Stepping Out
“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”
- Mother Teresa
For months now I’ve been hinting about a huge change in my life centering on the beginning of 2011. Today is the big reveal…are you ready?
Many of you know my passion about encouraging men and I have a website that goes into greater detail (here). The vision for Strategic Fathering was born in my heart a few years back (almost 10 years) and it burns stronger then ever. I have been promoting it quietly and kept it more of a local, hometown flavor ministry.
No longer…
I believe God has released me to take Strategic Fathering Ministries to a different level. I have prayed, sought and received counsel and confirmation…it is time. What do I mean by a different level? Well, I’m not completely clear on the full scope of that yet but it does involve me going full-time into it…eventually. The vision seems fluid and organic at the moment and I believe that is how God wants it to be.
What is clear to me is the cause…
Tonight, about 40 percent of American children will go to sleep in homes in which their fathers do not live.
That is far too many…
I feel the absolute need to encourage men to step up and be all God intends them to be. This is a powerful way to strengthen families, communities, churches, organizations and even the world. I believe this is God’s heart.
So…there it is in a nutshell…I’m stepping out. I will soon revamp the SF website to reflect the new direction. One change will be a big one…I will make myself available beyond my local borders to speak/go whenever the Father leads. I may never be asked to speak anywhere but my local church…but I will risk that step of faith. I’m not going to neglect my local area because I believe I am called there first but I will expand my borders as God directs. Also, this weekend I will record my first professional podcast, hopefully becoming a monthly gig. In all this I know Strategic Fathering is NOT the answer…God is…I’m not the one to change things…He is. I’m just surrendering my gifts to be used in a whole new manner.
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, (15) from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, (16) that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” Ephesians 3:14-16
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:17
May I ask you to pray that as I step out in faith that this never become about me but only about the mission God is sending me on. This will cost me, I know…I will be blessed, I know…lives will be changed…I know.
Will you believe that with me?
Bless You, Jay
Comments
Grab me if you need brother.
I am thankful for you that you get to step out for our Father.
You're right--it's time! Blessings to you, brother.
many will be blessed by your heart!
"Not all that wander are lost".
I never knew my real father. Didn't grow up around a father figure much. However, I have developed into a pretty good person. I know others that did as well.
Sometimes challenging situations form interesting and creative people.
Again, I commend you on what you are doing, but just wanted to give you something to think about. :)
Nice blog btw.
So much pain or dysfunction in our lives stem from father issues. I believe God's heart is to fill that void and heal those wounds.
"Take up the cause of the fatherless". God's hand is on you because you are following His heart. I'm believing with you Jay!