EVERYDAY HEROES

You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race.  Everyone runs; one wins. 
Run to win.  All good athletes train hard.  They do it for a gold medal
that tarnishes and fades.  You’re after one that’s gold eternally.
I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. 
I’m giving it everything I’ve got.  No sloppy living for me! 
I’m staying alert and in top condition.  I’m not going to get caught napping,
telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.
I Corinthians 9:24:26 (from the Message) 

Heroes are ordinary people who do extraordinary things.  Last year there was a television program called HEROES.  The premise of the program was ordinary people who have been given extraordinary gifts to perform amazing feats.  Well I am not much into the fantasy world of television but I do know some everyday heroes.  To me it is much more exciting to see how God uses everyday people using His gifts to do amazing things.  These heroes are inspirational people doing exceptional things.

My heroes are the women we serve through TouchPoints Ministry.  Everyday women who God uses to bless the lives of so many others. 

Last summer I traveled with my daughter and granddaughter to Orlando Florida where my granddaughter competed in the National Jump Roping competition.  Until my granddaughter joined a team of competitive jump ropers, I had no idea there was such a thing.  I though jumping roping was something that elementary girls did at recess on the playground.

The competition was so fun and amazing to watch, but it was what was printed on the back of the t-shirt of the top team that caught my eye:

 Amateurs train until they get is right…
Champions train until they can’t get it wrong 

This is the stuff of HEROES.  The stuff of heroes and champions is emphasised by three characteristics.  This is what I saw demonstrated on the gym floor, and is what I see in the women we serve.

HEROES MAKE A COMMITMENT to do their very best in what they have been called to do.  They often serve with little or no pay and are available 24/7 to counsel, cheer, coach and cry with those they serve. 

HEROES SERVE WITH DILIGENCE doing what they do in ministry with excellence in order to fulfill the commitments they have made.  This requires clear thinking, skills, increasing knowledge and understanding, and prayerful decisions to meet the ever-changing needs of the women they serve.

HEROES SERVE WITH COURAGE in spite of fears and obstacles.  The Bible is filled with examples of those who served with courage against all odds.  David (overcoming the giant Goliath), Esther (conquering fear to save her people), and Paul (who had the courage to sing in prison).

I call women in ministry HEROES; those who honor Christ and serve women with the same level of commitment, diligence and courage of an athlete.  Leadership that makes a difference in the lives of families, churches and communities.

So to all you you heroes out there… thank you!  As you run the race of ministry, we will be right there cheering you on with encouragement, help and prayers. 

Colleen Nordlund

President
TouchPoints Ministry