From Patient to Physician
If you have not figured it out already I have a healthy appetite for quality information. Not all preachers satisfy my appetite and not every orator can capture my attention. I am very selective about what and whom I will listen to. You never take swimming lessons from someone who is drowning.
For this instance of writing, Pastor Joel Olsteen preached a particular message that I just cannot get out of my mind. He spoke about going from being a patient to a physician. In this message he spoke about how God healed his mother from cancer and she has been running the race of helping others - because she has "been - and can acutely understand delicate feelings people may have that are in her former situation. Best of all - she is adequately equpped to testify of her healing. People can look at her and say "that woman (Joel Olsteen's mom) has really been healed from cancer. (Glory to God!!). He continued to speak about how God - through a series of miracles granted Lakewood Church the blessing of the building they now worship in. Was it an easy transaction - according to the message, it was not..... BUT what a testimony Lakewood Church has. What the enemy meant for evil (or even delay) - God meant for their good. Each event of opening the doors of Lakewood Church may give many members "goose bumps" - look at what the Lord has done. What is even more remarkable about the testimony of Lakewood Church becoming what it is lies in the ability to rejoice long after the miracle of occupying the building. Everyone has a reflection of what it took to get where they are because of the testimony of the journey. (Praise God!!).
So what is my point?
I derived from this message my own mission. I was once a patient of pain stemming from domestic abuse for instance. Am I still a victim of domestic abuse...NO. While I am now a survivor, I can concretely articulate to any reader different facets of being IN the situation, epic moments DURING the situation but he also the glorious exit of being OUT of the situation. Sure I have had other challenges and victories for which to articulate and I am beyond happy to share them with all of you. I am grateful to know that I am no longer a "patient" - and have graduated to being a "physician" to bring healing to others.
I do not profess to know everything - but what I DO KNOW is God is exactly what you need Him to be. We hear church banter - but when you have to "walk out" what you have heard or learned - it is a different thing altogether. Going to church, getting "chill bumps" or even dropping a complimentary "tear" is NOTHING when Monday comes and you have to walk out what you have learned. That dusty family bible will look a whole lot more attractive when you have to seek scriptures to help you in your time of need.
God has great things in store for you - and me. It took me a LONG time to even embrace a moment different from the pain I have experienced. Ask me if I know what a debilitating anxiety attack feels like - even though I waved a hankie at church and danced in the aisles. Was my life a contradiction of what I was living - NO - I was tried in the fire - but I have come out as pure gold. Do the challenges STOP? NO. You become wiser and you grow.
The audience for which I will attract is different from others for not everyone will understand my plight .... BUT if you have ever been to church - any church - for any length of time and got hurt - I'm your girl, I have been there - done that. There is nothing worse or harder to overcome than being hurt in the church (the very hospital for the soul). If you are a single parent - talk to me. I understand the silent struggle no one wants to discuss. Domestic violence - been there too. Being broke, busted AND disgusted - and yet have a job - I got your number, too. "Baby Daddy" drama - let's go there. My life has not been a bed of ease - but I know a God. I know about loneliness - the kind where you begin to wonder "is there something wrong with me".... brings on self-esteem issues doesn't it?
We are in this journey of becoming complete - TOGETHER.
You know, I have met men - in church - who because of learning of my character would ask me questions like - "why do women dress so provocatively AT CHURCH"? - one brave minister told me - "I have to put my blazer over my lap AT CHURCH because the women excite me with their sexual attire AT CHURCH".
In the areas that I have graduated from "patient to physician" - I am transparent and willing to let you know that you are not alone. THe struggle is real.
We have a lot to talk about folks.
For this instance of writing, Pastor Joel Olsteen preached a particular message that I just cannot get out of my mind. He spoke about going from being a patient to a physician. In this message he spoke about how God healed his mother from cancer and she has been running the race of helping others - because she has "been - and can acutely understand delicate feelings people may have that are in her former situation. Best of all - she is adequately equpped to testify of her healing. People can look at her and say "that woman (Joel Olsteen's mom) has really been healed from cancer. (Glory to God!!). He continued to speak about how God - through a series of miracles granted Lakewood Church the blessing of the building they now worship in. Was it an easy transaction - according to the message, it was not..... BUT what a testimony Lakewood Church has. What the enemy meant for evil (or even delay) - God meant for their good. Each event of opening the doors of Lakewood Church may give many members "goose bumps" - look at what the Lord has done. What is even more remarkable about the testimony of Lakewood Church becoming what it is lies in the ability to rejoice long after the miracle of occupying the building. Everyone has a reflection of what it took to get where they are because of the testimony of the journey. (Praise God!!).
So what is my point?
I derived from this message my own mission. I was once a patient of pain stemming from domestic abuse for instance. Am I still a victim of domestic abuse...NO. While I am now a survivor, I can concretely articulate to any reader different facets of being IN the situation, epic moments DURING the situation but he also the glorious exit of being OUT of the situation. Sure I have had other challenges and victories for which to articulate and I am beyond happy to share them with all of you. I am grateful to know that I am no longer a "patient" - and have graduated to being a "physician" to bring healing to others.
I do not profess to know everything - but what I DO KNOW is God is exactly what you need Him to be. We hear church banter - but when you have to "walk out" what you have heard or learned - it is a different thing altogether. Going to church, getting "chill bumps" or even dropping a complimentary "tear" is NOTHING when Monday comes and you have to walk out what you have learned. That dusty family bible will look a whole lot more attractive when you have to seek scriptures to help you in your time of need.
God has great things in store for you - and me. It took me a LONG time to even embrace a moment different from the pain I have experienced. Ask me if I know what a debilitating anxiety attack feels like - even though I waved a hankie at church and danced in the aisles. Was my life a contradiction of what I was living - NO - I was tried in the fire - but I have come out as pure gold. Do the challenges STOP? NO. You become wiser and you grow.
The audience for which I will attract is different from others for not everyone will understand my plight .... BUT if you have ever been to church - any church - for any length of time and got hurt - I'm your girl, I have been there - done that. There is nothing worse or harder to overcome than being hurt in the church (the very hospital for the soul). If you are a single parent - talk to me. I understand the silent struggle no one wants to discuss. Domestic violence - been there too. Being broke, busted AND disgusted - and yet have a job - I got your number, too. "Baby Daddy" drama - let's go there. My life has not been a bed of ease - but I know a God. I know about loneliness - the kind where you begin to wonder "is there something wrong with me".... brings on self-esteem issues doesn't it?
We are in this journey of becoming complete - TOGETHER.
You know, I have met men - in church - who because of learning of my character would ask me questions like - "why do women dress so provocatively AT CHURCH"? - one brave minister told me - "I have to put my blazer over my lap AT CHURCH because the women excite me with their sexual attire AT CHURCH".
In the areas that I have graduated from "patient to physician" - I am transparent and willing to let you know that you are not alone. THe struggle is real.
We have a lot to talk about folks.
Comments
Post a Comment