Hello everyone.
I guess this is supposed to be some overwhelmingly awesome first blog post of a new ministry. However, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t just a tad anxious about all of this.
I’m well into my middle age at this point, have retired from the government, held a few previous volunteer and paid ministry positions before this, have a few health challenges of my own; and with the support of my family and friends, decided to start a ministry when most of my peers are out playing with their grandkids and or traveling.
So, what does God say about fear? A lot actually.
Ponder this for a moment:
28 times in the King James Version (KJV), the Bible tells us “be not afraid” http://blb.sc/008SMw
And another 63 times, His Word tells us to “fear not”. http://blb.sc/003HY2
If a subject is in the Bible that many times, do you think “we” should be paying attention to it?
It’s alright to have a moment of anxiety when dealing with something new and or stressful.
Just don’t stay there too long. It’s not good for you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
Acknowledge that anxiety. Then ground yourself somehow (reach out to a friend, exercise, clean the house, etc.), and then, get on with the day.
For the record. It’s also perfectly acceptable to ask for professional help in dealing with that stress too.
Whether it’s a spiritual concern, a physical or mental health challenge, or you just need a reliable vendor to come to the house or office and help you with a project.
Asking for help is not a sign a weakness, and don’t let anyone ever tell you that it is.
So, that’s what we’re going to do here. Help when we can. Refer to others when needed. And ask for help when we need it.
And then get on with our day.
How do you do that you ask? Insert childhood grin here.
By putting one foot in front of the other. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRNiOpoZHV4
You should know that this will be a work in progress.
So, if you’ve ever started or run a faith-based non-profit before, please feel free to reach out and share your lessons learned.
I’ve run good-sized military or public safety operations before; even helped a few faith-based organizations tweak their operations a tad. But I’ve never created and run a business before.
So, there will be mistakes. With input from the board of directors and others who have walked this path prior, hopefully, there won’t be too many of them.
Along the way, if you know of someone or some organization that might benefit from what we have to offer; please feel free to put us in touch with them.
We’re not trying to be a substitute for a congregational experience. That’s not our calling.
We’re trying to help folks whose clergy might not be available, for whatever reasons.
The other part of our mission is for veterans/first responders/social and medical workers/congregational staff, and others who deal with really stressful situations on a regular basis; and any organization who feels they might benefit from a short-term or long-term relationships with us.
For instance; if you’ve just moved to the Smoky Mountains area, or for any reason are looking for a new congregational home, please visit our resources page for links to assist you in doing that.
Before you go, please say a prayer for our ministry.
Nothing too fancy now; just that He watches over us, our families/friends, and ministry partners, and that God’s will be done in what we’ve set out to do here.
Remember, God loves you. All you have to do, is love Him back.
Numbers 6:22-26
Have a good week.
Chaplain Tony