Small Steps On The Path Of Service by Bob Jones

I was fifteen years old when Commander Neil Armstrong stepped out of Apollo 11 and on to the moon’s surface. The Jones family was vacationing at our cottage on Georgian Bay in Ontario. We huddled in close around our 13” black and white TV screen, straining to see and hear. “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”

For most people July 20, 1969 is connected to their love affair with space and exploration. Or it’s a date associated with vision and achievement. President John F. Kennedy cast his vision in 1961 of “achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth.”

For me, the lunar landing and walk was about Armstrong’s immortal sentence. I didn’t know it then but I had fallen under the spell of the power of wisely chosen words. “Small step,” “giant leap” “man” and “mankind” in and of themselves don’t amount to much but coupled together and spoken from space are to-the-moon-and-back-kind of genius.

As a writer, are you taking small steps towards your own immortality through words? I am. It matters to me when someone pays attention to or was helped by my writing. It should matter to you, too.

Isn’t it heady stuff to see your words tweeted out or displayed on Pinterest or in a meme? How about having someone reference your writing in a magazine or newspaper article or blog post? Better still, someone’s life being literally changed because of an experience or learning you put into words.

T. L. Wiens was spot on in her Inscribe post, The Difference An Article Made, about writing on familiar subjects. “We might have similar stories but we all have different audiences.”

JoyleneBailey offered some great insight into how there are no missteps in following the Lord’s leading. “Sometimes it’s the small steps in the “wrong” direction that lead to valuable giant leaps. Even those misplaced steps are not wasted. And who can say if they really were misplaced?”

Many times Jesus' disciples seemed headed in the wrong direction.  Once the Master listener caught them arguing over who would be the greatest in the kingdom. The disciples felt sheepish. Certainly they had taken a misstep. It is worth noting that Jesus didn’t chastise or criticize his disciples’ lofty aspirations. Jesus helped his closest followers discover the path of greatness. “Be the servant of all.”

As a writer I want to be a friend to other writers. I hope one day my writing will have enough substance to serve others by being quoted (or even plagiarized) by communicators inspired by my words.

If ever you read anything I’ve written and want to quote it, you have my permission to say, “My friend, Bob Jones said…”

Robert (Bob) W. Jones is a recovering perfectionist, who collects Coca-Cola memorabilia and drinks Iced Tea. His office walls are adorned with his sons’ framed football jerseys, and his library shelves, with soul food. He writes to inspire people to be real, grow an authentic faith in Jesus, enjoy healthy relationships and discover their life purpose.

Connection Through Service by Karma Pratt

Sometimes life can feel lonely, and we experience sadness in the midst of our days. As a writer, this can be magnified by our solitary pursuit, and the time dedicated to putting words on paper.

I find healing through writing. Pouring the words from my heart out onto the page, no matter the purpose, provides a cathartic release for all the parts of me that I've kept bottled up. Whether it's a devotional column destined for FellowScript, a blog post, or a journal entry between me and God, writing is the conduit through which grace flows. 

God knows my heart, and my weakness. He knows my inclination to retreat, and isolate myself from others. Knowing this, he set me up for success when he introduced me to InScribe (through a friend of a friend, no less!) This writing community is the place where I have "come home" to my writing, and found the encouragement and inspiration to continue pushing past my comfort zone into the life and work God has called me to.

I am a very new member to InScribe, having attended my first Fall Conference in September 2015. I was so excited to participate in the conference. I could see God's hand at work in every interaction. I remember sitting next to Bobbi Junior, introducing ourselves during a workshop icebreaker. She told me she wanted to "sit on her hands" when the call came to fill Executive positions, but she volunteered anyway, because that's what God wanted her to do.

Those words proved prophetic for me. When the call came for volunteers at the 2015 AGM, I tried to sit on my hands as well, but God had other plans. I was called to serve InScribe as a member of the Executive.

My connection with the other members of the board has helped me grow significantly as a writer. I very quickly saw the places where I could help contribute to the success of InScribe, while honing my writing skills and learning so much about the craft of writing in the process. I am thankful for the opportunity to apply my skills and experience in professional communication to serve this community. 

Perhaps you feel isolated too? If you can't quite shake that loneliness, or sadness you're experiencing now, reach out to this community of heartfelt, faith-driven writers. Send a quick email or text. Make a call. Reach out to your InScribe family. Don't allow isolation to have the final say. 

This is the beauty of belonging to an organization of Christ followers. We are all seeking His face. We're tuned into the frequency that God's broadcasting on in our lives. We are here for each other.

If you're struggling in any way, know that you're not alone. If you find you have a tendency to turtle like I do, get involved on a deeper level. Volunteer to help out with something. It can be easy to not check Listserv messages, or breeze through the latest copy of FellowScript. Offering up your hands and hearts for service within this community is way to ensure a stronger connection between yourself and your fellow writers.

I am so thankful for the amazing writers God has brought alongside me to walk this path. Life doesn't seem so lonely anymore. 

The song below is called Great are you Lord, by All Sons and Daughters. I am so encouraged by this song. It seemed like a good one to share. Be blessed, everyone.

Karma Pratt is a faith-driven mom of twins, a communicator, a writer, and an encourager from way back. 

You can find Karma online at redraincoatcreations.com or connect on Twitter, Facebook, & LinkedIn, or check out the Passionate. Persistent. Vibrant. Life. Project! 

A Field Guide to the 'Service' Species

(With references for further study)

SERVICE: servitus

Found in every habitat from mountaintop to sea level, rain forest to desert, country to city and palace to prison. Most have plain, unremarkable plumage, although there are a few showy varieties. Regarding song - some weep others sing, one is known for its strident call but most are silent, secretive fowl.

COMMON SERVICE
Field marks: Most prominent features are its practical eye and generous spirit.
Voice: Often silent, though some sing a song of comfort to the weary.
Where found: Widespread. Seen often in city slums, prisons, orphanages, hospitals, roadsides.
(Master Field Guide: Isaiah 50:4 Matthew 25:36,37; Luke 10:34)

HOUSE SERVICE
Field marks: Note the efficient hands and thrifty outlook.
Voice: Warbles kindness and faithfulness. Is also known for its chirps of wisdom.
Where found: Breeds anywhere there is need of food, clothing and shelter. Found widely in kitchens and sewing rooms.
(Master Field Guide: Acts 9:36-39; Proverbs 31:10-31)

SHOWY SERVICE (Also known as MASKED SERVICE)
Field marks: Eye-catching, bright plumage.
Voice: A strident, trumpet-like call.
Where found: Found most commonly in public. Often sighted on streets, in churches and other places where it will be noticed.
(Master Field Guide: Matthew 6:1,2)

YELLOW-BELLIED SERVICE
Field marks: Always lured by fine clothes, money, the aura of success and influence.
Voice: Only sings in the presence of the rich, famous and powerful – a series of fawning whistles.
Where found: Widespread - especially common in the marketplace, although this variety has also been sighted in church.
(Master Field Guide: James 2:1-9)

PAINTED SERVICE
Field marks: Easily identified by its outer feathers of partial obedience, its defensive posture and ability to rationalize.
Voice: Sweet notes, followed by a sharp hissing when its ruse is uncovered. It has also been heard to cry plaintively.
Where found: Breeds in a climate of self-will and rebellion.
(Master Field Guide: 1 Samuel 15)

SOLITARY SERVICE
Field marks: Note the watchful stance and habits of whole-heartedness, reliability and perseverance.
Voice: Silent.
Where found: Observed widely in the marketplace, in churches and homes. It is known not to migrate; individuals stick with duties and commitments.
(Master Field Guide: Mark 13:33-37; Ephesians 6:7; Philippians 2:12,13)

MOURNING SERVICE (also known as SONG SERVICE)
Field marks: Often seen laden with Kingdom seed, planting, watering and harvesting.
Voice: a cry of compassion which, as the season progresses, changes to joyful song.
Where found: Always near soil.
(Master Field Guide: Psalm 126:4,5; John 4:34-37; I Corinthians 3:5-9)

LESSER SERVICE
Field marks: Frequently sighted with water - either dispensing it as a cold drink or using it to wash feet.
Voice: Silent
Where found: Breeds and thrives in the presence of the simplest and most basic needs.
(Master Field Guide: Matthew 10:42; John 13:3-17)

GREATER SERVICE
Field marks: Most often observed setting a good example, rich in love and good deeds. A common sight with this variety is the imitation it inspires in others.
Voice: Sings an encouraging call with God-honoring praise notes.
Where found: On hilltops and lampstands as well as in flocks where a willing spirit is evident.
(Master Field Guide: Matthew 6:13-16; Titus 2:7,8; Hebrews 10:24,25)

BLOOD-RED SERVICE
Field marks: Only one sighting ever reported. Identified by its unusual humility and obedience. Resulted in the shedding of blood and death on a cross.
Voice: An agonizing cry: “It is finished!”
Where found: Breeds in repentant hearts. Effects of this service found in all redeemed mankind to this day. Also known to presently inhabit the Highest Place.
(Master Field Guide: Matthew 20:28; Philippians 2:5-11)

WANDERING SERVICE
Field marks: Often characterized by miracles, power over dark spirits, supernatural communication and protection.
Voice: Strong clear call, proclaiming the Gospel.
Where found: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, to the ends of the earth.
(Master Field Guide: Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:46-48; Acts 1:8)

GOLDEN-CROWNED SERVICE
Field marks: Note the crown of unfading glory. This variety has also been observed to cast this crown before the Almighty.
Voice: A repetitive, awe-inspiring cry: “Holy, Holy, Holy.”
Where found: In heaven, before the throne of God.
(Master Field Guide: Matthew 6:4; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 14)

Copyright © Violet Nesdoly - 2003

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I wrote this parody in response to a FaithWriters writing prompt some years ago. I believe it was published in their first book of collected writings by members. I have flogged it in a few more places but with no success. It's probably too weird for most. It was fun to write though.