WEDNESDAY'S WORD - ANONYMITY - Sadell Bradley - 1/31/18 - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"I wanted to have the adoration of John Lennon but have the anonymity of Ringo Starr. I didn't want to be a front man. I just wanted to be back there and still be a rock and roll star at the same time." - Kurt Cobain    Anonymity has always been important to me. My son asked me to record a Facebook Live worship video. I recoiled in horror at the thought, not because I believe there is anything inherently wrong with it; it just isn't my cup of tea. I take very few selfies. I don't release videos of myself pontificating. I prefer writing. Though my picture is atop the blog, I'm not seen or heard and I can edit. : ) He asked, "What's the difference between doing a FB Live and having your blog read thousands of times?" A LOT! Most people still have no idea who I am in public until introduced. Historically, I've wanted to make a significant impact without drawing attention. ANONYMITY is the condition of being anonymous- not identified, or of unknown name. In the past I've embraced behind the scenes work more than the forefront, and enjoyed being an unrecognized person of influence. This quote from the Wizard of Oz has been a favorite, "Pay no attention to the man (woman) behind the curtain!"  Marla Maples, President Trump's second wife said, "The problem with losing your anonymity is that you can never go back." That is all too real to me, but these days the LORD is challenging my desires for anonymity.    Many Biblical personages were not background folks, and if they were...God brought them to the forefront. Newly appointed king Saul was hiding where the supplies were stored when he was summoned. (1 Sam. 10:22) Gideon replied, "Who me?" when God called him a mighty man of valor, despite his base heritage (Judges 6) Jesus called His greatest leaders walking the beach (Matt. 4:18-22), from a tax office (Matthew 5:27-32), under a fig tree (John 1:29), and along the Damascus road. (Acts 9) Eventually they would end up preaching and healing in synagogues, city squares, before governments and kings. Ignoble sheep herders, orphans and felons became monarchs and deliverers. Abram, though separated from his father's house, would be blessed. His name would be made great. He would have numerous seed who would be a blessing to all the families of the earth. (Gen 12:1-3;15:5-6, 17:5-8) Despite being an orphan, Esther was chosen to come out of the shadows and free her people not as an ordinary maid, but as an extraordinary queen poised to be in the kingdom, "for a time such as this." (Est. 4:14)     "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt. 5:14-16)    The key words for me are...LET and SEE! The light it shining, but no one can see it because you want anonymity. The town is being built, but you're doing it in secret. Stop covering up the light, and stop building underground. Overcome your shyness, introversion, insecurities, hiding or whatever is holding you back; SHINE, get on the lampstand and LET THEM SEE! Most important, give folks a chance by seeing you to glorify the Father in Heaven. To Him be all praise now and forever!

SUNDAY Worship 11:00 AM Worship The Great Room Sunday Class 9:30 AM Youth Room Basement at Wyoming Presbyterian 225 Wyoming Ave., 45215 For information 513-212-1131