 Adjusting to a New Normalby Steve Stoner
Many people are deeply concerned about the current economic and political climate. This burden has caused people to slip into a mindset of worry that has them so pre-occupied with current events that they are unable to experience the hope and joy of life. Worry is a leech that sucks the life out of the one it consumes. Worry causes one to overlook simple pleasures and miss memorable moments. The very things that make life worth living often pass by without notice when worry is the controller of our thoughts.
We, as human beings, need to learn to adapt to change, especially to circumstances that are out of our control. We need to learn to re-define normal. What often causes worry is the realization that things are not what they used to be. The longing for things to return to what they once were robs us of the joy of now. Many people are consumed with either regrets or longing for the past and worry about the future such that the joy of now - today - is missed. There is no peace. Perhaps you have heard this before: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift, that's why it's called the present.
In the later years of my father's life, he had respiratory problems that needed regular treatments but from time to time these complications would flare up and require hospitalization. One Christmas when we were in Pennsylvania visiting our families, my father had one of those flare ups that landed him in the hospital over Christmas. When I had an opportunity to visit with him one-on-one, he told me that he just wanted things back to normal, the way they used to be. I told him that because of the chronic condition he had, this was now his new normal. He told me later that my comment had really helped him accept his new normal and not long for the past or fear the future. He learned to take each day as it came until his death in 1999.
My encouragement to all of you is not to allow worry to rob you of the gift of each day. Learn to accept the "new normal" and find joy and peace in your life journey. The Bible says: "Which of you by worrying can add one minute to your life?" (Matthew 6:27) May peace be with you. |
Leading with Excellence
featuring BLE Board Member Barry Brock 
A founding member of BLE, Barry has watched the ministry develop and have an enormous impact on those who have been involved in small groups and seminars. His own life has been greatly influenced by the relationships he has built through small groups as well as the powerful teachings he has received in his role in the ministry as both a small group and seminar leader.
Barry praises God for providing the other men in his small groups that have joined him in fellowship, held him accountable and given him the prayer support he has needed over the years to grow deeper in his relationship with Christ. These men have experienced the miracles and saving power of Christ together, bonding them as brothers. Through the small group Bible studies Barry has participated in he has learned more about God's Word, His worth, His works and His ways. These revelations have exponentially grown Barry in his personal relationship with Jesus and given him a clearer and more confident understanding of his own role in the Kingdom.
Barry also knows he has been shown through these men what leading with excellence really means - serving others and not being served. He knows God has empowered him to reflect Christ to his co-workers, and taught him the importance of never compromising or concealing his faith even when in a secular workplace. God has changed his attitude from one of complacency with his job to one of wholeheartedly dedicating his work to the Lord, whom he recognizes as his ultimate boss. He daily makes the decision to serve Christ and be a witness to others, heeding Scripture and remembering his own call to serve.
God has challenged Barry and grown his faith by showing him perfect provision as well. Barry saw the fledgling beginning of BLE nearly 25 years ago, garnering private donations to financially support itself. Today, the ministry continues to thrive and Barry knows he is seeing God's amazing hand at work.
Barry knows the importance of a small group and how such a community can drastically change a life. Says Barry, "Because of these dramatic and far-reaching effects on my life, and because of what I have seen God do first-hand in the lives of others, I enthusiastically encourage men to join a BLE group and see what God will do in them, for them and through them."
To read more incredible stories from BLE members about how God has transformed their lives, click here. |
