Oh, if only you knew…
Breathless.
Write the name you’ve called yourself for far too long on the stone, then leave them at the altar.
In the darkness, we penned our words.
Stones pile high.
The secret names we spoke over ourselves. Too many times to count. Titles that took a tall toll.
Lori Wilhite grounds us in the truth that we have been given a new name.
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” – Revelations 2:17
Hearts melt. Souls revive. Love unleashes.
I linger to hold the rocks. Caressing the words these women speak over themselves.
Maybe you recognize one as a label you’ve given yourself.
Unwanted.
Damaged.
Failure.
Broken.
Fraud.
Numb.
Done.
Ugly.
Oh, if only you knew…
The cost of darkness you speak over yourself. The heavy levy of untruths you believe. The toll on your relationships, your marriage, your children, your lives.
Oh, if only you knew…
Christ gives you a new name. Jesus calls us…
Empowered.
Redeemed.
Renewed.
Beloved.
Child.
Holy.
Oh, if only you knew…
But it’s not just you.
If you could hear and see the words of the women around you speak over themselves, you’d melt with compassion, kindness, affirmation, generosity.
Oh, if only you knew…
The women who had written these words. These were moms and daughters and grandmothers and neighbors and friends. But all they all shared a commonality.
Oh, if only you knew…
These were written by pastor’s wives. Women in ministry. Leaders in churches around the globe.
Oh, if only you knew…
She isn’t immune.
It’s far too easy to believe that your pastor’s wife, those women on your church staff, well that they live above it all…
perfect lives. perfect marriages. perfect children.
Oh, if only you knew…
The breathtaking leaders wrestle with the same doubts and insecurities and fears you do.
Oh, if only you knew… the difference you can make.
The month we’ve been in, October, is National Pastor’s Appreciation Month—a season of giving and encouraging church leaders. I’ve given ideas on how to love your pastor before, but this year…
Oh, if only you knew…
Will you cheer her on? Tell her what she does so well.
Shower her with gifts. Flood her inbox and post office box with gift cards to a favorite clothing store, a massage, a restaurant. Ask her where she would love to have a gift card to enjoy? Bless her socks off.
Oh, if only you knew.
The difference you’ll make. The strength you give her. The hope you’ll infuse her with. Your prayers, your gifts will help her see her true name.
(BTW: These pictures came from my time at the Leading and Loving It Re:Treat, a powerful gathering of more than 800 pastors wives and women in ministry hosted by Lori Wilhite and Brandi Wilson. I was in such awe of the Re:Treat, I can’t wait to attend next year. After all, I recently celebrated my one-year anniversary as a pastor’s wife). Check out Leading & Loving It—I can’t rave enough.)
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“If you want to be GOOD ENOUGH you’re going to have to try harder.” These things I heard as an artist struggling to be taken seriously. The problem with that is that was before computer graphics.
I couldn’t attend this year. I was so sad because I’ve been wanting to hear you speak for a long time. Maybe I’ll get to hug your neck next year. And Lori Wilhite is the bomb. So thankful for her.
Thanks, Margaret, for be a champion for pastors wives and women in ministry.
This thought, pondering is clearing out the cobwebs to see the beauty in God’s amazing promises to have me, and me interacting with God, the world and others FLOURISH!
I am discovering that I need to “stop” before I can “start.” I will identify and “stop” believing the lie of the names that play within me and drive my reactions, responses and relationships and “start” receiving the “growing in grace” that God has for me. The truth…”The algorithms of grace are extravagant.” His love for me …his high opinion of me- EXTRAVAGANT!
Oh, to be taken seriously…Huge hug to you, Robin!
Hugs to you, Mary Beth! See you next year!
Yes! His grace really is amazing!
I so enjoyed meeting you at Re:Treat and spending a few minutes in conversation with you. I just finished “Fight Back With Joy”. It is a phenominal book. Thank you for writing it. I will cherish the copy you autographed for me. I have already given copies to friends. I will continue to be a Joy Warrior.
Thank you for being at Re:Treat this year! I so enjoyed meeting you. I just finished reading “Fight Back With Joy”. Thank you for sharing your journey and your insights on fighting for joy especially in the darkest moments. I will cherish the copy you autographed for me. I have purchased and given copies to several friends. Hope to see you next year at Re:Treat!
You are a joy, Janet! I am so happy to hear you loved the book. Hugs!
I sure do love you, my friend. Thank you so much for pouring into the lives of our ladies. Thank you for pouring into my life! *hugs*
It was a joy to be there! Thank you for the encouragement! Hugs!
Huge hug to you, Lori!
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