JUST DO THE THING!

I used to read Jen Hatmaker’s books.  Jen and I don’t agree on much anymore, but I can still read one of her older books and soak in so much from them.  In one of those older books she was talking about how she would see people doing things in communities and had the desire to be involved, too. She wished could be a part of something similar to what they had.  Due to location, lack of personal ties, or whatever reason she wasn’t able to join. Then, she went on to say, she knew how community is important and she wanted so badly to have what she witnessed, so she asked herself, “why can’t I start my own?”  Then, she did.  She started a supper club with some friends that met for several years. They grew to be the best of friends and the community she was longing for and needed. 

That one nugget from her “ah-ha” moment has stuck with me over the years.  I’ve probably taken it way too far. Because now, if there is a “thing” that I see a need for and no one else is doing it, my new mindset is “why can’t I start that on my own?” Then… I chase the rabbit.

The first thing I did after reading that book was think about what it was I was desiring. Then, I realized how I desired to be a part of a book club. If you know me, you know I LOVE books. More specifically, I desired a book club that read Christian books.  As a Christian, you’re constantly protecting yourself, heart, mind, eyes and ears from things that can cause you to go astray. I knew what I needed was a book club built around Jesus.  I prayed, journaled and started talking with my friends and family who read similar books and our Bible Book Club (BBC) was formed. 

I’m excited to say that we have been reading together for over 7 years as of 2023.  Through our book club we read Christian books, have Christmas parties, attend church events together, serve one another, serve others and have a Biblical community. What is so beautiful to me is that these are women of different denominations and churches.  We’ve really grown in our faith together.  Just starting this book club and seeing the impact on my life has given me encouragement to start many other adventures. After the seeing the fruit of starting “the thing,” I try to encourage others to do the same!  Now, with the help of the Lord, He’s blessed and assisted me in starting a mentoring program, a home church (small church service in our home alongside my son), Bible studies and encouraged others to start a grief ministry at their local church, a Bible study and mentoring relationships. 

Another one of my friends recently saw a need to do a Bible study. So she started one in her home to minister to women outside of the church.  This wasn’t something I inspired, but something she saw a need for and decided to go for it. God has blessed this Bible Study and she now has over 12 women who are a part of it meeting monthly to go through a book of the Bible verse by verse!  She’s introducing women to one another, they’re praying and most importantly growing closer to Jesus, together!

If you see a need , or something that will help a cause, why not try to put legs to it?!  Take the step and if the Lord is calling you to it, definitely be obedient. Take it from someone who has reaped the benefits of such a thing. Of course, I suggest praying and asking God for wisdom and guidance.  Find some people to come alongside you, put your head down, and do the thing.  What you’re doing may be exactly what someone else needs to help minister to their souls, to connect them to Jesus or to just be a catalyst in their life for positive change. So, here I am starting a blog, to JUST DO THE (NEXT) THING that I see a need for. What about you?

Some questions to consider:

Is God showing me/revealing a need that exists around me?

What is the thing that there is a need for?

Who are some people that could come alongside me in this (or is this something I need to do on my own)?

What would this look like?

How often would it occur (monthly, weekly, daily) if applicable? 

Where would it take place (in a home, Facebook group, text group, zoom call, coffee shop, website…)?