Hey Everyone,
You know, there’s a paradox in the life of impact. We chase comfort, but transformation happens when we’re stretched, challenged, and absolutely poured out. The goal isn’t just service; it’s to be so emptied that, against all logic, you end up filled. That’s the powerful truth I want to share with you today from Merridee and Jeanette, two leaders who just returned from serving as month-long Impact Hosts in Abaco. This story beautifully embodies our 3…2…1 Impact framework: three points to ponder, two quotes to share, and one story of profound impact.
1 Story of Impact
I received an incredible email from Merridee after she and Jeanette returned from Abaco. She opened in prayer, thanking God for the “wonderful, hard, joyous, faith-building experience.” That tension, wonderful and hard, is where true growth lives.
Their role was an honor: to support and lead other teams through their own immersive experience. The first group was great, but the second group was a different story: they started a bit guarded and closed. This was a true challenge for Merridee and Jeanette.
Then came the breakthrough. One night, brave team members shared some difficult issues in their personal lives. Vulnerability was met with love, and what happened next is the core of our mission: “We were able to circle up around and pray as a group for them. It was amazing to see the group grow to embrace the challenges of the experience and each other.”
By the end, those closed hearts were open, their impact stories were revealed, and several mentioned wanting to come back. Merridee reflected that she and Jeanette were “exhausted but so filled.” God did a work inside their hearts, too, building their faith and reliance on Him. This is the personal transformation that fuels the whole movement.
3 Points to Ponder
- Embrace the Hard/Joyous Paradox. Faith-building is forged in that tension. Where in your life are you trying to avoid the “hard” and inadvertently missing the “faith-building”? What is one area you need to stop avoiding so you can step into the full challenge of growth?
- Our shared wounds powerfully connect us. Vulnerability cracks open the door for community. What are you keeping closed off that is preventing true personal connection and transformation in your own local community?
- When you are poured out in service, the fuel must come from somewhere else. This is where God works best, as His strength is made perfect when we are at the end of ourselves. What is your dedicated practice this week for relying on God to refill your cup, ensuring your action is sustainable?
2 Quotes to Share
“Joy is the serious business of heaven.” – C.S. Lewis
“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.” – Walter Eliot
The greatest reward of the Live Impact journey is the work God does in us while we are busy serving others. It’s the exhaustion that leads to being truly filled.
What small act of courageous vulnerability will you choose today to advance the Kingdom?
Feel free to reply and share—I read every response.
Live with impact,
Tim
