After years of shirking God's tug on my heart, the happenings in the last 2 years caused me to sit up and listen to what God was putting on my heart. With the encouragement from a brother I took a step of faith that God was indeed calling me and started a Christian Brotherhood Group. We meet a few times a month and it's been an amazing experience. It's hard to put it into words because it is just a dozen or so guys sitting in a living room talking.. but, we invite the Holy Spirit in to lead and guide... that makes all the difference. That being said, anyone who knows me knows I am a talker, which can be annoying if there are a dozen other guys there. I am working specifically on being a listener in all areas of my life, whether at work, with friends, at home or in a meeting. Also, I am seen by the guys as the leader since I initiated the meetings but I give it all to God to lead.
Something that is being made very clear to me is as a leader I sometimes unintentionally take up more time
and space than I realize. If I think every comment or question needs to be
followed by my response, people can feel processed instead of heard, even when my
intent is good. Silence isn’t a problem I need to fix.. it’s where reflection,
honesty and vulnerability can grow.
Not every question needs my answer. Sometimes a brother is saying
his own words out loud for the first time, and what he shared simply needs room
to sit. And when a question does need answering, as a leader I can set
an example by sitting back and letting others speak first, being genuinely
interested in hearing perspectives other than my own.
I already know what I think. Growth comes from learning what
others think, not from restating my own thoughts.
My voice matters. Making room for others’ voices strengthens
the whole group.
I can honestly say that when I shut up and listen.. it's awesome what I hear.. when I listen to hear and understand instead of listen to respond, it's awesome.
All glory to God-
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