Kevin McMonagle submitted this reflection about his experience at BSM to share with the larger community via Scribblings in the Sand...
THE FRUIT OF BROAD STREET MINISTRY
Becoming part of the community at Broad Street Ministry has had such a profound impact on my life, in so many areas the fog has been lifted and I see things as new. When I look back at the almost three years that I’ve been involved with BSM, I have been unable to put what has happened for me into simple terms, even in my own mind. So, I think I’ve found a way to put it in perspective. Galatians 5:22
Love- I was not even sure what love was until walking through those red door, so clouded had my understanding of the world become after 30 years of drug and alcohol abuse. Upon entering BSM I was flooded with God’s Love. Somehow they just knew that underneath all of the self-doubt was a child of God who just wanted to be understood and needed.
Joy- There have been many instances where I was sure I would burst with Joy and happiness while attending functions at BSM. I just knew that God Himself had come down to touch my heart. What I’ve learned since is that what I was feeling was Life, absent was the despair that I had carried with me for so very long.
Peace- As it is said at the closing of services, it is not our peace that is shared but God’s. For me that means that the search is over. I truly know where I belong, wherever there is an opportunity to help another is where I need to be. This is Christ’s Peace.
Patience- I have learned that if I give 100% to the very next thing that comes along, something else will show up to again give my all. No longer do I have to chase after things. I need to accept and respect all that I have been given. I know deep down the path I am on has been chosen for me. What is around the corner no longer scares me. I await with Patience His next task for me.
Kindness- There is some saying about random acts of kindness, I’m not sure about that. What I do know is that expressing Kindness was the quickest way of getting in touch with the person in me who God had a plan for. This is not something to expect from others, but something to project to all.
Faithfulness- There have been plenty of occasions when I said to myself “They don’t understand me at BSM” or “Maybe I should be going to that other church”. But I kept coming back and I have been rewarded with understanding. Being Faithful has opened the door for God’s guidance.
Gentleness- Gone is the façade that I put up to the world. I had found a place where I could practice the Gentleness I was born with until I became comfortable enough to take it with me everywhere I go
Self Control- As I am spiritually immature, the very first thing that pops up in my mind is probably not the right thing to do. I’ve learned to seek council and in talking it out I find the answer that is right for me.
Last year, I asked the Lord to blind my eyes to the people as He opened my heart to the Spirit in them. This He has done, as He opened my eyes to the Spirit in me.
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