Jerks, Screw Ups, and Defining Moments

In our church, we are in the midst of a sermon series about defining moments.  It's been really inspiring in lots of ways, but also kind of awkward for me because when I think about these examples of amazing people having defining moments in their lives that are given from the pulpit, I think about my fits and starts and how I love tripping all over myself.  I think about how I tend to stick my foot in my mouth and say inappropriate things much more often than I make inspiring speeches like MLK or Moses.  I have a dream...that some day I will have a filter between my head and my mouth...

So, as I sit here with 20 minutes to spare before departing for this super-duper important trip where I will be escorting our bishop around beautiful Mozambique, signing new documents to solidify our partnership with our Mozambican brothers and sisters, and essentially beginning a new chapter of ministry,  I think, "this is a defining moment, Sarah", followed quickly by, "don't blow this, Sarah."

But then I think about how I'm really lucky that God tends to choose a bunch of jerks and screw ups to do God's work on earth.  I mean let's be honest, MLK was no saint, right?  A rough personal life.  Moses?  A murderer.  In fact, it wouldn't really be God's work at all if we were already perfect; it would be OUR work.  I think God actually likes choosing jerks and screw ups because then it becomes incredibly obvious that God is truly an amazing God.  It's like God intentionally chooses those people who need the most work (read: prostitutes, tax collectors, sinners), and uses them just to prove a point:  I'm awesome. You're not always awesome.  I got this.

This is oddly soothing.

I say all of this to say that this is truly a defining moment in this ministry.  I'm so, so, so excited about what God is going to do in us, through this trip, for this partnership  And this jerk is incredibly grateful for being chosen.