Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, August 20, 2023
How should Christians think of power and authority? Do we seek power? Do we exert control? Power is such a vague and contextual concept.
Henri Nouwen's concept of "downward mobility" can help us, as followers of Christ, shine a light on our relationship with power.
Nouwen's "downward mobility" concept is a spiritual and philosophical perspective that challenges the conventional societal norms of success, achievement, and upward progression. It's a concept rooted in Christian spirituality and emphasizes the importance of humility, selflessness, and service to others.
Nouwen argued that embracing downward mobility involves willingly choosing vulnerability, humility, and a willingness to share in the struggles and challenges of others. Instead of seeking power, recognition, or material success, one stands alongside the marginalized, the poor, and the oppressed.
In a world that often values success, wealth, and achievement, Nouwen's concept of downward mobility encourages individuals to challenge societal norms and adopt a counter-cultural perspective. It questions the idea that upward mobility and accumulation of possessions lead to true fulfillment.
Downward mobility aligns with the concept of servant leadership, where leaders prioritize the needs of their followers and focus on serving rather than controlling. This approach encourages leaders to lead from a place of empathy and understanding, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
Nouwen emphasized the value of living a simple and content life. By shedding unnecessary material desires and pursuits, individuals can find greater joy in life's simple pleasures and focus on building meaningful relationships and connections.
Nouwen believed that embracing downward mobility can lead to a deeper connection with one's soul. By letting go of ego-driven desires and societal pressures, individuals can nurture their inner selves and find purpose and fulfillment.
In Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus says, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." This is a great place to start regarding the right relationship with power.
Ask yourself:
Am I aware of the sources of power I possess in this situation or relationship?
Have I considered how my actions affect those with less power than me?
Am I using my power to facilitate positive outcomes or to control others?
Jamey
Let's Talk About Power - Part One
Matthew 20:25-28 Proverbs 3:27-28 2 Corinthians 12:9 Luke 12:48
(Together, What If is a conversation between Michelle Alexander, Ginnie Highsmith, and Jamey Prickett from Gainesville First UMC, Gainesville, Georgia)
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Weekly Prayer
Heavenly Father, Grant us the wisdom to steward the power and authority you have entrusted to us with humility and righteousness. Help us remember that all authority comes from You and that we are accountable for how we use it. May our hearts be filled with compassion, justice, and a deep sense of responsibility toward those we serve.
Help us to recognize that true power is found in serving others, just as Jesus demonstrated through His life on earth.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
Did you hear about the teenager who failed his driving test? He thought it was a crash course!
What do you call a wizard who’s good with ceramics? Harry Pottery!
Wisdom Nugget: It is only a dream if your goal does not have a schedule.
A Question to Consider: What’s the one thing I must do daily that makes all the other things secondary?
Photo Taken By Me
I took this picture this picture the Spring of 2023. And I share it because a portion of it collapsed this past week. Click the link below to read the story:
2,000-year-old arch in Caesarea aqueduct collapses
Articles worth reading, videos worth watching, and/or podcasts worth listening to
Jonathan Daniels: Forgotten Hero of the Civil Rights Movement
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT WOMEN IN MINISTRY?
Our Economy Thrives on Bad Feelings
The Secret to Unshakable Confidence
Russia and India are landing on the moon next week.
Pastor indicted alongside Trump in Georgia election meddling case
A Sneakerhead in the Kitchen: 450 Air Jordans and Counting
Book I Am Reading This Week
The Art Of Less Doing: One Entrepreneur's Formula for a Beautiful Life by Ari Meisel
What’s Cookin’?
Trisha Yearwood's Pecan Sticky Buns with Bacon Caramel
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Many are asking, "How do I help?" as we see more reports of the devastation from Maui's recent wildfires.
As first responders continue to provide crucial support, UMCOR has provided an initial grant to the California-Pacific Annual Conference to provide emergency food, water, hygiene items, and tools to help survivors recover their belongings. Much more help will be needed.
Please join UMCOR in prayer for all those affected. If you plan to collect a special offering, you can access UMCOR giving information and new resource materials here. https://umcmission.org/.../join-umcor-in-support-for-hawaii/
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Sunday, September 10 / 12 pm / Reception Hall
The Foster Care Ministry of Gainesville First United Methodist Church will host a lunch and learn event on Sunday, September 10, at noon in the Reception Hall.
If you are interested in learning how to be involved in a ministry that impacts children in Hall County, we invite you to join us. This is a free event. Email Misty Leach at mleach@gfumc.com to RSVP.
Why does foster care matter? Watch this video: Fostering Resilience
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
"I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it." - Maya Angelou
I would love to have your feedback. Do you have a meme, dad joke, question to ponder, or wisdom nugget worth sharing? Have you come across an interesting article, podcast, or video that you found meaningful? Is there a quote or blessing that you are currently holding onto? If so, please share it. Let’s make this a community space where we connect with one another.
If you find encouragement in this newsletter, I would love for you to take the opportunity to share it with others. Thank you for reading.