Don't start strong, start weak.
I'd like to say I started this blog on a high note, from a place of strength and confidence, but that's not how I launch things; I typically do everything backward and upside down. Some people have launch teams and carefully calculated flow charts with a countdown, pretty posts, and lots of momentum.
On the other hand, I seem to start things in the middle of the wildness, hidden and unseen; It's just how Holy Spirit works with me. I prefer the safety of obscurity; If no one is around, no one can see you fall and wipe out, right? Nobody wants their messy beginnings broadcasted all over social media. When you see people launching something new and shiny, what that means is they have a team of experts behind the scenes making it all look effortless. Not this girl; it's just me behind this screen. So out of the many creative and spiritual adventures I've embarked on, I've learned there is no such thing as starting strong. It's not possible; everything around us proves this idea. Every newborn baby is completely helpless and can not survive one hour on its own. Trees don't start strong and tall; they're tiny little shoots breaking through heavy soil. So I haven't learned the art of the graceful and perfectly branded launch; instead, I've harnessed the posture of weakness with small and quiet beginnings.
"But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me." 2 Cor 12: 9-10
Everyone expected the savior of the world to come with a massive launch party and thunderous applause. Nope! He came hidden in a stinky cave full of animal poo. The only ones who knew of his arrival were those considered weak, lowly, and unnoticed by important society, i.e., the influencers of the day. This theme of hidden continues throughout His childhood and young adult life. Egypt and Nazareth were pretty low-key place. Then comes the moment he's been waiting for, Jesus' introduction to the world as a grown man ready to fulfill his purpose, time to get baptized! The sky opens, the voice of God speaks audibility in public for the first time in like centuries, "You are my Beloved Son." Heck yeah, this is the best launch party ever!!! Nope, He goes straight into the wilderness, hidden again.
See where this is going?
"Then Jesus put His hands over their eyes and said, "you will have what your faith expects!" and instantly their eyes opened -They could see! Then Jesus warned them sternly, "Make sure that you tell know one what Just happened!" Matthew 9:29-30
Even when Jesus began His public ministry, he still kept certain things small and hidden; that wasn't without purpose. Over and over, He told people who witnessed the glory of God through healing, signs, and wonders to be quiet about it. Have you ever wondered why? I'm not here to give you all the answers; we learn more when we discover the truth for ourselves. I'm learning more about the nature and character of the God who sees what goes down in secret and rewards openly.
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand." Zechariah 4:10
So all that to say, I wish I was more put-together, well planned, pragmatic, and strategic; I'm just not. Instead, I'm messy, spontaneous, and could be considered a foolish thing; that is the perfect combination for a new beginning.
"But God chose those whom the world considers foolish to shame those who think they are wise, and God chose the puny and powerless to shame the high and mighty." 1 Corinthians 1:27
In Love,
Sarah
Comments