Sometimes, I come across someone else’s post or newsletter that so inspires me that I want to share it with all of you. Such is the case today.
I met Cec Murphey a few years ago at writer’s conference and found him to be a very genuine, kind, humble individual. Since I already liked his writing, I decided to sign up for his email newsletters.
Each month, Cec Murphey’s newsletters grace my inbox. Each month, I look forward to reading them because they always resonate with me and often speak directly to some issue in my own life I’m dealing with.
For example, I was telling my husband how overloaded I was starting to feel by being the listening ear to so many different friends. It’s not that I don’t care, I told him, but so often I feel depleted afterwards like there’s not another worthy thought in my brain to offer up.
But after I read Cec Murphey’s Newsletter today, the answer to my dilema became clear. Cec says:
“My role is not to solve others’ problems; my role is to love them while they solve their problems.”
That was it! That was the advice I was looking for! Just because I am a leader, a writer, and a speaker does not mean I need to be able to offer detailed solutions to my friend’s problems. Instead, my job – my role – as Cec puts it, is to continually point them back to the One who has all the answers:
JESUS CHRIST.
The Apostle Paul gave similar advice in James 1: 4-8. He said:
“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.”
So, from now on, when I talk with friends in need, I will offer very little advice. Instead, I will pray with them and keep pointing them back to Jesus Christ, the one who knows all, sees all and understands all – Thanks Cec for reminding me of this important insight!
Debbie, thanks for your great blog post about Cec Murphey and what you’ve learned from him.
Your most welcome Twila. He’s a great guy isn’t he??
What Bible translation are you using Debbie? I like how it says: People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.
another great post, congrats!!!
I just stumbled across your post from the twv2 group…what a great post! I look forward to reading more of your thoughts!
Vlatka… the Bible translation is from The Message. I like it alot when trying to explain things. And Kim… THANKS for the encouraging post!! 🙂
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