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Stephanie J Thompson

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I Want to Be Known for Taking Fearless Leaps

September 1, 2016 by Stephanie Leave a Comment

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I learn a lot when I scan obituaries. I’m not talking about tributes to celebrities.  Rather, these quick biographies belong to those with whom we interact and encounter in the daily rhythms of life. Sometimes, they inspire me to be a better version of myself; a more accurate image bearer of my Creator as I learn from them.

One day,  my eyes focused on a tribute to a woman named Margaret. Her career achievements jumped out at me. She was a doctor who pioneered treatments for persons affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder in the 1970’s.  Of course my heart skipped a beat because I am an advocate for families affected by autism and mental health disorders.  I’m always interested in those individuals who are seeking to make the world better for all of us by making new strides in this field of medicine.

It is particularly inspiring to know of persons who choose to work in a field that is a filled with cultural stigma; one that doesn’t result in immediate answers and demands a passion against the odds.  And in the 70’s?
My gut reaction was, “Wow!”

That woman joins the ranks of many people -both men and women; both prominent and behind the scenes-that put rubber to the road. They follow their passion to wherever it takes them. The thing about courage is that the more we practice it, the more it shapes all areas of our lives. And that’s where the next few words seemed to jump out at me.

“She jumped fearlessly into pools deep in caves”

Anyone who jumps into pools spontaneously knows there is an element of mystery combined with freedom once that leap is made.  The water’s possible chill shocks at impact. The stomach flutters as gravity takes it’s course. Yet there’s something to be said for knowing the refreshment that is brought will be worth the experience.

To jump into pools in caves sounds both scary yet enticing.  (side note: I am not advocating for jumping into water without any swimming skills and not being aware of it’s depth/or elements) Plunging your physical and emotional being into something so beautiful, majestic, and yet unknown takes courage.

Courage that manifests itself in every part of your life

If you can take great leaps into these amazing physical creations by our God, surely you learn to not let fear become a blockade.  You see the other places that you are called to leap into-and you do it.  You do it because you know that, in the end, the experience will be worth it. For you and for those in your circles.

That is why, after reading Margaret’s brief summary of her life, I said to myself,

“I want to be known for jumping fearlessly into pools in caves!”

What about you?

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Filed Under: Sacred Connections Tagged With: autism, caves, courage, death, dreams, faith, followers, gifts, God, life, obituaries, pool, purpose, world

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When my first child was born 20 plus years ago, I envisioned taking just a few years off from my role as Pastor of Youth and Family. While that didn’t exactly unfold as expected, God used my gifts and skills in other ways. Read More…

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Jesus’ invitation is enticing yet puzzling. “ Jesus’ invitation is enticing yet puzzling.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

What to make of his offer? Jesus just completed an emotionally filled rebuke of the towns which dismissed both his and John the Baptist’s words. Interestingly, he names whole towns. Were their individuals who were transformed in their thoughts and behaviors by the divine miracles they witnessed? We can only speculate. However, by naming whole towns, he indicates that individual actions contribute to corporate systems. Corrupt powers become familiar habits and the appetite for feeding them becomes insatiable. John and Jesus came to both convict and point them back to desiring the “very good” God provides for them. But turning back demands surrender to earthly gratification, human driven agendas and reasoning.

So the very towns which had witnessed the very signs of Immanuel (God with us) refused to repent of their human ideologies. In order to emphasize his point, Jesus compares them to towns whose names were already scandalously attached to sin. Whoa.

His invitation uses an analogy the crowd understood. Oxen are yoked together so that the more experienced one teaches and takes the burden of the other one as they navigate their course. God has come into their midst. There are no hierarchy obstacles or cultural/racial/gender barriers to being “yoked” with him. No religious bucket lists to follow. But rather, a relationship.

As Eugene Peterson translates in the Message:

 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30.

#Redbudwriter #stephaniejthompson #Jesusliberates #yolkofJesus
Recently, I experienced several “Moses moments.” As I went about my daily tasks, I encountered a “burning bush".: And then two more. They appeared in different forms than a bush. Actually digital communication. Nonetheless, they caught me by surprise and drew my attention.

God’s voice spoke through others to offer me opportunities to expand my writing voice. I was beckoned to venture into new territories. As my brain processed the implications, my body felt a wave of fear wash over me. I immediately secured myself in Moses's footprints.

My words echoed his, “But why me? (Exodus 3:11)

When one makes themselves available to being agents through whom God’s purposes unfold, we shouldn’t be surprised when we encounter burning bushes. But we are. Because in our humanity, we fear things that place us in positions outside our comfort zones. And even when God’s voice interrupts us to announce that our dreams are being realized, it can feel like too much. Did we really think God saw us? Heard us? Knows us?

But just like Moses heard, so did I. “I’ll be with you,” God said.

So with a bit of trembling in my voice, I said yes. But that wasn’t the end of it. Because just like in Moses’s narrative, his purpose was to show others the “I-AM-WHO-I-AM.” (Exodus 11:14). That audience includes both the direct participants of my calling but those with whom I share my vulnerable story. Of hopes. Divine interruptions. Trembling bodies. Trust in God.

I shared my story with my young adult kids and nieces. All of it. Nervous banter included. Because they are watching and discerning how we all fit into God’s big story. They are encountering their own Moses moments. Our lives flesh out the Biblical narratives for them and anchor them to the “I-AM-WHO-I-AM” who has been interrupting and empowering his people since the beginning of creation. We can all use the reminder that God calls us and uses us despite our insecurities, It is a beautiful truth.

#Redbudwriter #stephaniejthompson #Moses #parentingyoungadults #Godhearsyou
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s2thomp

#burningbushes #holyground #moses #godseesme "#div #burningbushes #holyground #moses #godseesme "#divinepurpose #redbudwriters
#rahab #godusespeopletohelppeople #womenofthebible #rahab #godusespeopletohelppeople #womenofthebible #redbudwriters
Jesus’ invitation is enticing yet puzzling. “ Jesus’ invitation is enticing yet puzzling.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

What to make of his offer? Jesus just completed an emotionally filled rebuke of the towns which dismissed both his and John the Baptist’s words. Interestingly, he names whole towns. Were their individuals who were transformed in their thoughts and behaviors by the divine miracles they witnessed? We can only speculate. However, by naming whole towns, he indicates that individual actions contribute to corporate systems. Corrupt powers become familiar habits and the appetite for feeding them becomes insatiable. John and Jesus came to both convict and point them back to desiring the “very good” God provides for them. But turning back demands surrender to earthly gratification, human driven agendas and reasoning.

So the very towns which had witnessed the very signs of Immanuel (God with us) refused to repent of their human ideologies. In order to emphasize his point, Jesus compares them to towns whose names were already scandalously attached to sin. Whoa.

His invitation uses an analogy the crowd understood. Oxen are yoked together so that the more experienced one teaches and takes the burden of the other one as they navigate their course. God has come into their midst. There are no hierarchy obstacles or cultural/racial/gender barriers to being “yoked” with him. No religious bucket lists to follow. But rather, a relationship.

As Eugene Peterson translates in the Message:

 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30.

#Redbudwriter #stephaniejthompson #Jesusliberates #yolkofJesus
Recently, I experienced several “Moses moments.” As I went about my daily tasks, I encountered a “burning bush".: And then two more. They appeared in different forms than a bush. Actually digital communication. Nonetheless, they caught me by surprise and drew my attention.

God’s voice spoke through others to offer me opportunities to expand my writing voice. I was beckoned to venture into new territories. As my brain processed the implications, my body felt a wave of fear wash over me. I immediately secured myself in Moses's footprints.

My words echoed his, “But why me? (Exodus 3:11)

When one makes themselves available to being agents through whom God’s purposes unfold, we shouldn’t be surprised when we encounter burning bushes. But we are. Because in our humanity, we fear things that place us in positions outside our comfort zones. And even when God’s voice interrupts us to announce that our dreams are being realized, it can feel like too much. Did we really think God saw us? Heard us? Knows us?

But just like Moses heard, so did I. “I’ll be with you,” God said.

So with a bit of trembling in my voice, I said yes. But that wasn’t the end of it. Because just like in Moses’s narrative, his purpose was to show others the “I-AM-WHO-I-AM.” (Exodus 11:14). That audience includes both the direct participants of my calling but those with whom I share my vulnerable story. Of hopes. Divine interruptions. Trembling bodies. Trust in God.

I shared my story with my young adult kids and nieces. All of it. Nervous banter included. Because they are watching and discerning how we all fit into God’s big story. They are encountering their own Moses moments. Our lives flesh out the Biblical narratives for them and anchor them to the “I-AM-WHO-I-AM” who has been interrupting and empowering his people since the beginning of creation. We can all use the reminder that God calls us and uses us despite our insecurities, It is a beautiful truth.

#Redbudwriter #stephaniejthompson #Moses #parentingyoungadults #Godhearsyou
Load More... Follow on Instagram

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  • Advent/Christmas
  • Easter
  • five minute friday
  • Help! This was not in the book!
  • Sacred Connections

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