What the Lord gives me to write usually speaks to me as deeply as it speaks to my audience. The adage, ‘Point your finger at someone and four fingers are pointing back at you’, is so true. Last week’s subject, “Hiding in the Shadows of the Internet,” stirred my subconscious and my spirit, invading my dreams. So, I’m going to take God’s invitation, grab hold of His hand, step past fear, and take a few risks.
By nature, I am a pretty private person. My go-to cloaks of invisibility are humour and deflection. I am sure you have your favourite tools of the trade. Vulnerability and transparency are scary propositions, but if we want to be loved for our authentic selves, then we must present our authentic selves.
And so, with a deep breath, I begin. Several of my friends and followers have asked me why I don’t post video chats on Social Media. My cheeky response? “I posted one a year ago! You can view it on my ministry timeline on Facebook!”
Shortly after I published last week’s writing, God’s gentle finger of conviction stroked the side of my cheek. He had my attention. “You know the real reason you aren’t Vlogging, don’t you?” I nodded and sheepishly replied, “The fear of man and the fear of being known.” “Well then, what are you going to do about it?” I know the only way to conquer fear is to be obedient and to keep my eyes centred on what lies on the other side of that fear. Freedom and the smile of approval from my Heavenly Father are there waiting for me as I walk in obedience.
Speaking of eyes, I have always been rather camera-shy, mostly because of my eyes. The more my neurological condition progresses, the more camera-shy I have become. I am well aware of my increasingly droopy eyelids, and facial muscle weakness. Frankly, I can’t stand looking in the mirror! Believe it or not, the photo on my ministry timeline was taken after health-related eye surgery to raise my eyelids. For several years, I have needed a professional headshot. Although I have several photographer friends, I have yet to get that headshot done!
I was bullied mercilessly as a child because of my disability and for some other issues that I might talk about later. I am entirely too aware of escalating cyber-bullying and trolling. Do I want to put myself out there? Obedience to God’s directive trumps fear.
While writing will always be a significant focus of my ministry, there are some things better communicated through the spoken word. To increase the effectiveness of my ministry, I need to interact in a manner that is relevant to my audience. Short videos, memes, and photos grab the attention of Social Media followers.
I ordered a suggested light attachment for my smartphone, a tripod and mount, and a directional microphone; all of which will take some time for me to figure out. When my next book comes out, I will be sharing a video devotional snippet every day, for 40 days.
Is God calling you to join Him on new adventures? Is there a rising sense of urgency in that call? What is holding you back? What fears are you paying more attention to than the voice of God? What excuses are you allowing to get in your way? Age, ability, education, fear of what people will say, fear of being seen by others as foolish? Lay each one of those concerns before the Lord and spend some time with Him. Allow Him to speak directly to each of those lies. Yes, it is smart to seek counsel from hope-infused, mature believers in Christ but at the end of the day, it comes down to a choice. Will you serve the gods of intimidation and fear or will you serve the Lord?
Joshua 24:15 – “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
All Bible verses, unless otherwise attributed, are from the English Standard Version (ESV).
Until Next Week
©2017 Katherine Walden
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