Simple Love

Amanda on February 3rd, 2010

Our church had an amazing conference this past weekend and we called it “Lumen”. I am so proud of the church that I serve to have embraced and challenged its people to dialogue about controversial issues and how we, as loving followers of Christ, should always wrestle with these things and respond. Some of the topics included human trafficking, and nuclear weapons, to homosexuality. It was unbelievable, my mind has not thought so long and hard about such things in quite awhile. Most would be quite surprised at what the scholars had to say. I have to tell you that I am changed forever in the way that I think about and process information through my “Christian filter”.
One thing that I have really held onto was a story Andrew Marin told about Billy Graham. Mr. Graham was at one of the rallies for President Bill Clinton right after “the scandal” had happened. Press approach Billy Graham and asked why in the world he of all people would be at a rally for President Clinton after all he had done. His answer was so simple, “Well, it’s the Holy Spirits place to convict others, God’s place to judge, and God has asked me to love, so I guess that’s what I’m doing here, loving Bill Clinton.”
There is a lot of freedom in that kind of love. A simple love that has no conviction or judgement. A love that allows me to love people just because they are people, regardless of their beliefs, sexual orientation, political views…. just love the person. (I knew that Billy Graham was a smart guy).
I don’t know how that translates into “your world” or ministry. But it was something really great for me to re-think the way I was “loving” people.

Just wanted to share what I’ve been thinking about.

Discuss (4)

Sarah P at 8:35am February 4

Thank you for giving me one of those “duh” moments. I knew this, I’ve taught it, I believe it. But in everyday gritty life – it’s hard to live it. This makes it so much easier to be a Christian. It’s not my place to take over and make it right – it’s my place to love people where they’re at.
Wise words today. Thank you.

Jean Stockdale at 6:48pm February 7

Dear Amanda~I have really enjoyed reading your blog. I am not married to a minister-my husband and I are lay people in our church-but I have a ministry (Standing Near the Cross) to encourage moms in the fine art of Christian mothering. I write Bible studies and produce DVDs to accompany them.

I have been teaching moms for 21 years at my church-Bellevue Baptist-as I raised my 2 boys. Both our guys are married and are building their own households of faith.

I can only imagine how much you and other wives involved in fulltime ministry could use a big ole dose of encouragement. That is why I am writing to you. Last year we starting hosting my studies online. You can watch the DVDs, download the study notes, and download podcasts of the study (at no charge). We have a notebook available but it is not required. My studies are humorous, practical, and full of life experiences.

While I cannot imagine that you might have time to do the study with us, I think you would be encouraged if you could just watch the videos. (Of course I know having time to actually stop and watch is probably out of the question til the kids go to college, but I just wanted to make you aware of this resource that is available for and any of the other wives that might benefit from one who has been there, done that, and lived to encourage other moms with it).

We have moms come from 3 states to participate in my Bible study for moms each Thursday morning (we are located in Memphis). Moms are desperate! And in need of hope. One year a mom drove from Nashville to Memphis to attend. She was a pastor’s wives and needed somewhere to study where no on knew her and nothing was required of her. I have spoken at several groups for pastor’s or minister’s wives and I know many are in need of just some loving on in the Lord. You are spinning alot of plates. And I wanted to make you aware of our resources which I believe would encourage you as a mom and inspire you as a believer.

I am currently teaching on 2 Tim. I wrote this study called “Run Well, Finish Strong” about how to hand down the faith to the next generation. Here is the website for this online study. http://runwellfinishstrong.blogspot.com/.

The study I just did on Ephesians called “High Stepping in Heavenly Places” is still up on line although no one is moderating it at http://highsteppinginheavenlyplaces.wordpress.com. And finally I blog nearly every day to encourage moms who are just about to run out of steam. My address is http://jeanstockdale.typepad.com.

If there is ever any way I could encourage you in your role as a Christian mom, please let me know. I would consider it a privilege to encourage you-or any of the wives you are ministering to-as you serve Christ and His kingdom. Blessings. Jean Stockdale