“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you give the reason for the hope that you have.” – 1 Peter 3:15
The other night, I attended a banquet put on by our local Chamber of Commerce. The banquet was to honor our Veterans. A tribute held every year; except last year due to COVID, which made this year even more special.
What a great time catching up with old friends. Some I hadn’t seen in over a year. There were also a lot of new faces in the crowd to get acquainted with.
The table we sat at was a microcosm of U.S. Marine Corps active and retired personnel. One began his journey in the USMC in March of this year. We were later to learn that he was the youngest veteran in the crowd. Another had enlisted a little over a year ago. A couple “ole” timers had retired from the USMC over 40 years ago and one had retired about 25 years ago. A wide range of experience and perspective on the military life. As I sat listening to the conversations and watching their reactions; I was struck at how much respect and interest the two “youngsters” had for the more seasoned vets. They ask many questions and listened intently to the answers. The “ole” timers were willing to share the wisdom they had gathered while serving and offered advice as to how youngsters could have a successful career in the USMC.
As I watched and listened, I was reminded of times when I needed advice. I seemed to gravitate to the ones I looked up to as seasoned Christians. They didn’t necessarily have to be older in age than me… I just looked up to them because they had the wisdom I was seeking. I really think I shouldn’t say “when I needed advice” because I still need that advice today. Just as those young Marines sat and listened intently; I hope those sharing their wisdom with me know that I am listening intently and value their wisdom and willingness to share.
Just as these USMC vets were ready, willing, and able to give answers on how to navigate the waters of military life; we need to be ready, willing, and able to give answers on why we follow Christ. We need to be prepared to tell about how Christ is our hope, our security.
Sharing our faith story is not always easy for us.
COMMERCIAL BREAK: Taking some courses offered by the district or the conference may just be the thing that gives you the confidence that you can do it. You may find a hidden talent you didn’t know you had and you will meet some awesome people who are seeking just like you. END OF COMMERCIAL.
Seriously, I can’t begin to tell you the confidence I gained by practicing sharing with brothers and sisters in Christ in some of the classes.
I challenge each of us to prepare, to look inward, seek council from those we trust, and to always be prepared to declare that Christ is our hope and share what He has done in our lives.
Blessings,
Jackie
If you are interested in becoming a Certified Lay Servant or Certified Lay Speaker or would just like to take a course that would show ways that you can serve please contact:
Roxie Cauley at roxiemc51@yahoo.com Or Jackie Attaway at jattaway@ec.rr.com
If you would like to view past editions of SOUNDS: From Jackie and Roxie, follow this link: https://sounddistrictnc.org/category/lay-servant-ministries/