Monday, November 17, 2008

and so begins my presidency...

I'm Chi Alpha's new president.

Stunned? I was.

Hargett called me into the office today and told me that I was taking over for Bobby. No elections, no running, no voting. Perfect way to win a presidency if you ask me. :) Still though, I feel like I've somehow cheated my way into it. Sure there was no one technically in the running, especially since I didn't even know that a change of leadership was happening, nor did anyone else. But I still feel as though I don't deserve it; I know I don't deserve it. I mean, I finally stepped up in leadership this year, but all I really do is organize and arrange things. I'm a "2nd leader" for the Truth Project Lifegroup and I don't do anything there. I don't do one-on-ones with people because I clearly don't feel like God has given me a pastoral/shepherd mindset that would be needed (which doesn't quite make sense with the direction I feel that He's calling me....so somehow that quality is going to need to show up somehow I'm thinking...unless I'm just totally mis-reading what He's been showing me). Aspects such as: I'm a "complainer"; I'm "judgmental"; I'm "too loud"; and that I'm "annoying" are basically some, but not all, daily phrases I hear when hanging out with the guys. I just don't see why he didn't pick someone with better qualities; better spiritual qualities even. I know I'm growing closer to God, especially ever since I finally accepted his calling on my life, but when I get around the guys and they start having spiritual debates, or discussions on the Word-I feel like such a failure. I dwell in the Word daily, and yet if you were to ask me what I had read the day before, I probably wouldn't be able to tell you just because I don't retain what I read that well (which is odd because I love reading so much). Obviously there has to be characteristics in me that Hargett sees in order to entrust me like this, but I guess because I know my flaws I just can't see it. And there's not much that this "presidency" even entails; just some emails from the college that I'll need to keep up with to make sure deadlines are met on whatever they need; but still. I almost can't help thinking that he gave me it because I am good at organizing and detailing events and whatnot, which is fine because I know its one of my spiritual gifts that God has given me.

I was so excited about this earlier this afternoon, but now I question it. It was one thing to accept the fact that God was calling me into a leadership role to begin with...but now to be "in charge" of a group...that's a whole different idea. Then again...perhaps He's preparing me for something with Chi Alpha down the line. Maybe its not so much the missionary aspect, like the Hargetts or Moodys, but more of the administration of Chi Alpha as a whole, like Dennis Gaylor...or something like that. Even if it is more of what Gaylor does, its still missionary work, which would definitely fill the calling that I feel, but it would also play into what giftings God's placed in me. And now that I've thought this out in a way I can physically see it, instead of just jumbled up in my head, I'm getting excited once again. I'm excited to see what growth and opportunities He's going to use this "presidency" for. I'm excited to see just how He's going to play this all out. I'm excited to see just how much He is going to stretch/push/pull/prod me and grow me-spirtually, mentally, and physically throughout this all. I'm excited about not only the ups but the downfalls, the lows, that I'm going to go through. Because I know that He's got it under control and its in His hands.

So yea, I'm the new Chi Alpha president.

And I'm totally giving it up to God.



Wednesday, November 12, 2008

A Psalm

Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart have multiplied;
free me from my anguish.
May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope is in you.
Show me your ways, O Lord,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior
and my hope is in you all day long.

For the sake of your name, O Lord,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
Test me, O Lord, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind.
Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.
Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
My eyes are forever on the Lord,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.

Hear my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help;
as I lift my hands towards your Most Holy Place.
Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.

Who is this King of Glory?
The Lord Almighty-
He is the King of Glory.
Praise be to the Lord,
for he showed his wonderful love to me.
Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the Lord.
Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous.
Sing, all you who are upright in heart!

(taken from Psalms 25-28, 31, & 32)