|
Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV) “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
A Psalm 23 Kind of Life
By Mary Southerland
As I drove home from a busy day of running errands, my thoughts drifted to the absurd schedule through which I had hurled myself that day. It was a schedule without margins or boundaries, every moment assigned to something or someone. My stress level grew with every task, threatening to overwhelm my heart and soul in a torrential downpour of anxiety and tension. I couldn’t wait to get home, change into my comfort clothes of sweatshirt and jeans and sink into solitude and rest. But stress was waiting to greet me, just inside my front door. Children needed clean clothes, hot food, transportation to various events, help with homework and a listening ear. My husband had experienced the same kind of chaotic day I had and was in desperate need of peace and quiet for his frazzled soul. Ah, life!
Stress is a familiar and faithful companion, an unavoidable part of life. It doesn’t matter where we work or live, whether we are married or single; have no children or dozens of them, are filthy rich or dirt poor. We will encounter stress as we strive to honor God by becoming His fully devoted followers. Unless we learn how to manage stress – God’s way - we will become a sitting duck for the enemy.
Stress management is a spiritual discipline. The truth of Psalm 23:1 is the starting place for dealing with stress. Life begins here – in a vital, personal relationship with the living, peace giving God. It is very frustrating to try living the Christian life when you are not one. I know. For years, I tried desperately to be a Christian, saved by knowledge and good works. It simply cannot be done. To know who we are, we must understand whose we are.
I grew up in a Christian home, attending church every time the doors were open. I sang all the right songs, spoke all the right words and did all the right things. I prayed that my works would validate my faith and desperately hoped that by following the rules I would please the Ruler. It was not until middle school that the authentic life and spiritual integrity of a dynamic youth pastor made me hunger and thirst for God. During a Saturday evening worship service, I sat in a church pew, wrestling with God over my soul. After all, I was a very active church member, a soloist and pianist in worship services, and even directed a children’s choir. I argued that I knew all about God – and then it hit me. Yes, I knew about Him but I did not know Him. That night we met. I surrendered all I knew about myself to all I knew about Him. The course of my life was re-set and I was changed forever.
Over the years, there have been times when sin has hindered my relationship with God - but it has not and cannot sever that relationship. Nothing can separate us from His love. However, when we cherish and harbor sin, life inevitably spirals into a swirling cesspool of chaos where stress reigns and self-doubt flourishes. What a powerful promise found in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sin, He is faithful to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. Every time I read that verse, I am amazed by the hope it conveys. When we confess sin, God not only forgives that sin but removes the stain it leaves behind. The stain of sin is one of Satan’s favorite weapons. With it, he births guilt and shame, crippling us spiritually. When we buy into those lies, allowing them free reign, we are telling God that sending His son to die on the cross was not enough. I cannot even imagine what it must do to His heart, as He watches His children settle for so little when He offers so much. Knowing whose we are empowers us to live and serve from His love – not to it – and is the first key in dealing with stress.
I have spent a great deal of my life wondering who and what I am. Much of my stress and frustration could have been avoided by understanding that my identity can only be found in a personal relationship with God... I am His sheep and He is my Shepherd. That knowledge frees me - to be me. Knowing whose we are brings peace and settles our souls.
Today, sit at His feet. Allow Him to draw you into His arms. Listen to His heart and voice. And you will know that you belong to Him. Nothing else matters.
Women's Ministry Leaders:
Mary Southerland serves the local church as the Women’s Ministry Motivator, who supports leaders and inspires women to participate in Bible Studies, Life Groups, and volunteer ministries.
Ministry leaders identify with Mary, because she has over 15 years experience working “in the trenches” as a pastor’s wife and former women’s ministry director. She led Women in Focus at Flamingo Road Church in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, which grew in attendance from 40 to over 400 women. Her expertise helps leaders across America embrace challenges and learn how to: Mary is available to meet with your women’s leadership team for brain-storming and planning sessions. She assists leaders through retreats, one-day, and half-day conferences.
- Start a new women’s ministry from scratch.
- Manage transition and growth to establish a ministry that changes lives.
- Balance the priorities between ministry and family.
- Develop leadership qualities, such as personal integrity, the ability to motivate, and the willingness to delegate.
- Handle difficult people with compassion.
- Encourage women to connect, sign-up, and serve in helping others.
Mary’s resources for leaders include her books, Experiencing God’s Power in Your Ministry, Escaping the Stress Trap, Hope in the midst of Depression and Sandpaper People.
Leadership Events:
Conference topics include:
- Dreaming a New Dream for Your Women’s Ministry
- The 7 Habits of Highly Successful Woman in Ministry
- Surviving Transition in Your Church
- Experiencing God’s Power in Your Ministry
- Getting Good at Being You
- Sandpaper People: Dealing with Abrasive Personalities
To Mary, there is no greater reward than to lead women to Jesus Christ and His plan for their life. So, when your ministry needs a fresh start, contact the Women’s Ministry Motivator.
|
Mary Southerland spoke at our Women’s Ministry Event where she challenged, encouraged, and refreshed each woman present. Best of all, she inspired over 150 women to sign up for Bible Studies and volunteer ministries for the first time! Mary really motivated our women to get connected!
Allison Hall – Women’s Ministry Director
Westside Family Church, Shawnee, KS
I really enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with Mary today. I found it to be a great bonding experience for me as a member of the support staff. I believe her ideas and suggestions will inspire all of us to be clothed in humility and be servants with the W.I.T. attitude.
Barbara Osborne
Children's Ministries
Eastminster Presbyterian Church
Wichita, KS
Mary’s time with the women of our church was impactful. The information, joys and heartaches she shared not only touched but influenced the lives of the women attending. Women continue to talk about the relationships made and deepened during some of the activities Mary challenged us to complete. Beyond the “nuts and bolts”, Mary has a heart for women and their walk with the Lord. Her words and prayers continue to serve as an encouragement.
Gail Derreberry
Director Women’s Ministries & Strategic Initiatives
Eastminster Presbyterian Church
Wichita, KS
|
A word from Mary:
We are on the same team, the same journey and fighting the same fight! I know from experience that, as ministry leaders, our needs are unique as we live under unseen pressures and unspoken demands that can only be understood by others in ministry.
The demands on time and energy are sometimes overwhelming. The constant struggle to balance ministry and family priorities is just that...constant! Living in the proverbial but very real fishbowl can get really old...really fast!
And yet, the joys and rewards of following God's call is worth it all! To see a woman connect with other women who choose to encourage and walk with her is awesome! To be part of God's transforming power in a family is priceless. To lead women to Christ and His plan for their life...well, there are no words to describe it!
Still, there are times when I want to run and hide...or just quit! That is when I need a friend, someone who is available, someone who understands, someone I can trust. God is always ready to do just that, but my heart cries out for a person who will be "God with skin on" in my life. I want to be that person in your life!
|
Book Excerpt
Let Mary help you build a dynamic Leadership Team for your Women's Ministry!
As a Bible-study leader, women’s ministry director, pastor’s wife and mother of two, Mary Southerland’s extensive experience will help you:
- Learn how to embrace necessary transition to establish a ministry that changes lives.
- Develop essential leadership characteristics, such as personal integrity, the ability to motivate others, and the willingness to delegate.
Each chapter includes a study section and an in-the-trenches life story from a woman in ministry.
All this adds up to a powerful resource that will encourage you to keep running the race and to celebrate what God is doing through you in ministry.
From Tiffany Watson
Georgetown, SC
"My husband and I have only been in ministry for five months and God is doing some awesome things in our church and in our lives. I just happened to pick up your book, "Experiencing God's Power in Your Ministry", and thought it might be helpful to me. Well, all I can say is, "Keep on keeping on, sister!" You have already made an impact in my life!"
From Loraine Meltz, Women’s Ministry Director, Bakersfield, CA
Mary’s teachings are a tool I have used to help equip the women of our ministry grow in Christ and experience a life focused on spiritual maturity.
|
Ministry Leaders
