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Blog
Thankful to be Part of the Whole
Written by Rachel Baker, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Searcy, AR
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” (1 Corinthians 12:4)
As a teacher, it's important to know what my areas of expertise are. For example, I love teaching reading and writing, but science and history aren't my best subjects. I struggle to connect with teenagers, but I could spend all day in a preschool classroom.
This was a great strength when my kids were little and learning to read! The problem is, kids don't stay young forever. Eventually they learn to read and write, and then they realize there are other subjects out there to learn and explore.
But here's the good news: I'm not the only teacher in my children's lives! There are so many other people who have strengths, skills, and passions who are willing to fill those gaps. I don't have to know how to do everything. The best way I can serve is by sticking to my strengths.
The same is true for us as sisters in the body of Christ. While I might not be the first woman you would call to cook a meal for someone in need, I will happily volunteer my time in the nursery or with planning women's activities. You don't want me to decorate any events, but I could lead the songs or say a prayer.
In this season of thanksgiving, I am especially grateful to be part of a body that is filled with so many different strengths, skills, and talents. What part do you contribute to the Whole? How can you encourage your sisters to do their part, as well?
How Gratitude Can Help Us Make the World a Better Place
Written by Melanie Curtis, IRSM office assistant in Searcy, AR
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9)
Lately I have been able to spend time with my 91-year-old neighbor. She is originally from Austria, and was a teenager during World War II. She was quite cheerful and thankful for the visit! She reminded me that a little thankfulness can go a long way. When I told her that I work for two different ministries, she was so excited and passionate talking about God. I realize there are a lot of stresses and negative occurrences in the world lately, but I do thank God that I live in America, where I can talk about Him freely without fear of imprisonment or governmental punishment. How can you be thankful each day when you look at the positive things around you? Here are some examples from my own life:
1. I get up in the morning. I have warm water for a shower. We have indoor plumbing. I have a toothbrush and toothpaste, and I’ve been taught how to use them! (This is a simple blessing many Americans take for granted.)
2. I have a comfortable car to drive to work.
3. I have a comfortable home to live and work in, with technology to spare (although too much technology can often distract us from our blessings).
4. I open the fridge or cabinet and see plenty of food.
5. I have enough to share. (When you share, you feel even more grateful!)
6. When I pick up my father for church every Sunday, I am grateful to even get to worship God with other Christians, even if we do have to social distance and wear masks.
7. I am thankful for my friends’ babies, as they start new chapters in their lives. New life is a beautiful gift! I am grateful that God entrusts us to turn our children into His disciples.
8. I am surrounded by loved ones, like friends and family. Enjoy the time you have with your loved ones. My friend Stacey Rodenbeck recently said, “Don’t try to cram a lifetime of work into one day because you’ve heard about someone else’s tragedy and you’re afraid. Just keep living.”
9. I am thankful that forgiveness comes through Christ. I have a friend who spends so much time worrying and feeling guilty about the past or the present or the future, and it robs her of her joy. 1 John 4:18-19 says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.” This love is what saves us. We receive forgiveness through Christ by believing in Him (John 3:16), repenting of our sins and being baptized for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38), and obeying everything He has commanded (Matthew 28:19-20).
Let’s feel gratitude and let go of the past (Philippians 3:13), asking for God’s help because it’s too hard for us to do it on our own. Focus on God’s love for you, His sacrifice of His Son to cleanse you of your sins, and the eternal life that He grants through His blood. Then your gratitude will be manifest in kindness to those around you.
