Yokemates

No one wants to be considered a control freak unless they are speaking to their own idiosyncrasies. We’ve all seen the magnet or t-shirt that says, “Mr. Right & Mrs. Always Right.” We chuckle and grin at the thought. We all like to be right, and we likely all know someone who really loves to be right – all the time. However, having an appreciation for being “Mrs. Always Right” doesn’t necessarily mean that we are a control freak. Whew! The psychological description of individuals who are given the title of “control freak” exhibit these symptoms (and more) - They have a strong compulsion to micromanage all situations. They refuse to admit they are wrong at all costs. They always have to have the last word. They demand perfection of themselves and others. There is no room for ambiguity. All is either black or white. What is ironic is that a ‘control freak’ is actually one who feels very out of control. Because of their insecurities, they try to control s...

Callings come in different ways to different people. I’ve heard of women who felt a call to be a pastor’s wife – even before they met their husband-to-be. Others speak of receiving a call to be a pastor’s wife coinciding right along with the calling that their husbands received to be a pastor.  When I first heard those stories I wondered if I was missing something. I had never felt called to be a pastor’s wife. Was that ok? Or, was something wrong with me?  What’s interesting is that I never gave a calling much thought until I met my husband back in college. He had a dramatic experience when he was called to be a pastor, and following that call he began a 10-year “Jonah” run from God. By the time I met him, however, he had returned to God and had started to follow God’s calling on his life. Even though I had never felt a call to be a pastor’s wife, I did have a strong desire to partner with this man I loved dearly – who had been called into full-time vocational ministr...

Each of us has heard a rumor or two in our lifetime. We may have even been the one to spread a rumor. And sooner or later, we will likely be the target of someone else’s slander or careless words. Unfortunately, many of us will experience the reality of having our reputation tainted in the church and/or in the community. When words of attack swirl around (and it always will) the normal reaction is to run frantically to everyone we know to try to set things straight. The problem is, once a reputation is tarnished, it is hard to speak to the issue without making things worse. When these times of disillusionment and confusion have come into my life, the best thing that I know to do is to run to God.  (Ok, maybe I run after a good cry or mini tantrum!)  What a privilege it is to have the Almighty God of this universe holding my hand - and my tongue. But, it is still a very painful experience to live with day to day, especially when you come face-to-face with those individuals...

Perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself. The first questions should likely be, Do you know what your spiritual gifts are? Have you uncovered the special gems of giftedness that God created within you? If so, are you using those gifts in your daily life and to benefit your local church body? The key to understanding our unique giftedness is to embrace the fact that God has our best interests at heart. He wants us to be happy. He knows what gifts will bring us true joy – and will bring Him glory! Let me explain with two unique stories of two special ladies in my life. They were each on the same journey as you and I, but only one had a happy ending. Sherice was in a Discipleship Class with me years ago. She was well known for her gift of hospitality. Not only in opening up her home, but also in her abilities in cooking and baking. (I personally call that part of her natural abilities as the 'gift of entertaining'!) She oozes hospitality. She’s never met a stranger. Loves t...