Sheila Dougal

I’ve been thinking about 1 Thessalonians 2 a lot today.

It’s such a great telling of what the life free of the fear of man looks like as well as a blueprint for ministry, even as a mom and wife. To boldly speak the gospel amidst conflict.  To be gentle, speaking not to please men, but God.  Not flattering or being motivated by greed, but nurturing, like a mother. Sharing not only the gospel, but your life.  Working, so as to not be a burden. Exorting, encouraging and charging, like a father.

I care way too much what people think.  At least the old me does.  I see this tendency in me and I also see Christ at work. Light shining on my darkness, exposing these crippling chains to the fear of man.  And the more I walk with him, the more and more I see how freeing it is to follow Jesus.  It is so true that if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed. He’s freeing me from the fear of man, which is a snare.

Well, that’s my short post for tonight.  There’s much to say but I’m pooped. I’ve been writing more poetry lately probably because less words are speaking more.

Here’s a short poem in my tired thoughts about 1 Thessalonians 2.

Free

by Sheila Dougal

O man you love to sound worthy

As though I should feel guilty

If I do not please you

Will you leave me?

But Jesus comes

Man of Sorrows

Rejected

Healing lepers

No man can free

Like Jesus’ decree

“Come unto me”

Tis gentle, bold

Sans flattery

The one who has been

Freed by Thee