A similar struggle among families in the ministry is the feeling of living in a fish bowl. They fear the church and community scrutinizes every move they make. They wonder whether they can safely swim within this poisonous habitat. What makes this an unhealthy environment?
A similar occurrence in all aquariums is the growing of algae. An alga develops due to the presence of sun and nutrients (nitrates). The increase of nitrates causes the water to become toxic to the fish. Fresh water is the cure.
The toxins had reached dangerous levels within our fish bowl. With an excess of seventy resumes mailed in six months, we desperately begged the Lord to transfer our family to a new tank. Much to our dismay we were lifted by the nets and seriously considered by a number of churches only to be dumped back into our present living conditions. It became apparent that a new domain was not on our horizon. How were we to continue and survive where we existed now?
We arrived at a pastor/wife conference seeking answers. We gathered with seven other couples from all over the country, discovering other fish just as "icky" as us. We began our exploration with these schoolmates for a new perspective.
Amid our free times, we learned about each other’s guppies. During our daily feedings, we rose to the surface and released our burdens to one another and the Lord. In our group times we sang praises, lifted one another up in prayer, and heard the Word of God taught to us.
One particular night our marina friends prayed over us and anointed us with oil. They spoke encouraging words to us and told us ways in which they saw we were honoring the Lord. We had the privilege of doing the same for them. A healing began within us that generated hope, and our spirits were lifted.
Another evening we learned that if anything interfered and shorten the process of the Lord’s work in us, we might sway from his desires for our lives. We understood that if we attempted to escape the vessel in which we dwelt, we could disrupt the Lord's plan.
As we swam beside one another that week, all of us realized that we had received fresh water. We found our gills soothed with clean air again. The nitrates had lost their toxic effects, and we no longer floundered in fears and doubts. We had been renewed and refreshed. We could breathe and swim in our bowl again.
Beckie Stewart is a mother of 5, one adopted from Kazakhstan.
» left by Jeanne Phillips from Bellmawr, NJ (218 days 22 hours ago.)
Great Job Beckie. A good lesson for us all, turn to the Lord, and be renewed daily. Respond to this comment
» left by Trish (218 days 22 hours ago.)
I love how you related your story to the fish bowl and fish. Made it very interesting. Respond to this comment
» left by kari from Delavan, IL (218 days 20 hours ago.)
Very well written. Great analogy. I'm sure many can relate. Thank you for sharing. Respond to this comment
» left by Jennifer Heckert from Washington (218 days 11 hours ago.)
I've been in a toxic fishbowl, and it stinks! It is so refreshing when we recieve that fresh water! Great writing Beckie, thanks for being so transparent! Respond to this comment
» left by Susan Thom(8,705) Susan Thom (214 days 16 hours ago.)
hi beckie,
this was a well written article with a creative twist.
very interesting.
thanks for sharing with us.
best regards,
sue thom Respond to this comment
» left by April Lorier(0) April Lorier (211 days 11 hours ago.)
Becky, as a preacher's daughter who lived in the fish bowl, I gotta hand it to you, girl! What a creative way to present the pressure of being gawked at, analyzed, and criticized. You know, Chonda Pierce and her hubby have built several retreats for pastor's families -- safe places where every one can "be real". God bless her, 'cause in the parsonage it's very hard to "be real" -- you might be the cause of Daddy losing his job! I love your writing style. It is very unique! Respond to this comment
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