It's kind of strange ... over the last couple of days the phone has been ringing alot ...Some have been the usual calls associated with a family, but I've also had several calls that were requests for "help" from the callers ...
In each case no one has offered a name, and they've spoken in just broad generalities about some crisis in their life and the really, really, really URGENT need "to talk to the minister!!!" Not me by name - but "The Minister".
Each one has struck me as odd.
Though it goes against every fibre of my being that responded to the Call back in the ealy 1990's I have NO option but to gently refer them to the Office phone number, or suggest they call one of the other ministers in the area because "I'm currently on a suspension and am unable to help them at this time ... "
Some say "Oh Thank You ..." before they hang up, but most usually just hang up at this point ... and interestingly, none have asked for numbers or names ... hmmm, curious !!??!!??
It strikes me as really odd that NONE OF THE CALLERS have offered their name ... and none have been specific in their requests for help ... and moreover, a couple of them even sounded like faked voices ...
I dread to think that it is possible that there are people out there who would stoop so low ... but with some of the things I've seen and experienced, and from stories of colleagues in ministry, it is entirely possible that someone is trying to get me to violate the terms of my suspension by engaging in an action that may be regarded as ministry ...
I won't play THAT game ... not now, not ever.
As for me, I will continue to be polite, and I will offer them suggestions of people to contact ...
But the best advice I've heard lately has come from The Laughing Pastor way down in Texas ... he said "Keep riding your bike. You'll figure out the next part of your journey!!"
To that I say - "Amen!!" and "Thanks!!"
1 comment:
You're being so positive and upbeat in what must be a difficult time. That, in an of itself, is inspiring. I agree with the Laughing Pastor. I've found that as I ask for direction I need to sit back and relax. The answer will come, and while it may not be what I expect, it will always be what I need. God bless!
Post a Comment