the other day i was given a bag full of encouragement notes, written by attendees at the cincinatti and atlanta national youth workers conventions. it’s a beautiful stack of back-pats and heart-hugs, really. i’m about 1/3 the way through reading them so far; but one of them really caught my attention, and made me laugh out loud (and bring it out to read to others in the house).
Marko,
I’m not surprised you got FIRED! It was completely all your fault. You kept Jesus as number one, you were still, you ignored corporate values, you thought small, you were real, you put your family first, and you sought kingdom values. What did you think would happen, you idiot?!?
no signature, no name. not even a “hope you’re well” or well-wish. just those awesomely sarcastic, yet wildly loving three sentences.
i’m not sure that’s all true — but it sure did make me crack up and encourage me at the same time!
Getting fired for the glory of God? Hmmmmmmmmmm?
Sounds very much like someone’s been reading some Mike Y stuff! Encouragement for all methinks. Si
That makes me take a step back and look at how I’m going about my day to day. Way to go….idiot. =) That word has a new found warmth for me now.
Marko, not sure how to get a hold of you otherwise, but was wondering about consulting/seminar/speaking fees. I am a leadership coordinator for our denomination’s northern indiana district and was just wondering what your schedule/prices might look like for a group training session or consultation.
This reminded me of a line from Invictus where Mandela’s assistant told him:
“You’re risking your future as our leader.”
To which Mandela replied:
“The day I am afraid to do that is the day I am no longer fit to lead.”
I’m applying for a youth ministry position right now, and I’ve had to be aware that if I’m true to who I know Jesus to be, I’m probably going to piss some people off, and I could definitely get fired (if I ever even get hired). But to see people living it out is inspiring, refreshing, and pretty fly.
I’m thinking its a Certain guy who went to the convention and lives near Kent State … but that’s my only thought.
Gotta love the humor of a youth pastor…idiot….retard….stupid….. all part of our daily conversations to those we love =)
I agree with Phil. These are only terms of endearment in the youth ministry world.
not to ruin anyone’s fun (though i’m sure it might), please be careful when using the word “retard.” i only say this as the mother of a special needs/’retarded’ daughter. i worked @ ys for 7 years and greatly appreciate yw’s humor, so know i’m not trying to be a party-pooper. and whether or not you think of me as too sensitive or politically correct, please know that my only problem in any of the above comments is that one word. and it’s because i struggle with the true meaning of that word every single day. and it really sucks.
I think it was Yac’s note to you. That’s exactly what he wants to say to you right now brother. Know that we love you and are praying for you. We’ve never met, but I’m grateful for your ministry and for the gift you are to the Kingdom!