Word for the day: “The ministry of presence.”
Philemon 1:7 (NIV) Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
GREAT DAY LEADERS,
I’ve discovered that life happens to us all. Yes, even leaders must deal with life challenges and problems. Having a relationship and aligning with God does not absolve us from facing life’s most challenging moments. Knowing how to show up and be present in the lives of family and friends in times of grief and loss must be done in a sacred manner.
REMEMBER, THE MINISTRY OF PRESENCE IS EXTRAORDINARY IN ASSIGNMENT.
When someone you know is grieving, you want to express your love and concern. But how do you know what to say? Sometimes, there aren’t any words you should say. But it would be best to spend time with your friends or family. What’s as important as anything is just you showing up and being present. What do you say to someone who is suffering? Some people are gifted with words of wisdom. For such, one is profoundly grateful.
However, not all are gifted in that way. Be careful because some people blurt out things that don’t make sense in times of grief.
One of the most remarkable ways to help in times of grief is to remember there is always the ministry of presence. Your words don’t have to be wise. The heart that speaks is heard more than the words that are spoken. And if you can’t think of anything to say, say, “I can’t think of anything to say. But I want you to know that we are with you in your time of grief.”
I’ve discovered people will appreciate you and be strengthened when we show up and quietly show up in their time of mourning.
ALWAYS REMEMBER THE POWER OF LOVE IS PHENOMENAL IN TIMES OF GRIEF AND PAIN.
Not even the best of words can take away the pain. What words can do is testify that there is more than pain in our journey on earth to a new day. Of the most important things, the greatest is love (I Corinthians 13:13 NKJV). Please be reminded today to express your love and family of God and watch the Lord bring the miracle of healing in such times.
I often contemplate how painfully tragic the death of a child or loved one is in the absence of love.
Even as I’ve written this message, there are some of you reading right now who are grieving the loss of your loved ones: in our post-COVID-19, police brutality, mass shootings, and so much more. With police brutality reaching epic proportions in our nation and in the lives of black people, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc., are grieving beyond human comprehension. We need the Lord and the wisdom of God on how to love and be present for these families and friends.
“I SEND THE POWER OF LOVE AND THE STRENGTH OF GOD YOUR WAY AT THIS MOMENT”!
When God calls us to serve, the Lord calls us to come alongside others and become a part of their lives. The Lord uses us to hold each other up and to help others grow in their walk through life's most difficult times. Look at those who surround you and discern who you need to serve.
Deliberately plan to become a part of their lives so that you can fulfill God’s call, especially in this critical hour of all our lives. In this context, the “ministry of presence” means moving in close to listen, laying down our defensiveness and agendas, and offering empathy instead.
We here at Grace and Truth Leadership are positioned to help in every waking moment.
POINT PONDER
Sharing in someone’s grief is not the time to worry about your discomfort and uncertainty about what to show. Believe that God will give you the words, the touch, the hug that will comfort you. And you’ll be glad you shared at the moment and provided strength as a conduit of the Lord’s healing in the earthly realm.
Quote James Baker, Jr. “We may be the only Jesus people will experience in times of grief.”
Special thanks!
Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO) James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in July 2024, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. David and Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Ms. Brenda Spoach, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. William Jones, Mr. William Buchanan, Mr. William Wilson, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Ms. Gertrude Scott.
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Kingdom Blessings,