A CALL TO LEADERSHIP

In order for a turning point to take place, one must change direction at some point in time. My initial turning point began in the summer of 1989. The Lord had been dealing heavily with my spirit concerning my place in ministry. Like Jonah, I had not been going in the direction God had called me to go.

Although I had an inner desire and a burden for ministry, I had also been contending with a deep, fearful spirit that hindered me from committing to God’s call to step into a higher level of leadership. As God began to deal with me, I knew that it was time to settle the conflict and make some decisions. It had to be all or nothing because 99 ½ would not do. Therefore, I purposed in my heart and mind to surrender all to Jesus, realizing that for me to overcome, I had to do that which I feared.

Subsequently at that time, when I was approached by the Youth President to assist with the development of the Youth Ministry I slowly voiced my acceptance. A few months later when I was asked to assist as co-teacher for the Church School Ministry, I also accepted. As for my writing ability, I had determined to be more disciplined and consistent.

In changing direction, my motto became: “Just Do It!” I had to just do what needed to be done without yielding to anxieties. I determined not to hinder myself nor allow anyone or anything to do so either. My purpose then and now is to be available and allow God to use me completely and effectively in His service, so that He may get glory in all that is said and done.

For those of you who can relate and are approaching a crux in your own lives, the following insights outline the process of my turning point:

1. Acknowledge – Acknowledge the fears and the fact that you are not on your truest path.

2. Determine – Decide to make different choices, to set goals and take steps in the right direction in spite of fear.

3. Act – Respond to the decision with a tangible action. Do something that has been pressing on you and you know to be right, but have been avoiding.

4. Learn – Recognize what transpired through your experience and document what it was, how you handled it, and what lessons you learned.

5. Remember – Remember the experience as a positive testimony to review or share during a time when you may need to encourage yourself or someone else.

Author's Bio: 

Jo Anne Meekins is a spiritual leader and founder of Inspired 4 U Ministries LLC (www.joannemeekins-inspired4u.com), providing inspiring poetry, informational articles, and motivational messages to encourage, enlighten, and facilitate hope and transformation in the world at large.

Jo Anne is also the author of two books: ON SOLID GROUND: Inspirational Poetry For All Occasions, a book for all ages that includes poems of encouragement, challenge, relationship, celebration, comfort, testimony, ethnocentric expression; and scripture references for each poem; and For Such A Time As This, a 16-poem collection of scripture poems, poetic bible character narratives and sermon summaries. Both available for purchase at www.onsolidgroundpoetry.com.

In addition, Jo Anne is a blogger at www.Hubpages.com/profile/Inspired+4+U; a member of the Boost In Your Bathrobe Prayer Line leadership team (http://liveyourdestinytoday.com/boost-in-your-bathrobe); a founding lifetime member of Women In Ministry International/ Wisdom Women Worldwide Interfaith Center; a member of the National Writers Union; and she formerly worked as a policy & procedure writer for 7 years at Healthfirst health plan before resigning on July 30, 2010 to pursue her passion for ministry on a full time basis.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Mental Health at New York Institute of Technology; a certificate in Basic Journalism & Poetry from Writers Institute; and a certificate in Communication Skills from the NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies.