Sunday, February 10, 2008

Opinions of the Wise



"One of the things my reason tells me is that I ought to check the results of my own thinking by the opinions of the wise. I go to authority because reason sends me to it-" C.S. Lewis

I am incredibly thankful that God has put people in my life that I can look to when I am uncertain or confused. I am even more grateful that He has weeded enough pride out of my heart so I don't think more highly of myself than I ought and therefore realize when I need insight or direction. This is no small miracle.

There are many people in my life either directly or indirectly who I look to for godly counsel on a variety of issues.

I am extremely emotional. This is a great strength but also a great weakness. My emotions can sometimes become my truth. When I "feel" reason brings me to a certain conclusion I sometimes find my emotions have decieved me. Many times I realize the err in my thinking with the help of someone wiser than I.

I am drawn to those with wisdom, humility, passion, love and joy to name a few. The more He teaches me....the more I want to know. I often look at the lives of those that have wisdom coupled with humility and glean as much as I can from them. I am grateful for those willing to live their lives in the open for His kingdom!

Thank you to all of you who let me peek into your lives...or come in and plop right down on your couch and hang out a while :) I hope you all know who you are. You are BEAUTIFUL to me!

Do you have one or more mentors...directly or indirectly? What type of people are you drawn to?


11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am drawn to people who are comfortable in their own skin and who are willing to get past the superficial stuff and delve right on in to vulnerability.

Kinda like you, Miss Shanna :)

Natalie Witcher said...

I love my girlfriends. They speak to me in so many different ways and I wouldn't be who I am without them. I'm also gaining so many new friends in this blogging world! Thanks Shanna.(Cracks me up how Cindy and I chase each other around this internet!)

Seth, Annelise, Elijah, & Joshua said...

One particular mentor comes to mind. I babysat her children for years. She was the first christian I really knew, and the first christian I saw who lived it! Still to this day when I am going through a hard time, need wisdom, or an encouraging word she is the first I call. And many times the Holy Spirit will prompt her to call me before I get a chance to pick up the phone. I have learned so much wisdom from this lady! I even lived with them in Georgia for a season. I was always amazed at how peaceful their home seemed, I pray and hope my home ministers peace to those who are weary and heavy!

SheriYates said...

off the subject - youve been tagged.

http://sheriyates.blogspot.com/2008/02/13-things-i-have-done.html

Chick4Christ said...

hey! i'm soo with you on this one! i'm learning humility, patience, wisdom, etc too!!

honestly YOU are my main mentor! I even shared this at XL wed night about how much you've impacted my life and how much integrity you have!

Thank you for blessing me :)
i love you shanna!

Jenny-K said...

Wow, I can think of a long list of people who, in different ways, inspire me. My Bible study group is a great example. We range in age from mid-twenties to almost eighty! I think we are all learning some awesome things from each other from many perspectives.

DEEPLY LOVED said...

you know what kinda' people i am drawn to...raw, obnoxiously passionate and out of the "box"

my long life mentors are my parents...I ALWAYS run everything thru them...they always inspire me to stay tunned in to my calling and passion...

I have found many mentors thru writing...learned so much...I think Larry Crabb has written a book for every major identity molding Jesus has done in me...I have met him in person and he is truly a real, God-fearing man...so grateful for his gift...

Aims said...

I am drawn to those who love without reservation, people who have no expectation. I am drawn to people that love me where I'm at. Not with intents to fix me... but just simply love me!! I think all you girls mentor me in some way or another. Sharing your testimony of what God has done for you has often been a big light in my own life. I love you Shanna!! You are truly amazing!!

shanna said...

Cindy...aaww thanks :) I instantly connected with you so I am definitely drawn to those like you!

Natalie...where would we be without godly girlfriends?!?!

Donna...I too had a family take me into their home. They were my first mentors and still are all these years later!

Wendy...you are so precious to me. You are the best god-daughter a girl could ask for. I learn so much from YOU!

Jenny...I love those types of groups...the ones that aren't compartmentalized...

Ejvis...I pray one day my boys say that about me. I too like Larry Crabb!

Amy...I love you too! You are more amazing. I am so thankful God has connected our lives!

Robin Meadows said...

I had a hard time finding mentors in my past---but I have found some very real encouragement and passion in some younger people I've recently had the joy of meeting with! : ) Mentor away!! It's been GREAT for me!

shanna said...

ROBIN!!!! I love you to pieces! Thank you for opening your arms to so many! I feel as if we have been connected for a life time...How in the world does He do that? Your love and encouragement means more than you know. I pray I am half the wife, mommy and Christ follower you are one day :)