.. When God asks a word girl to be silent…
Friends, if you know me at all, you know I LOVE words. I love to talk. I am never accused of being “silent”.
In fact, in kindergarten and first grade I NEVER got my Friday treat because I was always in trouble for talking in recess.
So what happens when God calls a wordy girl to take a season of silence?
See I love using words in my ministry. I love writing, posting, tweeting, hoping to encourage and lift someone up in the world of social media– where people are often putting others down.
I love providing the invitation to come alive in Christ on Facebook, this space, all things media.
But these last few weeks I have really sensed God ask me to be silent for a season. To take the months of June and July off from social media.
To be still and listen to Him.
Yes, I will still be writing (I am working on a book YEAH!) but not posting. Not scrolling.
#stillandlistening
Sure, this may not be a big deal to any of you. But I needed to at least tell you because it feels like a huge deal to me.
In speaking writing world they are always talking about a platform. About engagement. Marketing.
And I believe these things are important because I believe God has given me words that He wants to use.
But for now, He wants me to take a break.
Exciting stuff is happening this summer in Coming Alive World. A ministry trip to Costa Rica at the end of June. A retreat for teenagers called Chrysalis at the end of July that I have been preparing for the past three years.
Writing, praying, seeking God for the next steps and what He has for Coming Alive.
I will miss you friends. And I will be back.
My friend Suzie Eller has an awesome post here that truly convicted me.
Less activity = less ministry or less success or less of [fill in the blank].
Or at least that’s what we tell ourselves. We think that if we aren’t hustling, promoting, speaking, connecting, tweeting, uploading, or hosting an event that somehow a ministry will fade away.
Oh, Father, help us.
You see, ministry isn’t founded on how much I do, but the call on my life and being true to that. It’s God’s plan, not mine
— Suzie Eller
That just sums it up friend.
I am praying for you and would you mind praying for what God has in store for me. See you in August!
Ps: I have some very exciting things to share with you when I come back! Stay tuned….
When God asks us to be silent, he’s doing something good. He’s not taking anything away but slowing us down to fill up, refuel, speak. . . I’m with you, Jennifer. Cheering you on in the summer of permission.
Jennifer,
How interesting that God has been leading me in the same direction — to be quiet from social media and to work on some writing and ministry insightful. I am thankful that I am not alone in this calling.
Hearing that you have the same calling for the summer is encouraging.
Blessings on your travels and writing and hopefully insight!
Sandra
Jenn,
This request from God was placed in my heart two years ago. It has been life changing. I was the one in elementary school that the teacher would call my Mom and tell her that I made the quiet girls talk. In being Still in the Lord my ears were openned to a whole different approach to my every day life. God’s pace in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit is Joyful and at Peace. When trubulation or life challenges appear I am able to Listen.
Praying for you as you go deeper in Christ. Excitedly waiting to see God’s Transformation of you.
Love you!.
I’m so encouraged by you, Jenn, as always, in your leadership in asking, seeking and following God’s leading in your life! One of my favorite verses is 2 Peter 3:4 …”a gentle and quiet spirit which is so precious to God”. So may your summer of ‘quietness’ be richly blessed by all He has planned for you and I will look forward to your return in August!! Hugs and love sweet friend.
Amen to the season of silence! I haven’t posted anything relating to Jesus on my IG page in over a month. Every time I’ve been tempted, God led me away from doing it! 😄🙏🏼❤️Thank you Jesus.