I have reread this post a dozen times. Through therapy these past few years, I have realized more fully the craving in my soul for spoken affirmations.
My dad craved this as well and ultimately he sought those affirmations through any means possible — which led him to narcotics addiction, as a pastor.
It all began long before his fall from marriage and ministry. See, Dad sold burial insurance plans for additional income and ultimately contracted himself with multiple companies — all steeped in the typical #wolfofwallstreet hype. As did several of his preacher buddies.
I know — off topic from your Willy example; but not far off.
The sales reward systems, the applause, the trophies for meeting and exceeding goals — all this resulted in an “affirmed” soul, yet now prone to whatever thrill would be offered. Cocaine, and loads of it.
Dad lost everything and died an exhausted, weary, regretful soul. Not without glimmers of Grace mind you.
He was loved by thousands of precious people who had supported his ministry, and many of them have loved us through his home going and all the remembering. Still, I longed for his affirmation. Like he longed for it too.
We found it. After years of hard work in therapy; hours and hours and rivers of tears — we found It. Holy words we heard in our spirit while praying, crying, worshiping, sitting in our grief.
I’m still hearing it. Not as often as I’d like. But, still hearing, “… well done …”.
Sorry for the long post. I love your work Scott. Thanks 🕊️💜
To maintain humility we must follow the example of Christ, yet he also expects us to be perfect- but not to be a perfectionist like Maria Carie obviously is. This is not a balancing act between extremes but a totally different way of thinking and being based on the Spirit of God, and not the Spirit of this world.
: Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matt 5:48)
Jesus is called the light of the world, and we are to follow his example and also be the light of the world. Jesus said to us:
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
(Mat 5:14-16)
What God expects of us is to be a living sacrifice, by following the same way of life that Christ exemplified.
His life was the perfect sacrifice for us to follow as an example, so that we then should be an example and a similarly perfect, living sacrifice and light for others to see the light of God in.
If our actions don’t reflect his life in us, then we are taking on his name in vain.
Calling ourselves Christians, without following his example, is to blaspheme the name of Jesus and how he lived.
God gives us the incredible responsibility of being a light to the world, which we do by following him in our actions, in doing so we are also being a light to the world in pointing to the example of Jesus for others to follow.
This is true humility, while also being perfect at the same time.
It is not weak and pathetic, but bold and powerful and courageous in being a light to the world.
The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are bold as a lion Prov 28:1
Scott:
I have reread this post a dozen times. Through therapy these past few years, I have realized more fully the craving in my soul for spoken affirmations.
My dad craved this as well and ultimately he sought those affirmations through any means possible — which led him to narcotics addiction, as a pastor.
It all began long before his fall from marriage and ministry. See, Dad sold burial insurance plans for additional income and ultimately contracted himself with multiple companies — all steeped in the typical #wolfofwallstreet hype. As did several of his preacher buddies.
I know — off topic from your Willy example; but not far off.
The sales reward systems, the applause, the trophies for meeting and exceeding goals — all this resulted in an “affirmed” soul, yet now prone to whatever thrill would be offered. Cocaine, and loads of it.
Dad lost everything and died an exhausted, weary, regretful soul. Not without glimmers of Grace mind you.
He was loved by thousands of precious people who had supported his ministry, and many of them have loved us through his home going and all the remembering. Still, I longed for his affirmation. Like he longed for it too.
We found it. After years of hard work in therapy; hours and hours and rivers of tears — we found It. Holy words we heard in our spirit while praying, crying, worshiping, sitting in our grief.
I’m still hearing it. Not as often as I’d like. But, still hearing, “… well done …”.
Sorry for the long post. I love your work Scott. Thanks 🕊️💜
Thank you so much Scott. ☀️
'Mersault': Albert Camus, 'The Outsider'
'Jude Fawley': Thomas Hardy, 'Jude the Obscure'
'Boo Radley': Harper Lee, 'To Kill a Mocking Bird'
'Philip Carey': W. Somerset Maugham, 'Of Human Bondage'
Come on somebody!!!
Thank you for sharing these lovely thoughts.
This is really helpful. Thank you.
To maintain humility we must follow the example of Christ, yet he also expects us to be perfect- but not to be a perfectionist like Maria Carie obviously is. This is not a balancing act between extremes but a totally different way of thinking and being based on the Spirit of God, and not the Spirit of this world.
: Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matt 5:48)
Jesus is called the light of the world, and we are to follow his example and also be the light of the world. Jesus said to us:
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
(Mat 5:14-16)
What God expects of us is to be a living sacrifice, by following the same way of life that Christ exemplified.
His life was the perfect sacrifice for us to follow as an example, so that we then should be an example and a similarly perfect, living sacrifice and light for others to see the light of God in.
If our actions don’t reflect his life in us, then we are taking on his name in vain.
Calling ourselves Christians, without following his example, is to blaspheme the name of Jesus and how he lived.
God gives us the incredible responsibility of being a light to the world, which we do by following him in our actions, in doing so we are also being a light to the world in pointing to the example of Jesus for others to follow.
This is true humility, while also being perfect at the same time.
It is not weak and pathetic, but bold and powerful and courageous in being a light to the world.
The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are bold as a lion Prov 28:1
And once again, what I needed to read/hear today. Thank you.
So very True. Hi there! From Destin Church!
So well said.
Thank you, Scott. Well done.
Another outstanding post. Thank you, Scott.