Dear readers, today it’s with great pleasure I introduce Bob Stewart, a Husband, Father, Man of God, and writer. Today’s post is courtesy of Bob and is entitled:
“Who’s Not Capable?”
Have you ever felt you didn’t have the skills, background, character, or even physical traits to be a leader? Have people assumed you don’t have what it takes to lead without even giving you a chance to see what you can do?
God oftentimes in the Bible used the least likely character to be a leader. One leader in particular was one of the judges – Ehud. God would bring up “judges” or military leaders every time the Children of Israel needed a leader.
So one time God brought up a leader to deliver the Israelites from the Moabites. He brought up Ehud – a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 3:12-30).
Being left-handed meant one of three things in the Middle East during that time. You were either: 1) slow or stupid, 2) unclean, as left was considered the “restroom cleaning” hand, or 3) evil-minded. Either way, it wasn’t positive.
And the tribe of Benjamin was considered the “low man on the totem pole,” as Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob. The tribe of Benjamin also had a strong occurrence of left-handed members.
So all was against him going into this opportunity. However, God chose Ehud for a purpose. He was to kill the mighty King Eglon and lead Israel out of the Moabite control.
Ehud’s sword was strapped to the opposite side of his body, so the Moabite King didn’t notice the sword. He thought Ehud was a safe person to meet with him. But Ehud was able to kill King Eglon with the sword in his left hand and free the Israelites.
What does that have to do with us today? Many a time we believe we don’t have what it takes to be a leader when given an opportunity. We have traits that may be perceived as weaknesses, but God can use them as strengths!
I have shared that story over and over with my younger son, as he is smaller than everyone else in his class and is left-handed. Kids used to make fun of him for writing differently in school. I told him this story, and he was so amazed!
Now he considers being left-handed a bonus – a gift from God. And he connects more with me, because I am left-handed as well.
At dinner last night, a friend reminded me that the day before was the anniversary of the attack at Pearl Harbor. This came up because I had mentioned that John Lennon was assassinated December 8, 1980.
I can’t explain to you why, but I felt particularly stupid for remembering a rock star milestone, but not an American milestone.
Well, actually, I hadn’t remembered John Lennon’s death. Was reminded of that by a Facebook friend. Anyway, I had a spiritual moment that gently reminded me that the world has always been a tough, uncertain place.
It prompted me to silently, and discreetly, count my blessings and give thanks for what we have today.
Sundays during the school year, our Church offers Children’s Liturgy of the Word for Kindergarten through fifth grade. Two or three adult leaders form a team and lead a particular week each month.
The volunteer leaders perform various functions to help bring Mass down to an Elementary level and to engage the children differently (better) than the adult Mass.
My wife, a good friend, and I, lead 50-100 children through Children’s Liturgy every the fourth Sunday.
This past Sunday, for a variety of reasons, my wife Cheryl led it solo. Sixty-five children in all. She said they were incredibly well behaved. If you’ve never done this, you’d be amazed at how challenging it is.
We began volunteering in this ministry several years ago after a parishioner made a plea for more volunteers or the program would end.
Funny how life puts things in your path. This experience has me deliveringhomilies (sermons). Who would have ever thought? Me? You’ve got to be kidding.
