Re-entry: Encouragement in Your New Position
“Are you willing to assume your position?”
About a year and a half ago, at a women’s retreat, LaTan Roland Murphy challenged us to be courageous and answer that question. Two hundred women had personal interpretations and questions. “What is my position, why would I assume it, and where would it take me?”
Those positions—places in how we are poised to “do life”– ranged from pursuing a new adventure, relinquishing one activity to pursue another, developing a more intentional prayer life, and more. With enthusiasm and a few tears, women responded, “Ready, set, here we come!” Women left the meeting with anticipation, resolve, and curiosity about what was ahead.
Everyone’s new position met an unexpected life interruption the following year–the pandemic. That new position was one we never expected to assume. My grandchildren left a classroom to a position at a computer screen and instruction from their Mom. Several friends no longer went to work but were either furloughed or worked from home. For me, social distancing meant online worship and no gatherings in homes with friends and family.
Now months later, we are in another position of re-entry and recovery. We may be starting over, starting again, or staying in place. What frames our perspective so we “do life” well and respect others’ choices that are different from ours? As we think about our personal responses to reentry, we may or may not like social distancing in shops and restaurants. We may shudder when we see a fellow customer wearing a mask or cringe when a server isn’t wearing gloves. We may feel inconvenienced and annoyed; perhaps ignored. We have our individual opinions, thoughts, and criticism on re-entry and responding to our community and its guidelines.
As churches, retail, restaurants, and services open, we choose how and when we will adjust and participate. In my quiet time yesterday, I thought of several scriptures I want to try to apply as I adjust my thinking and begin re-entry to life positions that are different and in some cases, not in the way I would choose or like.
God’s truth can frame our thinking, guide our communication, and influence action to live in harmony and humility.
“What is my position, why would I assume it, and where would it take me?” Scroll through the gallery, click on an image, and see if one or more of these verses frames your position in re-entry. Do you have one to add?
The Conversation
Thank you Ms. Marilyn. Lots to think, and pray, about here ma’am. We each must decide what we believe is best in our unique circumstances. For me, the key is not to judge the decisions of others. Respect their decisions as much as I hope they respect mine. Well said ma’am.
I agree, JD. It boils down to mutual respect. Thanks for sharing. Marilyn
I have been struggling with finding my position for the past several months. As I looked at the suggested verses, the one that resonates for me in this turbulent and fearful time is Colossians 4:6. I want the words speak and write to bring God’s truth, peace, love, and grace to everyone I know.
Thank you for sharing words well worth pondering.
Thank you Erin for entering the conversation and sharing your verse. Marilyn
Marilyn, I had not thought about re-entry this way. What a good way to look at change in general. I love your beautiful meme library!
Thank you Jeannie. Re-entry is not simple. I want scripture to guide my perspective. Marilyn
All your scripture could apply to me on any given day during this whole process. But Romans 12:12 spoke to me loudly today. I’ve struggled with patience and joy and haven’t been as faithful with my God time as I should/could have.
Thanks for the idea to cling to a Bible verse as we assume our positions!
Thank you Candyce. Scripture is alive and is applicable on different levels in our personal lives and a culture full of change and challenges. I appreciate your taking the time to comment. Marilyn
My heart says, walk as children of light and encourage one another – I will dwell on these, asking that question–where do I go from here?
Thanks, Marilyn. This time has surely been a challenge, But one I think God will stretch us in many ways to make us willing and able to move forward with what is coming next.
Yes, Jeanne. My post was written a while ago and “things began to open”, but the principles apply to all of our challenges. Thanks for sharing. Marilyn
Any of those verses would apply to what we are going through now, but the one that resonates with me is 1 Thessalonians 5:11. We need to be encouraging each other and building each other up now more than ever before.
Barbara, I so agree. Marilyn
This concept of taking our position and accepting the positions of others is so relevant now. It’s amazing to look at social media comments where people assume they know what everyone is dealing with and going through. But, what an encouragement that there is always a new position we can step into!