Tell me who you are
For the growing good of the world
Tell me who you are.
Tell me your own holy labor. The work you do, whether seen or unseen.
Beyond links and quick clicks. Beyond social media and sound bytes.
I want to know more of the good work of God’s people.
When I pondered what to share in today’s Holy Labor, I was struck by one laser-sharp truth. Most people I know, whether friends or family or folks I admire from afar, are doing their work beyond the spotlight.
They don’t have a presence online; they cultivate presence in person. Their work is complex or quiet or confidential; it’s not easily shared.
But I long to know more of what you and the ones you love are doing to bring good work into the world.
So today, rather than sharing a round-up of books to read or links I’ve loved, I have a request for you.
Would you comment below and tell us about one person you know whose work inspires you, away from the public eye?
It could be your spouse, your child, your best friend. Your neighbor down the street or your co-worker in the next cubicle.
I want to celebrate (even anonymously) more of the holy labor of God’s people, beyond products or platform or popularity. All that fades away, while most of the impact we have on each other is done through everyday encounters and ordinary work.
Let these short stories we share today be the inspiration for your own holy labor that lies ahead.
“...for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.”
(George Eliot, Middlemarch)
Peace,
Laura
Connect with me on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Find my books here: Everyday Sacrament | Grieving Together | Prayers for Pregnancy & Birth | To Bless Our Callings | Living Your Discipleship
We have a housemate who struggles with unknown autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, & chronic pain. She moved in with my family (with four small children) because she wanted to combat isolation & be in a position to put her life more in common. I learn from her example of perseverance, attentive conversation, consideration, intercession, and peace every day. She is not able to work full time, but spends her time as a "companion" for the Sisters of Holy Cross on their dementia ward, as a NICU rocker, helping with toddler child care so friends can homeschool their older kids, and visiting with many people. God bless Paula! I honor her.
I am doing the hard work of walking with my husband in his recovery to pornography. I have been walking for 7 years of the 7.5 years of our marriage, when I came to know. I have been walking forward in faith, hope and trust that the Lord never leaves his own. It is a labor that is unseen and unknown except for a few of the closest in our lives. It is a labor that has resurfaced many of the healing wounds of my childhood with an alcoholic father. It is a labor that is exhausting as I stand still with the Lord to fight for him, fight for the truth and fight for our marriage. It is a labor that makes me run for the arms of my Father, clinging to the promises that he has placed in my heart. It is truly a labor of love.