Monday, September 17, 2007

I'm Stepping Out

Next weekend at my church, there is going to be what is called a "Small Groups Showcase," where all the new small groups are advertised. This will begin the new season of groups, and I am going to join one! I am hoping for an early Friday morning group of women. I am ready to be a group member and get to know some women. It will be weird not to be the leader. Usually, once I step out at a church, I end up leading something. That's why I haven't stepped out since we started attending the church over a year ago. My plan is to be very quiet and try to drink in what happens. I hope to get to know some women and not reveal my past involvements. I don't want people to know how I have served in the past, and peg me for something. I want God to lead me where He wants me to go, not someone else or even myself. I want to grow in the Lord, learn from others and make friends. Gain support and encouragement. I need to start feeling a part of this place where I keep the seat warm once a week, and not a part of it because I'm "serving" there. I want to BELONG to it. I want to BELONG because of me - who I am. Not what I could offer and do.

Keep me in your prayers that God provides the right group with the right women at the right time of day. I'm feeling fragile, so I don't know if I can take too much disappointment with this process right now, so pray that it will be a blessing to my spirit.....

3 comments:

Chelle said...

I will certainly be praying! I go to a Thurs morning Bible study for women and LOVE it! It is nice to not lead, but just sit and soak everything in. Plus, the women are amazing. Will be praying for a wonderful group for you! :)

Lisa (the girls' moma) said...

Good luck, Jodi.

L

Ro said...

Best of luck with your new venture! I also just joined a womens group at my church. While I think service is important, I'm not there yet, either. God has put me in a group where the leaders talk a lot, which is good for me and keeps me in line (I also have a lot to say). My group is very different in ages and backgrounds from the one I left. I'm excited about the possibilities. I'm hoping for many of the same things you are, and am not willing to share my background of service just yet. It's hard, because I feel like I'm leaving a part me aside, but I feel it's important to become part of the group before getting involved in any sort of leadership. God has been good, and kept me quiet. God is allowing me to rest in Him right now, and not serve. I pray that you feel the same peace about it that I do.