“The only problem with “spiritual gifts” courses is that they rarely encourage us to look at our woundedness in order to find our calling. They direct us toward our passion, but we are not a passionate society, at least not with a passion that is other-directed. Our wounds, not an inventory or a chart, direct us toward our passion. … God activates our gifts to align with our wounds and—as with the Israelites and with the blind man who was healed—God gains glory and others find healing.” (Jane Rubietta in Grace Points)
I’ve been reading Grace Points: Growth and Guidance in Times of Change recently. When I got to this point, I had to stop a think for awhile.
Every Christian holds on tight to Romans 8:28 (…in all things God works for the good of those who love Him…), but I don’t know that I ever put my hurts and my gifts together the way she does. As I look at the way I work, though, things from my past and things I have lived through since all led to passions—things I care very much about or make me feel for others who are going through something similar.
What we care passionately about usually turns into action. At least it should. I grew up in a family that was threatened by communication. If there was a problem with someone, you just didn’t talk to them—some relatives weren’t talked to for years and never even knew why. (At the moment, I’m that relative.)
That’s one reason why communication is so important to me. This newsletter is one example of connecting my passion with my gifts. Women’s Life is designed for busy women—to keep us in touch with each other and build fellowship even when we’re apart.
What do you care about? How has God worked your hurts for good—giving you passions and caring? How can they be put into action?
Interesting questions, aren’t they?