Pilgrimage Ponderings
What's Your Passion?
SC clergy had the good fortune to hear the renowned Don Messer address the global HIV/AIDS pandemic and propose that while we are behind the curve, the church can nevertheless make a difference if we will get involved. We then heard Rev. Greg Jenks from the NC Conference speak passionately about the ZOE ministry with AIDS orphans in Africa that began with his calling from God and expanded to be first a NC Advance and now a General Advance in The United Methodist Church. You can find out more at www.zoeministry.org.
In the course of the day, one of my friends remarked to me that she wished she could find one thing to be passionate about. She was reflecting on how deeply committed these two persons are to making a difference with regard to HIV/AIDS. That sense of calling to a very specific, very focused ministry surely is a gift from God.
My response to my friend is that I am passionate about people finding what they are passionate about! It seems to me if we can all identify where God is calling us to focus, and commit ourselves to that particular cause or concern, than we have the opportunity to really make a difference.
Unfortunately, what it sometimes feels like is that folks are passionate about holding onto what they've got, or being successful, or building a building, or whatever, and are not able to listen deeply and respond to the hurt and pain in the community and the world.
What are you passionate about? Where does your heart break with the heart of God?
Richard H: I'm passionate about teaching. I'm a didaskophiliac. (11/02/07)