Comments on Shelley Hendrix: Hanging On...Or Letting Go?

GREAT comment, Beth! Thank you for posting this. I...

2012-01-12T11:11:16.443-05:00

GREAT comment, Beth! Thank you for posting this. I couldn't agree with you more. I've learned that, for whatever reason a "follower" leaves, it is not for me to judge their motives or reasons. One of the greatest joys is watching people grow into their own and follow the Shepherd's voice for themselves--taking risks and moving forward.

I can't say, though, that I don't grieve when I see someone 'leave' because they stopped growing. But even in those times, I'm learning to trust that the Shepherd sees them still and will always be with them. It frees my heart to focus on my calling and pursue it with passion.

Thanks for the book recommendation--would love to read it!

A leader is a servant, equipping and empowering hi...

2012-01-12T10:40:42.334-05:00

A leader is a servant, equipping and empowering his/her followers. A leader (speaking of men, not Jesus) is not an owner.

If we are true leaders our sole purpose is to see the growth and successes in those who choose to follow us. And may I be so bold as to say that, if they do not move forward, they are not growing. Just as Jesus calls us to grow up in him and go out and compel them to come in, we should want great things for our followers, and want them to come into their own.

We are called to pray blessings and success over all, our leaders and our followers, and not be distracted from what we know our own calling is. Just as children shouldn't stay children, but should grow up to parent their own, so should our followers grow into their own.

I'm not saying that they should always leave us, but that they have their own minds and should be encouraged to use them and also grow spiritually. Hopefully this will cause some to seemingly leave their leaders and go out to make their own way as leaders.

Shelley, I read an awesome book once entitled Shepherding Horses by Kent Humphreys. It is a great encouragement for leaders in the church that are shepherding other leaders.

The feeling is definitely mutual, dear Sheryl! Tha...

2012-01-12T09:43:20.031-05:00

The feeling is definitely mutual, dear Sheryl! Thank you for your comment. I'm with you--if we are faithful to listen to our Shepherd's voice and go where He tells us to go, we can also be humble enough to believe that perhaps He can handle this same type of relationship with others as well, and offer them the freedom to listen to Him for themselves.

Wow! Good question. As I have been thinking abou...

2012-01-12T09:21:20.553-05:00

Wow! Good question. As I have been thinking about this I see in my life when someone decides to leave my flesh rears its ugly head and makes it all about me. But, God uses that as a "teachable moment" and gently reminds me that it is all about HIM. It reminds me that HE must increase and I must decrease.

Now, if I have to leave I would hope that the friendships would continue. We are here on this earth to be LIGHT. Sometimes God moves the light where it is needed. He knows what is best. I guess we just need to get out of the way, let God work, and be so thankful that He chooses to use us.

I love you, Shelley. I'm so glad I can be a part of Church4Chicks this time. I've missed it so much.

Sheryl