Reality!
One of the things which first attracted me to the Vineyard movement was the fact that people seemed “real.” They seemed authentic and not phony. If you were having a bad day, you didn’t have to say, “Praise God. Everything is fabulous!” If you prayed for someone to be healed and they were not healed, you did not try to “hype up” what was happening. Being “real” is a value…that I value.
I still love this about the Vineyard. I love that God attracts who seem to be “real women” living “real lives.” I think this is because we have a “real God!”
The bible is filled with stories of real people-people who messed up. David committed adultery and murder. Paul used to persecute Christians. Miriam spoke out negatively about her brother when she shouldn’t have. Their weaknesses give the rest of us hope that we don’t somehow have to be the perfect Christian. (As a matter of fact, I’m feeling pretty good about myself right now…aww…here comes pride. Never mind.)
God will work in us, through us and for us. He works in the lives of ordinary people with weaknesses, flaws and problems. I think of myself as a very ordinary person. In high school, I was not a cheerleader or a star athlete. I was in the marching band. (Picture a very tall hat which was the style at the time.) God uses all of us and He seems to love variety.
I know one church member who used to be agoraphobic and could hardly leave her home. Now she is an amazing leader of hundreds of people. I know many people who had alcoholic parents who have pushed through the baggage of their families to make extraordinary differences in the lives of others.
I encourage you to jump into ministry here at the Vineyard. See how God will take your very real life and your unique real circumstances, and what extraordinary things He will do in and through you!
Blessings,
Thora
I too love that about the Vineyard. I honestly believe that God, in His great mercy, brought me to this movement to be set free from perfectionism and to serve Him without the limitation of such a heavy burden.
I always remember something Pastor Gary Kinnaman shared when he came to speak to our church: “I’m just a messed up guy who’s trying hard to serve Jesus.”
I love that about VC too, the realness – This writing is perfect…amen to ordinary people stepping up in ministry at Vineyard!!
I love how real the women in the blogs are, too. They inspire me, encourage me, and motivate me, with their honesty and courage. Thanks, ladies, for “putting it all out there.” (Sort of, meaning in an appropriate way!)