Shepherd's Corner (June 10, 2025)

(I don't dare to presume to be your "shepherd." Being a junior shepherd after the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, is an honor and trust that I must earn. So, I write here to share my hopes and hurts. I seek to connect with you by being transparent. I am not just the guy who looks like he is giving birth every time he preaches. I am adding my weekly writing here because this is the only way I know I can easily upload my audio version of it. If there's a way to create another blog, separate from the daily Quiet Time sharing, I would prefer to do that. But, for now, this is my trying to better connect with the saints at Riverside Community Church, a House of Prayer for All Nations. Godspeed!)

Shepherds Corner 6-11-2025

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June 10, 2025

Grace and peace of our loving Lord Jesus Christ to you.

So, I hurt my thumb. I'm not sure exactly when I injured it, but I know it took place sometime during the move. It was probably between ripping the boxes for recycling and grabbing the books out with just my thumb and fingers. Initially, along with my finger, my whole body was aching as well. So, I didn't think much of it until my thumb remained in pain. In fact, the pain got worse.

I didn't think to ice the finger. My thinking was "The pain will go away."

I didn't think to ask for help. My thinking was "It's my problem. I need to take care of it."

I didn't think to pray about it. My thinking was... well, I am not sure what I was thinking, but I was too busy to pray.

Encouraged by many of you who became concerned, I finally visited a clinic where I received thorough care. This is what I learned from this experience.

First of all, even though I hurt just a thumb and it is only a small part of my whole body, my mood and my whole body were affected because of the constant pain the little fella was having. The Bible refers to the church as the "body" of Christ. I was reminded how no "part" is ever too small.

Secondly, I learned that wishful thinking does not result in the wish coming true. I had to be intentional about it. I had to make the appointment and take the morning off. Sometimes, in the church, we have wishful conversations or exchange of ideas, but unless we take intentional action, the "body" will not improve.

Thirdly, I learned that asking for help made me experience the grace of God. "Undeserved mercy" of God was all around me, but I wasn't experiencing it because I wasn't asking for help. Goodness gracious! I felt grateful and happy. It wasn't just my thumb that was getting healed. I even thought that happiness is being thankful.

Lastly, at the clinic, I was engaged in several conversations where my Christian coaching skills were quite helpful. Even though the conversations were brief due to the nature of the surroundings, having a neutral curiosity, asking open-ended questions, actively listening to the others, and co-regulating with their emotive energy level led to mutually edifying talks. I was reminded of the old saying, "Preach the Gospel in season and out of season, and when necessary, use words!"

Gratefully yours,

Pb