I best not be tryin’ to steal His glory, hallelujah and amen.
I almost said this at the end of last night’s post, but seeing as it was already as long as today’s to-do list, I decided to wait ’til after you had the chance to read it.
As lovely as it is to get comments telling me that you think I’m amazing or special or anything along those lines, I want to make sure I publicly say that if I were to ever actually fulfill any of those wonderful adjectives, it would only be by the grace of God. And I mean that. And He knows I mean it. And He’s not afraid of putting me in my place which, in case you didn’t know, is typically face down in front of Him.
In fact, not long after hitting “publish” on that post, I talked with one of my best friends, Christan. I knew she had just read the post and I asked her several times if she was absolutely sure that it didn’t sound like I was trying to be prideful or anything along those lines. I am not interested in stealing His glory.
I also wanted to remind you that I don’t spend every day of the week busting through doors and sitting in emergency rooms with girls I serve. Those things do happen (probably more often than you’d think since I rarely write about those experiences) but when I tell you that I have the opportunity to get my hands dirty each day, I really mean it. To me, all the different aspects of my job fall into that category — from the spectacular to the mundane.
In order to have days like yesterday, there have to be other days where we recruit volunteers, raise funds, pay the bills, clean the office, train leaders, etc. I would say that, out of everyone involved in Starlite (including myself), the hundreds of college girls who have served on our leadership team or volunteered with one of our programs are the ones with the dirtiest hands. They’re the ones out there on the front lines each week, getting right in the middle of the messy stuff and yet coming back for more week after week. And, knowing their hearts like I do, they’d never dream of trying to steal His glory either.
On a lighter note, the professor from the class I wrote about in that post left a comment of his own on the post. You can go back to read it for yourself (I think it’s around the 30th comment on the post) but here it is for those of you who don’t feel like clickin’ around today:
Comment from: Dr. Harper Time: January 6, 2009, 12:54 p.m.
For all of those who might have wondered… she did get an “A” that day. All of us in the classroom were wiping the tears from our faces as they streamed down.
I didn’t realize there were only a few minutes of preparation for the delivery of the sermon… but I would say the preparation had already been done months and weeks in advance. That is sort of the way God works.
We preach and teach every day of our lives… not just when we stand behind the sacred desk. In fact, we probably do more preaching every day of our lives in the way we live, show love and treat others, than we will ever do from behind a pulpit.
AB, you have taken what life has given you and others and have figured out a way to make sweet lemonade out of sour lemons. You do have a special gift and I am so thankful you are giving yourself to God on behalf of these young ladies!
Don’t ever let life or circumstances keep you from your call…
Yes, sir.
Posted: January 6th, 2009 under Uncategorized.
Comments: 11
Comments
Comment from taryn in NY
Time: January 6, 2009, 3:00 pm
I did not think you sounded too prideful at all. I think you’re very humble about what you do. Your professor hit the nail right on the head when he said that “you do have a special gift”. You are making a difference in people’s lives…by the grace of God.
) XOXOXO
Comment from Lindsay
Time: January 6, 2009, 3:04 pm
ditto to Beth P. (thanks for sending me the link Beth) … and To HIM be the GLORY!!
Comment from Jennifer M.
Time: January 6, 2009, 4:15 pm
The last thing I would call you is prideful… well there are a lot of things I wouldn’t call you at all! 
I got the message… I think others did too.
Love you Amy Beth!
When are we having our movie night? Call Jenn and lets make some plans!
Girly movie marathon here we come!!!!!
Comment from amykay
Time: January 6, 2009, 5:42 pm
it goes without saying, but thanks for saying it! i think we HAVE to talk about the good work God is doing, as a reminder to each other that He is present in this time, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. and sometimes the good work God is doing is through us, as unbelievable as that may be. but don’t worry, your heart for God shines through your words. we get it.
Comment from Fran
Time: January 6, 2009, 6:34 pm
I’m crying all over again AB. And, you sure don’t steal any glory from Him. Nope. He is beautiful through you.
Hugs,
Fran
Comment from Christine
Time: January 6, 2009, 7:36 pm
I certainly didn’t get the impression that you were being prideful in that post, nor do I get that impression at any time when I read about what you do. I think that you’re an amazing woman for doing what you do. For my part, the admiration and praise comes from a place of gratitude and respect for the gifts God has given you to do the work that you do. That you’re willing to say yes to Him when you have to get your hands dirty, knowing that often your heart will likely get broken at the same time. I couldn’t even begin to do the things for God’s kingdom that you do. Put me in your place or the place of any of your leaders or team members and I’d be a frustrated, weeping, useless mess! Thanks to all of you for being such willing servants to those young girls. I serve in other ways doing things that I know other people aren’t gifted with. My reaction is much the same as yours is when people give me praise for it – to God be the glory, certainly not me! But I understand a bit better now why people say that to me. And I really hope and pray that my daughters will have young women in their lives like you and your college girls!
Comment from Theresa
Time: January 6, 2009, 8:18 pm
Ditto Christine!!
Comment from trs
Time: January 7, 2009, 4:34 am
Prideful didn’t even occur to me.
you were just telling us about the Lord working for you and through you. We get that.
You, dear sweet Amy Beth – are the shining surface of water reflecting His light. It’s beautiful. It’s stunning. We admire it – we are drawn to it – but we know it is not possible without the light. (and even when we don’t know it – it’s still true)
Comment from Kelley
Time: January 7, 2009, 10:18 am
I didn’t think you were being prideful, either. As TRS said, “you were just telling us about the Lord working for you and through you.”
I was also happy to read that you got an A. Well earned, my dear! : )
Comment from sweethomealagirl
Time: January 7, 2009, 11:52 pm
i found you a few months ago, tho i have never commented. i haven’t been here in a while & have been hurting for you since returning and reading how some things have changed (with your roomie especially). i want you to know that you have encouraged me with the previous post, and i want to encourage you to continue on in this great calling. God has great things for you!
back to Home
Comment from BethP
Time: January 6, 2009, 2:19 pm
ugh… I am filled with tears at the information desk where I work. Thanks so much… thank you.