streamed sermon from a pastor I like and hope to fall asleep to that if able. I suffer insomnia as a night person. If it works, I can always listen to it again, on demand, some night when I can't sleep. It's better than a sleeping pill if it works.

An audio bible and worship music work too. I've found the bible is very good when you're undergoing heavy warfare.

3. I've always done that. I don't even like formally joining a church cause I don't find it Biblical, and I vow not to do it again after hesitantly doing it last time and regretting it. Church policy often dictates 'you can't be part of our praise and worship music team (or whatever area you want to 'serve' in) if you don't join our church.' The exceptions are whatever jobs they have the hardest time filling. But I've learned 'never say never' so we'll see. I might 'compromise my convictions' and make an exception if I feel the Lord's leading to set it aside, but I doubt that will ever happen.

I'm careful about my amen these days. There are a lot of man made ideas and practices that have become laws within many churches. And I don't feel comfortable with the elevation of pastors to pedestals by some. My perspective changed after my calling. Once I understood what the Lord desired of me I focused on His mission.

I hope this makes sense, but I think we need to ATTEND places where our spirit can thrive, not make us question whether we should even be there or not. How pathetic is the latter?

Yes, it does.

I had kinda gotten overextended with Bible study groups anyway. Worse yet, I had chosen the wrong ones to be overextended with!

I was overextended in the past and they were leading me towards seminary and women's ministry. That's a far cry from fashion design. The Holy Spirit put an end to it. Once He had my attention I was given my business blueprint.

I don't think God wants us to agonize over groups or churches we attend. I see so much frustration in posts on this site, it's amazing anyone goes to church at all. Someone was saying this week how back in the heyday of church attendance in America, people would not ask, 'Do you go to church?' but rather 'Which church do you go to?' It was assumed at the time that of COURSE they did cause the majority of people did.

I think there's a dearth of happiness in Christian circles. I believe that begins in our thoughts and what we give our time and attention to. Real joy and peace are found in God and doing His work. Not busyness but the mission He's assigned to you.

My life revolves around my purpose. Even on the Sabbath I'm doing something that will benefit me in some way. I have never been more fulfilled than I am today. I didn't find that in church. I found it with Him. In my quiet time and throughout the day. Time and surrender are my secrets. He gets the first fruit of everything.

 

[justme6272]

1. Real joy and peace are found in God and doing His work. Not busyness but the mission He's assigned to you.

2. My life revolves around my purpose. Even on the Sabbath I'm doing something that will benefit me in some way. I have never been more fulfilled than I am today. I didn't find that in church. I found it with Him. In my quiet time and throughout the day. Time and surrender are my secrets. He gets the first fruit of everything.

1. In the last few weeks, more than ever, I've beaten myself up (or it's God doing the beating...hopefully the latter) over the fact that I haven't been getting done the things you speak of.....our calling. It's like the clock is ticking and I'm running out of time. It's become a daily bad habit to have regrets that I fell short.

2. I've thought about staying home on Sunday mornings to get more done, considering I had been doing too much during the week and there wasn't really a church in close proximity I wanted to attend on Sundays. I know people in megachurches who go on Saturdays, so not everyone is hung up on what day of the week it is. I stay hung up on it cause I was raised that I'm suppose to be in church on Sunday. We didn't have all the options that people have today in large cities. I've just never been able to see how Saturday at 5 pm is just as good as Sundays at 11 a.m. It's part of that whole 'remember the Sabbath and keep it holy' mantra. Ironically, the Sabbath was Saturday! Go figure.

I know this is off the original topic, but it's related to the fact that I needed to cut some things out, even if they were great things, (which they weren't), so maybe this whole thing is a desperate attempt by God to get my attention, since he deals with everyone differently. i.e. "I don't care what others are doing, I told YOU to do THIS! (like a scolding parent might say). OK, fine, if that's the case, message received, but had you been there in that group I speak of, you wouldn't have walked away thinking the situation I created for myself was 'of God.' But as I said to one of the two people who hung around, 'they're adults, they won't lose sleep tonight over me.' (referring to anyone who perhaps didn't like what I had to say).

Thanks for describing your own situation. It helped me feel better about the things I've decided. There are 'methods' and 'results.' The methods may have been off, but I just hope the results ultimately win out. Otherwise, I will have struck out on all counts with nothing to show for anything except sour grapes and frustration. It's so much easier to stay motivated to stay in the word when things are going well. On nights like this, I don't even want to open my Bible. It'll take everything I can just to put on a sermon as I spoke of. I'm not even the least bit sleepy yet. Some nights I've actually gotten up out of bed and listened to over four hours of sermons (approx. 1 hour each) clicking on the next one, and the next one, etc. figuring if I can't sleep, I might as well try to learn something.
I'll try an audio Bible sometime. Never listened to one before. I presume they are online for free if I find the right website. I even have a bookmark on nature sounds, like rain, forests, etc. but haven't used that one in awhile.

It's scary to see 255 views for a thread started late at night when only one person has chimed in with an opinion as of 2 a.m. There are far more viewers than advice-givers. Update: 2:40 am, 4 replies, 2 of them my own, 373 views. Wow. I didn't know we (you) were this popular. Must have something to do with that 'following' feature that I've never tried to figure out. Everyone's 'following' every one of your keystrokes(?) I should try to 'follow' someone and see what happens. Alerts, I suppose.
Something tonight is causing me to get logged out every 5 minutes even though I'm active on the site. They have a technical glitch but I'm not in the mood to report it. I just keep logging back in.

 

[bèlla]

1. In the last few weeks, more than ever, I've beaten myself up (or it's God doing the beating...hopefully the latter) over the fact that I haven't been getting done the things you speak of.....our calling. It's like the clock is ticking and I'm running out of time. It's become a daily habit to have regrets that I fell short.

I'm driven by greatness. Excellence is my barometer and achievement feeds my spirit. I love challenging myself and scaling to another level. And I'm very competitive. But I'm not looking at someone one as an opponent. I'm chasing His mark. The eleven talents. It's a high I can't explain. Call it a zone or flow. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

I addressed the issue you're discussing on this thread.

2. I know this is off the original topic, but it's related to the fact that I needed to cut some things out, even if they were great things, (which they weren't), so maybe this whole thing is a desperate attempt by God to get my attention, since he deals with everyone differently. i.e. "I don't care what others are doing, I told YOU to do THIS! (like a scolding parent might say). OK, fine, if that's the case, message received, but had you been there in that group I speak of, you wouldn't have walked away thinking the situation I created for myself was 'of God.' But as I said to one of the two people who hung around, 'they're adults, they won't lose sleep tonight over me.' (referring to anyone who perhaps didn't like what I had to say).

I will shut down any threat to the fulfillment of my purpose without apology. No exceptions. I have no loyalty or desire that compares or will ever intercept its completion. I have walked away from much for Him and won't align myself with a man or friend who would compromise His work or will. I pivot without remorse.

Thanks for describing your own situation. It helped me feel better about the things I've decided. There are 'methods' and 'results.' The methods may have been off, but I just hope the results ultimately win out. Otherwise, I will have struck out on all counts with nothing to show for anything except sour grapes and frustration.

I think it's acceptable to express concern and doubt. But there are moments when you must take a hit and move on. Backing down from a challenge or uncertainty is not allowed. Face it head on with your sword drawn and a killer instinct in tow. Meet your fate with courage and dignity. Fear nothing and never forget who you are.

I'm reminded of a scene from the Lord of the Rings. It would be Theoden's last battle. But he didn't back down. Until death is the only option. There's no other way. Satan will throw everything in your path to prevent you from succeeding. And if you fail it had better happen while fighting. No one should fall on their sword.

It's so much easier to stay motivated to stay in the word when things are going well. On nights like this, I don't even want to open my Bible. It'll take everything I can just to put on a sermon as I spoke of. I'm not even the least bit sleepy yet. Some nights I've actually gotten up out of bed and listened to over four hours of sermons (approx. 1 hour each) clicking on the next one, and the next one, etc. figuring if I can't sleep, I might as well try to learn something.
I'll try an audio Bible sometime. Never listened to one before. I presume they are online for free if I find the right website. I even have a bookmark on nature sounds, like rain, forests, etc. but haven't used that one in awhile.

Play offense against your environment. ;-)

Your comment reminds me a quote:

"I never seek to defeat the man I am fighting. I seek to defeat his confidence. A mind troubled by doubt cannot focus on the course of victory. Two men are true equals once they have equal confidence." —Memoirs of a Geisha

I am ruthless about my mindset. I abolish every form of group think and 'we' speak I encounter. The subjugation of my mind at the expense of thought to get along or for acceptance is not allowed. I must never abandon reason to appease or lend my amen to keep the peace.

That's the whole game. If you own your head you'll be alright. That's why I sift and it's the primary reason why I'm selective about my inner circle and future spouse. Garbage in. Garbage out. We're susceptible to the things we see and hear. So I prune vigorously.

I am very Davidian in nature and approach to my calling. I love Him. It begins and ends with love. That's my reason.

It's scary to see 255 views for a thread started late at night at 2 am when only two people have posted one reply each. I'm actually kind of a private person until I get desperate for advice. Problem is, there are far more viewers than advice-givers.

You may get more responses in the morning. I had a nap and I'm working on something.

Keep your head up.

 

[justme6272]

1. The eleven talents.

2. I addressed the issue you're discussing on this thread.

3. I pivot without remorse.

4. I'm reminded of a scene from the Lord of the Rings.

5. Play offense against your environment. ;-)
The subjugation of my mind at the expense of thought to get along or for acceptance is not allowed. I must never abandon reason to appease or lend my amen to keep the peace.
I prune vigorously.

6. I am very Davidian in nature and approach to my calling. I love Him. It begins and ends with love. That's my reason.

1. I'm not sure what you mean.

2. The link takes me to the last page (8) of the thread, but I don't see a post on it you speak of.

3. Pivot, meaning, change direction?

4. I'm the only person on the planet who hasn't seen it. It's the kind of movie I have to watch with someone else who wants to see it and everyone already has. The whole time I'm thinking "Hollywood." The black dragon guy sounds like Darth Vader. They ripped off Star Wars! I'd sooner watch a documentary on The Beatles if I have to watch it alone. lol

5. I think I know what you mean by 'prune'...to cut out of your life things that aren't beneficial, and not just a lower standard of simply 'not detrimental.' I think I've been tolerating detrimental far too long.

I'll think, "It's not suppose to be like this. It'll get better. Just wait and be patient cause people aren't perfect." But then they don't. Church turnover is high. Others, especially singles, move on while I stick around for years watching them come and go. It's probably 80% turnover every year. But if you church-hop, even every 5-10 years, you run out of churches. Then what? Hardly anyone stays in one church faithfully for that long. I have no idea what happens to them after they run out of churches if they haven't moved to another city. I know so many church folk who could be dead now for all I know.

I don't know what it means to play offense when it comes to church without ruffling feathers. I understand that you don't have to say 'amen' to keep the peace, but I feel like if I keep returning when people are saying things I don't agree with, I'm effectively saying 'amen.' It shouldn't be that every single week we're subjected to things said that make us shake our heads. To the contrary, I never have that problem with the guy I listen to online. He teaches the Bible without adding junk. I'm tempted to up and move to another state just to be a part of his church, but that's not possible just yet. We have a radio station here that is almost 24-7 teaching, with slightly more worship music on the weekends, and there are only two pastors whose churches I'd really love to go to for teaching. He's one of them. The other is in Ohio and I don't see myself living in Ohio. So in the meantime....thank God for the Internet! Too bad I don't have time to listen to both of them each and every day and say 'forget the local church.'

I'm not sure how the whole 'following' thing works on this site, but I think you may have followers who get alerts each time you post, hence the large number of views. They certainly aren't following ME.

 

[bèlla]

1. I'm not sure what you mean.

That's a reference to the Parable of the Talents and the one who had ten talents and was given the extra one. My benchmark is high. I have tunnel vision. I focus on the things God asks of me and ignore everything else. I created a life around my calling.

2. The link takes me to the last page (8) of the thread, but I don't see a post on it you speak of.

Sorry. Here's the first and second post.

3. Pivot, meaning, change direction?

Yes. I don't consciously surround myself with things or person that will get me off course. That's sabotage.

4. I'm the only person on the planet who hasn't seen it. It's the kind of movie I have to watch with someone else who wants to see it and everyone already has. The whole time I'm thinking "Hollywood." The black dragon guy sounds like Darth Vader. They ripped off Star Wars! I'd sooner watch a documentary on The Beatles if I have to watch it alone. lol

Or Lucas was influenced by Tolkien. The latter was born in 1892. The black dragon guy existed before Star Wars was ever conceived.

5. I think I know what you mean by 'prune'...to cut out of your life things that aren't beneficial, and not just a lower standard of simply 'not detrimental.' I think I've been tolerating detrimental far too long.

Self-improvement is a big part of my life. If something is no longer working or profitable I address it. Change may be necessity and in some instances letting go is best. What's not alright is a stasis or aimlessness.

I don't know what it means to play offense when it comes to church without ruffling feathers. I understand that you don't have to say 'amen' to keep the peace, but I feel like if I keep returning when people are saying things I don't agree with, I'm effectively saying 'amen.'

It means you must learn how to be in imperfect situations without allowing them to get to you. You have to be able to function even when everything around you is falling apart. You can't allow the negative effects of your environment into your head. You push back against them.

It shouldn't be that every single week we're subjected to things said that make us shake our heads. To the contrary, I never have that problem with the guy I listen to online. He teaches the Bible without adding junk.

Churches are filled with men. There will always be challenges because imperfect people run them. That will never change. Nevertheless, we are still accountable for the task we've been given to complete. I believe that God honors our willingness to follow Him no matter what and fulfill our mission. Irrespective of what the church does or doesn't do. Or anything we face.

God has divinely anointed people to address everything that's ailing the Body. But that's really hard to do when people are illegitimately operating in other places. There's a whole lot of Martha's and not enough Mary's.

You are distracted. Your mind is focused on what churches are and aren't doing. How do you find space for the things He's asked of you?

 

[justme6272]

1. It means you must learn how to be in imperfect situations without allowing them to get to you. You have to be able to function even when everything around you is falling apart.

2. ....people are illegitimately operating in other places. There's a whole lot of Martha's and not enough Mary's.

3. You are distracted. Your mind is focused on what churches are and aren't doing. How do you find space for the things He's asked of you?

1. At least long enough to find and sharpen your pruning shears, I guess.

2. I don't know what that means...illegitimately operate in other places.
I'll need to read up on Mary and Martha. I've heard of the characters of course, just haven't familiarized myself with the whole story.

3.
a. I know, that's the problem.
b. I haven't been. Every day it seems like I'll be dead before I get anywhere. Too many irons in the fire. A 100 year old fixer-upper house that needs everything is my biggest distraction by far. I belong in a no maintenance apt, condo, townhouse, or at least a newer house but have to finish and sell this one first to free me up for everything else I SHOULD be doing. It prolly seems like I waste time on here, but I don't start threads that often. Today is sort of a culmination of months, going back to last year sometime, struggling with similar church things. It's finally starting to sink in that for me to let it get this far, to have to succumb to advice columns just to decide on which church to park it, things are out of control and that in and of itself should be a signal to call it quits. I guess I have a history with these places that's deeper than I ever could have imagined. I'll stop talking (typing) about it now unless someone else chimes in and I can't resist. It just depends what they say whether I reply back or not.

I don't know how people work full-time jobs and accomplish their calling, hobbies, or interests when those things don't pay anything, at least to start. In my dreams, I belong to an all volunteer church. I know...keep dreaming.

I saw the Karl posts on that page but didn't realize you were referring to those. I love success stories of people who started with nothing. Don't know how he could take over a failing design house if he hadn't been to school for design. That's the kind of stuff I like to read about or watch a documentary on, to find out where such people got their know-how and came up with ideas.

I meant the voice more than the dragon himself. Sorry, I'm not a literature buff and know nothing about the series other than it was really popular. So was that one with Mel Gibson with his face painted blue. (Braveheart, I think). Never saw that one either. I guess people love men in armor on horses, ready to die if necessary. They cuddle up with their 'special someone' on the couch, watch them, and eat popcorn.

 

[bèlla]

2. I don't know what that means...illegitimately operate in other places.
I'll need to read up on Mary and Martha. I've heard of the characters of course, just haven't familiarized myself with the whole story.

I believe in doing anointed work. I may be skilled or talented. But when those things are enhanced with God's anointing and blessing that's another matter. I operate within the scope of my calling and gifting. I will never join a worship team even though I sing well. It's not anointed. The position is best served by the person God has anointed for the role. I'm not suggesting that's the right approach or the only way. It's just how I operate.

I don't know how people work full-time jobs and accomplish their calling, hobbies, or interests when those things don't pay anything, at least to start. In my dreams, I belong to an all volunteer church. I know...keep dreaming.

It's a question of distractions and discipline. I don't watch television. I use social media for business only. I read voraciously. My phone is off until 8:00PM daily. I study successful people and learn from them. I track my time and output. And I don't need a lot of sleep. ;-)

Sacrifice is a must. But the how and depth is individual. And motivations differ.

I saw the Karl posts on that page but didn't realize you were referring to those. I love success stories of people who started with nothing. Don't know how he could take over a failing design house if he hadn't been to school for design. That's the kind of stuff I like to read about or watch a documentary on, to find out where such people got their know-how and came up with ideas.

He was a brilliant illustrator with an encyclopedic knowledge of culture and a thirst for learning. He never stopped. The volume of information increases with time and you separate yourself from the rest at some point. He studied everything related to his one thing. That's the secret. Specialization.

Karl was the Jordan of fashion. He operated at a level we may never see again. I admire that. He's the GOAT.

 

[justme6272]

I will never join a worship team even though I sing well. It's not anointed.

How would you know if it were? Due to God instilling in you the desire to do it? Time constraints such that you know it will never be a high enough priority to invest the commitment of time necessary? Something else?

 

[bèlla]

How would you know if it were? Due to God instilling in you the desire to do it? Time constraints such that you know it will never be a high enough priority to invest the commitment of time necessary? Something else?

I asked and He told me why it wasn't the right path for me.

God truly knit me and I can see His workmanship and the various components He used to craft the person I've become. I needed to be born into my family. I needed certain experiences. He's filled me with gifts and talents and an unquenchable thirst for Him and to make Him proud.

For me, my desire to succeed is great. I play to my strengths always. Even though I can sing, it's not anointed. In my mind, that's a no-go. I'd rather invest my time into activities that are anointed or that improve my proficiency in my purpose. There are things I will never do because they don't correlate to that.

It's more important for me to be 100% effective at what I do than 80% and have other things I pursue. I have hobbies and interests but they're intertwined with my purpose. No matter what I'm doing even when I'm relaxing or having fun I'm getting better.

Conversations like ours allow me to check in with myself to see where I am internally. I spoke about my mindset with you more than I normally do on the site. The dialogue brought out a specific energy that I don't usually display. I talk about my purpose but I rarely admit how hard I'm chasing it and loving every second of journey.

I would never feel this way about music or a subject that wasn't connected to my calling. This is passion personified.

 

[justme6272]

1. I asked and He told me why it wasn't the right path for me.

2. I needed to be born into my family.

3. I would never feel this way about music or a subject that wasn't connected to my calling.

1. Are you going to tell me the why? Was it just through process of elimination, that is, if B, then it can't possibly be A?

2. What family?

3. Did you ever say what that calling is? Maybe you did, about setting aside the fashion industry to pursue seminary and ministry.

 

[bèlla]

1. Are you going to tell me the why? Was it just through process of elimination, that is, if B, then it can't possibly be A

My calling is in fashion not music. Anything outside of fashion or unrelated to it is immaterial. As far as the process, I'm plugged in. I continually seek His face to remain aligned with His will. It's no guessing game. I've been given the answers because I've sought them earnestly to the exclusion of other things.

2. What family?

My parents and extended family.

The gist of our discussion is mindset and that's the key to my clarity and hunger. I have surrendered to God and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish my mission. That's my focus and reason I leap out of bed every day eager to work. I'm chasing legacy and I love it.

But that's the sort of thing that's innate. You can't teach it. It's something you're born with. I believe it was the greater purpose of our discourse for my benefit. Not only to gauge where I am but grasp what's lacking and the necessity of discontinuing the things that won't move me forward.

The thing that came out of our dialogue is the need to lay this down. I've done enough of this. My forum days are over. I love the way He brought me to that point. There's nothing more I can add.

 

[topher694]

I believe in doing anointed work. I may be skilled or talented. But when those things are enhanced with God's anointing and blessing that's another matter. I operate within the scope of my calling and gifting. I will never join a worship team even though I sing well. It's not anointed. The position is best served by the person God has anointed for the role. I'm not suggesting that's the right approach or the only way. It's just how I operate.

If everyone adopted this attitude the garbage would never get taken out.