Stepping Out

 

euphoria_leap_of_faith “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…

strategic fathering logo black 2 copy 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

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Comments

AtomicPopcorn said…
I would love to be part of you stepping out in any way possible. As a father of soon to be 3 girls, I need guidance but also have a bit to give to those who need it.

Grab me if you need brother.

I am thankful for you that you get to step out for our Father.
S Etole said…
Amen to this ... and yes!
Jay Cookingham said…
Matthew, God has given us all something to share...that's the cool part! Even after 21 years of being a dad, I have so much to learn. I'd be honored to have any input from you bro'. Thanks for the support!
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Susan...I appreciate your amen...it encourages me so much!
jasonS said…
You know it, Jay! Believing, standing, declaring, releasing and we'll all be seeing the fruit and great things God has planned to do in and through you. :)

You're right--it's time! Blessings to you, brother.
HisFireFly said…
As you step out - know that there are people covering you in prayer
many will be blessed by your heart!
MichaelDPerkins said…
I'm believing along with you.
Herb Halstead said…
I'm in your corner buddy
Jay Cookingham said…
Appreciate that Bro'...you're a good corner man!
Jay Cookingham said…
Michael...thank you, that means a lot to me!
Jay Cookingham said…
Thank you Karin...I'm going to need those prayers!
Jay Cookingham said…
Jason, I do thank you for the boldness you have encouraged me to have...I am ready. Bless you!
Steveplayer7 said…
you are invited to follow my blog
Glynn Young said…
We're with you, Jay. You go where you're called!
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Glynn...I so appreciate the support! Bless ya!
bill (cycleguy) said…
You already know where I stand jay. I will put it into two words: unquestioned support.
Jay Cookingham said…
I do Bill and I am blessed because of that stand...thank you!
I commend you on what you are doing, but remember something.

"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.
Jay Cookingham said…
Jon...I totally agree. I grew up in a abused home and, thanks to God, I think I turned out pretty good as well. However, God wants more than "pretty good" He wants us whole and when a father is involved in the life of his children I do believe its the better way. Thanks for your input...I do appreciate it!
Dusty Rayburn said…
With all the others, I will stand with you. You are being prayed for daily and if I can support this ministry in any other way, I will do my best. Do not hesitate to ask if specific needs arise.
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Dusty...I know I have your support and that is a huge blessing believe me!
Ryan Tate said…
Awesome, how exciting and scary - trusting in God is always a little bit of both. But I believe that God can do immeasureably more than you could ever ask or imagine. I pray for boldness and clarity for you.
Jay Cookingham said…
It is both bro'...I might post about my "dark night of the soul" last week...whew! I appreciate the prayers Ryan and your friendship
Covnitkepr1 said…
I have added myself to follow your blog. You are more than welcome to visit my blog and become a follower also.
Tony Alicea said…
Wow Jay I just felt Holy Spirit all over this. I'm so excited for you! This is going to be so much bigger than you think.

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!
Jay Cookingham said…
Tony thank you for that encouragement! I was one of those fatherless children and I know the pain but I also known the freeing and healing power of the Gospel. Again, I thank you for believing with me my brother!
Mari-Anna said…
How exciting! Good for you being obedient & stepping boldly out in faith! God bless you & your ministry beyond our understanding! Praying for you! If there's anything else I can do let me know. :D
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Mari-Anna, your prayers are so appreciated! Bless ya!

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