Put Me In, Coach
Greetings, Weary Citizens! How are you doing making sense of the upheaval all around you? Where are you going for information, for consolation, for solidarity__ Who is getting the bulk of your vocalizations? Who has your ear? Where are you on the spectrum of opinion? It’s a VERY wide spectrum, wider than ever. How do you believe Christians ought to be conducting their lives in these stormy days? Are you engaged in the public discourse or have you benched yourself?
I’ve been on the bench for a while__ sort of. I stopped writing nearly two years ago. I was tapped out and tired after cranking out three books which (to my thinking) went the way of a half-blown-up balloon I lost hold of (the air couldn’t wait to escape). That’s not such a big deal. But I also stopped thinking deeply. I stopped letting my brain chase down interesting notions. I stopped chasing the Lord down for insight into those notions. The notions and His voice are what makes life interesting. So benching myself was dumb. My dumb-pile has been growing.
The world of public opinion is a hot, slimy mess and I have made a personal contribution to it by benching myself. It’s fine to hit the sidelines to catch your breath, or if you’re injured. Otherwise, if you can be in the game, you should be in the game. “But my voice is small and it doesn’t matter.” Christians know better than anyone on the earth how essential their voice is. So, I’m writing a blog today, to wake myself up and maybe to nudge you a bit (if you’re still out there). I’m going to suit-up, get in the game and engage with people today with the voice God has given me. Come, Holy Spirit. Lead, invigorate, inspire. Put me in, Coach.
You May Also Like
27 Comments
Dale Reece
Good morning and Welcome back! Have missed you insight and inspiration! Shine Anne Shine!
Stacy
This resonates! Thank you for putting words to what so many of us have felt in this season. I love how honest you are about stepping back, but even more about deciding to step forward again. It’s such a needed reminder that our voices, however small they feel, still matter in God’s bigger story. I’m cheering you on as you “suit up” … and praying the Holy Spirit does exactly what you asked: lead, invigorate, and inspire.
Kathleen Brooks
Anne, so happy you are writing again :). I look forward to hearing from you!
Anonymous
Anne, we need your voice. So wonderful to get your email. God bless and welcome back. Kathleen Brooks
Anonymous
Good job getting back in the game! Your voice is needed!! And thanks for being honest and vulnerable – we need more of that from all of us too!
Love you, my friend!
Cindy
Sarah
This past week woke me up too. We may each be one voice but together we are many!
Anonymous
Anne! So grateful to hear your voice again! Lots of us have felt like we were self-benched or maybe even … under the bench. You have lotsa company there! No more! Isaiah 41:10 Fear Not! Let’s go … there is work to be done. Let’s gather up and get a game plan … God bless you, Sister. You were just resting. It is His timing that you are now refreshed and ready to get out on “the court” again. We need your voice! Blessings, Kathleen Brooks
Anne Barbour
Thank you, Kathleen. Yes__ it’s time and I’m eager to engage. Bless you, and I appreciate your encouragement.
Anonymous
Amen
Wanda
So good to hear from you again! I like my little protected corner of the world, At The Cove, My Church, and my family. But like everyone else(I hope), I’m beginning to wonder if I should step out of my little protected corner and do more.
Julie
Amen sister. Thanks for the inspiration.
Anonymous
Welcome back! Miss you and John! How’s your son doing?
Kirk
Amen!! The Lord led you back…
Anonymous
Thank you Anne… yes I’ve benched myself too. Sadly, regrettably I’m afraid of offending??? Sooo many opinions & soo many so easily offended. But you are right I have the truth & a voice… thank you for the ‘nudge’. Help me Holy Spirit… speak truth in love
Jo T.
Amen, Anne!! We need to all be put back in.
Judi Menger
The silence is killing us, literally killing us. It is time to take a stand and lift our voices.
Anne Barbour
I agree. Thank you, Judi.
Susie Kimes
So glad you’re back! I want to hear your thoughts. We need you Anne!
Sheila Lynn Brown
I have been listening to and watching many people speak out but have been silent myself. You have encouraged me to stop sitting on the side lines and speak out for God and our Savior Jesus Christ.
Leslie
Welcome back! Your voice is a warm hug so welcomed in cold darkened times…
Melissa Bokron
We need your voice, Anne. We are seeing John 3:19 lived out in 4K Ultra HD – literally. Jesus says to us, “You are the light of the world.“ It’s time for all of us to come out from under our proverbial bowls, baskets, comforts, fears and shine the light of Christ BRIGHTLY.
Anne Barbour
It is time.
Kathie
I’ve missed you. And your writings and insights. I’m want to be in too…as much as I can be with so much happening in my family. I always appreciate your heart and the wisdom that comes to you thru the Lord. Come Holy Spirit and breathe life into our dry and weary souls.
Anne Barbour
Come, Holy Spirit!
Laurie Hagberg
I need to get back to writing — to journaling prayers and thinking deeply. Would love to get together with you for coffee.
Anne Barbour
I would love that. John and I are heading out of town and have quite a bit of travel for the next couple of months. But in between trips, I’ll reach out if I can. Bless you, and bless the penning of your thoughts.
Anonymous
So happy to read your soul refreshing words again, Anne! Gods voice is what makes life interesting, so true. 💛