Admittedly the seedlings didn’t look like much. BUT- they were a start! Kate had grown them under a light so she could give them to her coworker Kesha. It was a start to greater hope, joy, vision and realized potential in Christ in Kesha’s life. It was a simple way to start something really beautiful in their friendship.
The art of influence can be an overwhelming process for someone like me. I tend to move to the edges of the room at gatherings. I would rather socialize with plants and get the dirt on how their growing. However, God tends me, all of us actually, and wakes us from what is comfortable and easy to grow us into maturity. He calls us out of the deep to showcase His character. He wants us to influence others so they can take notice of who God can be in their life.
Granted, not all of us have big personalities that can easily mingle with others and not feel awkward. However, after years of working through my own fears of possibly influencing others in a negative way, I have gained ground in being true to who I am in Christ and having confidence in knowing who Christ is in me. This alone allows His influential work to happen through me as I move in obedience to His will. Here are 3 keys that help me overcome my own fears:
- We are cultivators, so simply care and enhance what is before you. God creates, He created you, and you, yes you are all that He needs to influence a caring space that draws others under the influence of agape love.
- It sounds cliché but “grow where you’re planted”! Influence the atmosphere by sowing the seed of concern, trust, and hospitality. Your influence can make a world of difference in a hurting world. This Spring sow some seeds for others and give those tiny seedlings to someone new in your life, or volunteer with an organization that serves families, children, the elderly, or have a block party right from your own garden.
- Be open to the possibility that God wants to use your gardening lifestyle, knowledge, and gardening experiences to influence a hurting world. We don’t have to be a social media influencer, but we do need to entrust God with each part of who He has created us to be. Even our gardening lifestyle. Pray with earnest for God to use your gardening lifestyle.
In this issue of ripen – a gardening lifestyle magazine we have some influencers who are changing the way we look at food, how we tend our gardens, and how God’s influence can be seen in every microscopic aspect of our gardening lifestyle.
In our cover story, To Realize A Dream, Joel Salatin shares about his farm and how God is using his farming practices to influence others. Watch our exclusive video conversation and see how he has discovered the beauty and joy of experiencing God by caring for animals.
Take a listen to my interview with Shelley Cramm, blogger, writer, and avid gardener. Shelley provides insight into the wonderful role of God as gardener in her new book My Father is the Gardener”. It is a beautifully illustrated devotional for every gardener. Shelley is influencing others to learn the depth of God’s detail to show us His wisdom through His creation of His botanical mastery. This feature story includes an excerpt from the book for you to enjoy.
As you move into spring time and your garden begins to awake, think about how God can use you to influence others.
Don’t forget to share your story! Email me or post a comment at the bottom of any of our article pages. I truly appreciate learning how your gardening lifestyle is ripening. Be sure to share your ideas for a story.
As always- let’s ripen together!
Kimberly Bloom, Editor
