Over the last few weeks, I was privileged to be able to serve on Florida’s State Emergency Response Team, focused on wellness in the area of crisis stabilization from hurricanes Helene and Milton. My role on the team was chaplain/pastor/coach. It was an open door that came unexpectedly but was very rewarding.
I had to stop several times and just smile at God when I saw the places He placed me to serve. Places and people I would have never been able to talk, pray, or minister to. I was surrounded by a lot of people who didn’t think like me, believe like me, vote like me, or have similar values as me. At times, it was very uncomfortable, in all honesty. I had been used to serving in a pretty safe environment in a local church, where a vast majority had things in common with me. When we give our “yes” to Him, we don’t always understand the places He sets us in.
Why am I telling you this? I was reminded that leadership is sometimes sticky. Meeting people in places of pain and brokenness can be emotionally draining and, at times, overwhelming. Sitting across from people telling me how they lost everything: homes, vehicles, businesses, dreams, and hopes was very hard. Yet in the midst of it all, God put me there to be a light of hope. Even without always mentioning His name, my presence and inner strength were able to shine through into their despair.
I want to tell you about Cynthia. I had gone to a shelter in Clearwater several times over the past few weeks. On the day before it was closed, I ran into her for the first time. She was in the far corner of the catholic church’s fellowship hall. Her cot was surrounded by cardboard-boxed walls. Not wanting interaction with people. I started a conversation, much to her chagrin. As I began to ask her some questions, I could see she was stuck in victim mode and frozen, not knowing what her next step would be. I simply asked her what she would do in a normal setting to refresh herself. She began to tell me she was a writer. Over the next few minutes, I dove into what her book would be about, the title, etc. I visibly saw a change in her as she saw past her present situation. As I wrapped up the conversation with her, I told her I would be looking for her book. She told me, with a smile on her face, when I found it, to check the acknowledgment/thank you’s because the name of Bernie would be there.
I was overwhelmed with gratitude that I pushed past my fears or reservations and I was Jesus to her in that moment. I had to wipe a tear away and thank God for allowing me to meet Cynthia where she was and help bring her to a different place in her spirit.
As you go about serving in whatever leadership role God has placed you today, I encourage you to stop. Look around at where He has you. Don’t take that position, place, or platform for granted. He has strategically placed you there today.
Who is in your world today that needs hope? Someone that needs to lean into your belief? It doesn’t cost a lot or take a lot of time to show up. Smile. Show an interest. Care. Love. And let them see Jesus today. A Cynthia just might be waiting on you.
