When Emotions Speak Louder than Words
Greetings!
I have recently been appointed as the Communications Officer for the department of Ministry and Mission within the LCAQD. As a basic overview, it is part of my role to facilitate communications within the district including the fortnightly eNews and website content.
A couple of weeks ago I was presented with the opportunity to introduce myself and talk about communications within a church setting at the LCAQD Synod 2019. I accepted this invitation despite my history of speaking publicly with a quivering voice.
As I stood at the podium after being so kindly introduced, I surveyed the room and noticed that I may have been the youngest delegate in the room. It was quite the opposite to speaking to teenagers and young kids at youth group or during Christian Life Weeks, as I am accustomed to.
My quivering voice began to ease as I spoke about my home congregation’s recent experiences and likened church communications to a book.
As I ended my time on the stage, I struggled to hold back emotion as I shared through tears how I felt overwhelmed at the dedication of the church. It’s easy to complain and blame those ‘above’ for what isn’t going right. It takes more to stick around and invest time in something bigger than yourself. The delegates in front of me that day were beautiful testaments to the commitment and dedication in building a loving, accepting and nurturing church, and I was proud to be a part in it.
I was comforted at the encouragement I received afterwards for being vulnerable. Whilst I will never know the extent to which my words were absorbed, I know God used my moment of vulnerability and I am grateful for such an opportunity.
In reflection of this time, I savour the lesson that emotions speak louder than words. That it is okay to be passionate about something and let it show.
I am encouraged by this verse and hope you might be too:
So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. – Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)
Blessings,
Tiffany
