Weekly Roundup: Sunday, July 6, 2025
Have you ever received advice that seemed too simplistic? You pour out your struggles, and someone says, “Just breathe,” or “Set boundaries,” or “Drink more water.” And you think? That’s it?
We expect deep problems to require dramatic solutions. So when the answer is ordinary—“Just pray,” “Take the next step,” “Let go”—we resist. It can’t be that simple.
Naaman, a powerful military leader, had that same reaction. Beneath his armor, he hid a skin disease. Desperate for healing, he traveled to see the prophet Elisha. But instead of a dramatic miracle, he got a simple instruction: “Go wash in the Jordan seven times.”
Naaman was offended. Not because it was hard but because it was too easy. But when he finally humbled himself and obeyed, he was healed.
What if healing really is on the other side of humility?
What if the breakthrough isn’t in the spectacular but in the simple?
Jesus referenced Naaman in Luke 4, reminding his hometown crowd that God healed an outsider. They were furious. Why? Because grace challenges our pride. It goes to those we think don’t deserve it. And it often comes in ways we don’t expect.
The quiet hero in Naaman’s story is the unnamed servant girl. Taken from her home, she could’ve stayed silent—but she spoke. She pointed Naaman toward healing. That’s grace: mercy when revenge would be easier. Hope when bitterness would make more sense.
This Independence Weekend, as we reflect on freedom, let’s remember: real change has often come from the unnamed—the overlooked, the oppressed, the unheard. Their voices still point us toward truth if we’re humble enough to listen.
So, whether you’re Naaman, carrying hidden pain, or the servant girl, quietly offering hope, hear this: Don’t walk away from healing just because it feels too simple.
God still hides miracles in muddy rivers. Grace still flows through unexpected voices. And the table is set not for the powerful but for the humble.
Pastor Jamey
(Click Here to Watch the Worship Service from Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekend Prayer
Lord, Help me not to overlook Your grace just because it comes in simple ways.
Give me the humility to obey, even when it feels small. Open my ears to hear Your voice even from unexpected places. Amen.
Wisdom Nugget: God often hides miracles in muddy rivers and speaks through unexpected voices. Stay humble enough to receive.
A Question to Consider: Where in your life are you waiting for a big, dramatic solution when God might be inviting you to take a simple step of obedience?
Meme of the week
Dad Jokes
What did the colonists wear to the Boston Tea Party? Tea-shirts!
Why did the duck say bang? Because he was a firequacker!
Leadership Reflection:
In leadership, we're often tempted to believe that influence is tied to position. That fundamental change comes from the top down. That strategy, legislation, vision statements, and public platforms are what truly matter.
Leadership isn't always about commanding the room. Sometimes, it's about whispering the truth in unlikely spaces.
Too often, we disregard the voices of the unnamed, those who lack access, a spotlight, or a title. But if we want to be wise leaders, we must listen more closely to the voices on the margins because the future is often being shaped there long before it becomes policy.
Let's create spaces where the overlooked are heard, where truth is welcome regardless of who speaks it, and where influence isn't measured by volume but by its impact.
Because the kind of leadership that changes the world doesn't always come from the stage, sometimes, it starts in the shadows with someone who dares to speak hope when silence would be easier.
Pastor Jamey
Photo Taken By Me
Podcast Worth Listening to
What I Am Reading This Week
Leap Over a Wall : Earthy Spirituality for Everyday Christians
Found Interesting on Social Media
Articles That Caught My Eye
We Tried 11 Brands of Vanilla Ice Cream — and Our No. 1 Pick Is Anything But Boring
Gen Z has a doomscrolling problem
He Revolutionized Travel. Can Airbnb’s Founder Redesign Your Entire Life?
Wimbledon says goodbye to line judges after 148 years of service
North Georgia Nonprofit Highlight
Meet Path United
In neighborhoods often overlooked, such as mobile home parks, Path United is shining a light on hope and opportunity. Rooted in relationships, not quick fixes, this nonprofit empowers kids and their families in Georgia and Tennessee to flourish, not just survive.
What they do:
• Build community centers inside mobile home parks
• Led by certified teachers, youth specialists & volunteers
• Focus on literacy, emotional health, mentoring, faith, and future vision
To volunteer or learn more, contact Meredith Pierce at Meredith@pathunited.org
Click Here to go to the website.
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia
Sunday, July 20 / 9:30am / Reception Hall
All are invited to attend our “One Sunday School” class on July 20th at 9:30am in the Reception Hall. Our Guest Speaker will be Rev. Dr. Thomas Elliott, Jr., Professor in the Practice of Theology and Methodist Studies at Candler School of Theology.
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” — Simon Sinek
“Until the lion tells the story of the hunt, the tale will always glorify the hunter.” — African Proverb
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” — Desmond Tutu
