Monthly Archives: June 2017

Wednesday Wisdom With Wyndham – 8

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     Wisdom to Pass on Wisdom

by Emma Miller

There’s something quite indescribable about the family I was born into. I had no control over it, no way to earn it, and never can deserve it. The very start of my family, and a huge reason that I am so grateful to have it, is because of my grandfather, whom I call “Papa.” He is a man unlike any I have ever seen, and I know that I’ve only managed to catch a glimpse of the remarkable man he is. As I get older, I’ve come to appreciate more and more the person and inspiration he is to me, and countless others.

I am the oldest of all of the grandchildren that my grandparents have, and through these past few years, especially after becoming a disciple, I’ve felt extremely grateful for the extra time I have had with them, and that I can be of an age that can see who he is and appreciate the inspiration he gives.

My grandfather blows me away with his faith. The way he handles the health challenges he goes through, the way he teaches people, the way he loves people, and I could go on. I was just on vacation with him and my family, and I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with him for a while, listening to his story, and hearing pieces of his wisdom. I had prepared a list of questions for him.

He talked to me about the way he stays hopeful, and rooted in Jesus as his foundation–no one else. He keeps his eyes on eternal life, not this earthly life…although he’s had it to the full. He makes his Christianity not just his religion, but his way of life, and trusts that God is preparing a room for him in heaven.

That conversation blew me away, because I got to see how strong he was in the Lord, and I want to imitate that. He fixes his eyes on what is unseen, and that keeps him overflowing with hope and joy amidst health challenges.

I have always thought of my papa as a spiritual, wise man from just watching him, and certainly seeing the way he’s impacted others, like my parents. I got to understand it so much more this past year. I think back to the time when I heard him speak to appoint elders in the Pioneer Valley region earlier in the year, and that day really struck me as I heard of some of the things he’s done. To hear him share his convictions and experiences in being a disciple really hit my heart, and I realized more of what a unique person he is. It made me see the strength and humility he has as I heard him speak, along with the conversation I had with him a few days ago. He is wise as he makes himself low and God highest of high…yet he is a leader,and is bold.

He told me the story of when he was 22 years old, starting off his campus ministry with only 3 disciples. When he was with the church leaders and elders that year, they asked him how many baptisms he thought could happen by faith that year. Everyone thought around 10 people would be exciting, but he said 100. It seemed crazy to them, yet because of God using his faith, that very year sure enough they went from a campus ministry of 3 to that of 100! It was incredible to be able to hear that side of him. He is a leader, and he is a leader when it comes to evangelism. He said to me something like, “I want to be a leader because I want to inspire other people that it can be done.”

His attitude inspires me as I think about going into high school next year, and eventually college. That faith is something I want to imitate. I often pray about the reasons God put me in this family, with the ability to be close to him, and to learn from him. I didn’t have anything to do with it, but I feel grateful for it. I’m so thankful to have this, and to learn “up close and personal” from his faith. I’m inexpressibly grateful to be “Papa’s Punkin” (the nickname he’s called me since I was born), and I want to follow his example.

One Decision – 50 Years Later

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I remember the day well. I wore a homemade dress—gold on the bottom, black and gold plaid on the top. I felt such a sense of relief as I walked down to the river to be baptized, knowing I would walk back out with my sins forgiven. I wondered what it would “feel” like to have God’s Spirit in me. That was 50 years ago today—June 22, 1967.

I knew I was lost, separated from God. Though I was just a young teen, I had already dabbled in rebellion. My mouth was filled with cursing and I had already tried a few cigarettes….just because I wanted to. Those were just a couple of many sins.  I struggled with the desire to experience the world and to “fit in”…thinking it seemed much too restrictive to follow the “narrow road” as outlined in the Bible. How could that bring freedom? (I’d soon come to learn the great truth in this paradox.) Yet, one thing would never leave my mind.

What would I do with Jesus? I had to answer the same question Pilate asked the crowd around him years ago:

  But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered.
  “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!”
  “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
  When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” (Matthew 27:20-24, emphasis added)

I reasoned—either he was true, and rose from the dead…or he wasn’t’ and didn’t.

Either the Bible was true, or it wasn’t.

I found that it took much more faith to believe it wasn’t true…than to have faith that it is true. 50 years later I have never been more solidly convinced of its truth.

The night before my baptism a scene ran through my mind’s eye again and again. A scene of Jesus showing ultimate love…dying for me. How could I say “no” to that love?  I had a “fear of God,”  knowing I would give account to him one day, combined with a sense of amazement of what he did for me. I had been thinking I should try to get “good enough” to become a Christian first. I finally realized that the point of the cross was that I could never be good enough. God wanted me, “Just as I am.” When I heard the words to the song by that title, I knew I could not wait any longer.

I had grown up reading the Bible most every day, though no one “formally” studied the Bible with me. I remember asking myself…”What if God wanted me to move to Africa? Would I be willing? What if someone pointed a gun at me and asked me to deny Jesus? Would I be faithful?”

Ironically, years later I was held at knife point and boldy (through the power of God’s Spirit) told the assailant he would account to God for what he planned to do to me. After about an hour, I was let go—completely unharmed. (You can read about this in “My Morning Cup.”) Three decades later we would be asked to move to South Africa, which we fully planned to do. Last minute changes and needs in the church there changed that plan, which surprisingly brought me more disappointment than relief.

Over the 50 years I’ve grown and changed beyond my imagination. I’ve messed up so many times and experienced God’s grace again and again. But, over the past 50 years I’ve never looked back. I’ve seen amazing miracles from God and many amazing acts of love (as well as disappointments and wrongdoings) from others. These have shown me the truth of the Scripture:

 What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness?
Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.” (Romans 3:3-4)

God and his word remain true no matter my circumstances or actions of others.

The “minister” that baptized me actually went to jail for some really bad stuff. Churches and leaders both inspired and disappointed throughout the years. However, nothing in all of this changes God’s Word—or his plan for the church. It’s all true and the church is still his plan. It never was about people’s responses. It is about how I respond to God and his word.

Nothing will ever change the need to answer the question, “What will I do with Jesus?” It really is all about him.

When people quit following Jesus, what others do or don’t do is never the real issue. A walk with God is always about what we will do with Jesus.

He’s true or he’s not. He rose from the dead or he didn’t.

Not only that, but the life I have seen and lived “proves in practice his good and perfect will.”

  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

June 22, 2017. Today. 50 years later.  

Today I am surrounded by my family while on vacation. Earlier, I went on a prayer walk with my oldest daughter and fourteen-year-old granddaughter who has been a disciple for a little over a year. The depth of love and relationship we share with our kids and their spouses, and that we all share with each other is such a real part of God’s good, pleasing and perfect will. As I listened to my granddaughter’s prayers, and watched the other grandchildren love each other, read the Bible together, play and pray together my heart is filled with inexpressible gratitude.

My marriage of nearly 43 years is closer and deeper than I know how to explain…all attributed to our decision to follow God’s plan. I get to experience this because of a decision made 50 years ago. Even though the past year has not been as we would have planned (my husband has developed a debilitating and truly awful neurological disease), we have great hope and courage to live each day with joy. This world is truly not our home. God has promised us eternal life.

My spiritual brothers and sisters provide relationships that bring great comfort and joy. I have been able to see, over these 50 years, God working throughout the world changing lives that inspire me beyond words. Only the power of God could bring such changed lives and unity in relationships. I’ve been able to see the poor around the world served and lonely orphans placed in families. All because of one decision, 50 years ago.

That one decision made 50 years ago has made all the difference. I could not be more grateful to God for his good, perfect and pleasing will.

I can only imagine what I might write 50 years from now—if there is “writing” in Paradise.

 No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.
None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”- (1 Corinthians 2:7-9)

Never underestimate the power of one decision

Thank you God, for these 50 years. And thank you for the hope of eternity.

 

 

 

Wednesday Wisdom With Wyndham – 7

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Treasures of wisdom, especially in leadership, are scattered throughout today’s post from Michaela Iiames. Take in the these treasures–not only as you read these lines, but as you read between the lines. 

Our friendship with the Iiames has spanned numerous miles and years. John is a doctor of environmental studies and Michaela a teacher. They recently took 6 weeks off to help serve and inspire our small sister church in Sofia, Bulgaria, because that’s the kind of hearts they have for God and his people. As you read this, please say a prayer for their current service there, and for the church in Sofia. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wisdom Keeps Adding to Learning

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.   (Proverbs 1:5)

The wise ADD to their learning. They are attentive to readjusting preconceived ideas or “conventional wisdom” in order to learn. Wyndham has never come across as having it all figured out. His understanding of God, others, and himself has been a work in progress, and I am confident, to this day, he is still learning.

When John and I were moved to their ministry in January 1991, our very first time together was driving back from an all church Bible Talk leaders’ meeting downtown. John drove. Wyndham and a weeping Jeanie rode in back. The conversation started something like this, “We’re having a disagreement and wondered if you guys could help us out. We can’t get on the same page…”

We froze. What?!  They were experienced leaders, ahead of us in life and ministry…and they were training us. Yet, this was only the beginning of the many times when Wyndham solicited our input on matters of ministry, personal relationships, marriage, etc. In the ministry regions in his charge, the non-staff men were called on for their strengths, talents, and collective wisdom to make the ministry the best it could be.

Since Wyndham was in a constant state of learning, getting input from so many others did not challenge his sense of position, and the men felt valued under his leadership. Wisdom has security based in humility…always looking to learn.

One of the most laughable moments that has endured more mileage than any other “Wyndham story” was the one that took place in their kitchen one afternoon. Jeanie was serving soup for lunch, and without really waiting for Jeanie, Wyndham continued asking for salt, pepper, bread, butter, water refill, etc., to the point that it seemed she would not ever have time to sit with us to eat. In an exaggerated way, I leaned over and peered under the table, catching his eye on my way up. Wyndham questioned the look on my face, and I replied, “I just wondered if your legs were broken.”

Truth be told, his immediate response was not entirely happy, but within a few moments, he realized his lack of consideration. John and I have been long gone from Boston, and through the years I have received calls from other disciples after a marriage retreat to laugh with me about this story. Wyndham shares it, because he learned to be a better husband. He has consistently added to his learning.

Years ago I affectionately nicknamed him “Wisdom,” and these are only several of many reasons why.

I could fill a daily blog for years with wisdom I have learned from Wyndham. However, I’ll stick with one day a week. Each Wednesday I will share wisdom gleaned, not just from me, but from our family who saw him day and night and from friends near and far whose lives he has touched.

Many of you have already told me you wish to share wisdom you learned from Wyndham. If you wish to contribute to this collection please email me at shaw.jeanie@gmail.com with the subject line—Wednesday Wisdom. If you wish to receive these blogs in your inbox, feel free to sign up to follow the blog.

I’ll look forward to meeting you here on Wednesdays. And if you would, please remember us in your prayers. It’s a privilege to have you in our lives.

Wednesday Wisdom With Wyndham – 6

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Wisdom to be an Encourager
Ahhh…encouragement. It does wonders for our confidence, our perseverance, and our overall outlook on life. Yet it’s often hard to find. Life can hit us hard, and Satan constantly accuses.
Just this morning, before I went to the chiropractor, I was feeling out of sorts  (mostly caused from being out of alignment). I asked God if he would mind giving me a bit of encouragement today. In his infinite wisdom, he always knows what is needed. I just needed to tell him how I was feeling. As I closed my prayer, I received the email below, describing Wyndham’s wisdom shown through encouragement. Not only was I encouraged, but was reminded to be a daily encourager. Thank you, Leigh Ann. We love you dearly.
      
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have       refreshed the hearts of the saints. (Philemon 1:7)
     I have the unique privilege of carrying the same last name as Wyndham. I married into the Shaw family almost twelve years ago. Not only am I beyond blessed to have Sam as my husband, I also have the most amazing in-laws who love me and have taught me so much. 
     It is difficult to share just one thing I have learned from Wyndham, because I could share many. He is a man of great strength and dignity, yet he is humble and meek. He is a man of deep conviction and he has a wealth of knowledge, yet he is eager to learn from others.
     Wyndham is in a stage of life where he could be focused on himself and his own needs, and yet he looks for ways to encourage others. As his daughter-in-law, I am so fortunate to receive an abundance of encouragement from Wyndham.  
     I remember one day just a few months ago when I was in the throes of motherhood with a 5-year-old, a 3-year-old and a newborn. I was feeling particularly overwhelmed by a lack of sleep and the many tasks at hand. Satan was throwing his flaming arrows at me. Thoughts like “you’re an incompetent mom,” “you lack value,” “you are not good enough…” were swarming through my head that day. I was departing from a family party, and as I hugged Wyndham to say goodbye, he held me a little tighter and a little bit longer and said, “I love you. You’re a great mom and I’m grateful for the wife you are to my son.” 
     My eyes filled up with tears as I walked away (and as they are right now). He spoke words of encouragement that touched my soul. Wyndham’s words of encouragement remind me of a scripture in Hebrews 3:13, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
     While I strive everyday to remember God’s love for me and to get my security and confidence from him, Satan is a strong enemy and his flaming arrows of lies come to attack everyday. It is refreshing to have someone help deflect those arrows. Wyndham does this for me and for so many others. I want to imitate his example and encourage others daily as he does.
Leigh Ann Shaw

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I could fill a daily blog for years with wisdom I have learned from Wyndham. However, I’ll stick with one day a week. Each Wednesday I will share wisdom gleaned, not just from me, but from our family who saw him day and night and from friends near and far whose lives he has touched.

Many of you have already told me you wish to share wisdom you learned from Wyndham. If you wish to contribute to this collection please email me at shaw.jeanie@gmail.com with the subject line—Wednesday Wisdom. If you wish to receive these blogs in your inbox, feel free to sign up to follow the blog.

I’ll look forward to meeting you here on Wednesdays. And if you would, please remember us in your prayers. It’s a privilege to have you in our lives.

Wednesday Wisdom With Wyndham – 5

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Wisdom to be a Utility Player

I enjoy baseball and am unashamedly a Red Sox fan. If you’re not so inclined, stay with me here, as the Red Sox actually have nothing to do with this post. In baseball, I know the names of of many pitchers and home run hitters, but I know the names of few-to-no “utility players.” Utility players are team members who play various positions as they are needed. Most often, these players aren’t household names…but their contributions are crucial to their teams. Utility players must be flexible, capable, and not too attached to their favorite positions.

The Scriptures speak of “utility players” who were chosen as such because they were full of the Spirit and wisdom. Do you quickly recognize the names of Nicanor, Timon, Procorus, Nicolas and Parmenas? Probably not.

Stephen and Philip are more well known…but these other guys were also full of wisdom and the Spirit. Who were these people?
1  In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
2  So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.
3  Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them
4  and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
5  This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
6  They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7  So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:1-7)

These men were chosen because they were spiritual and wise. What was their first great and noble assignment born from their wisdom and spirituality?

Distribution of food to the Grecian widows.

Because it was needed.

Wyndham has switched roles numerous times throughout his work in the ministry. Some roles have been high profile and some have not. He has embraced each one equally, as his desire has always been to be used wherever he was most needed…as a player, a coach, or player coach. (fyi..he’s the cute one on the back row…2nd little ball player from the left.) He was not overly attached to a certain role, thought certainly some he enjoyed more than others. He did not allow himself to be distracted from his purpose when change happened.

I more often find change difficult, and am more at ease sticking with what I am most confident and comfortable doing, and what I enjoy the most. So, at times I’ve changed roles “kicking and screaming” inside, while complying outwardly. Even now, I’m needing to consider a new type of role, and Wyndham’s wisdom tumbles through my heart…because this is not what I want to do. Wisdom calls me to be a utility player. What does it call you to be?

God always brings blessings when I respond with humility. It does not always bring immediate joy–but there is always joy, peace, and victory in Godly surrender.

Thank you Wyndham for being a willing utility player, for whatever the need. True wisdom is born from this kind of humility.  As the Acts 6 utility players joyfully fulfilled their roles, God’s word spread and many became disciples. You may not remember their names, but God did, and used their willing service to build a mighty team.