Welcome to the first Five Minute Friday link-up of November 2022! It’s hard to believe we’re about to enter the holiday season, isn’t it?
If you’re new to the Five Minute Friday Writing Community, an extra special welcome to you!
You can learn more about the link-up and how to join here.
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This week’s FMF writing prompt is: PERFORM
Setting my timer for five minutes, and . . . GO.Â
I’ve recently been privileged to attend some amazing performances, including a Soweto Gospel Choir concert in my hometown. Many of you know my husband is South African, so this was a particularly special performance to see and hear so many South Africans singing and speaking in various South African languages. I loved seeing the bright, colorful attire, watching the familiar dance moves, and hearing familiar sounds and phrases.
As much as I am in awe of the gifts and talents that God has given men and women, I’m also so thankful that we don’t have to perform in our relationship with Him. I’m certainly not saying it’s wrong (at all!) to use gifts like singing, acting, storytelling, etc. . . . But I’m so thankful that there is no expectation from my Heavenly Father for me to deliver a five-star performance. He invites me to come as I am. Broken, needy, and weak. In desperate need of a Savior. No performance could ever persuade Him that I was worthy of His love or grace . . . and yet He offers it freely.
He sees through it all and knows me for exactly who I am — and still loves me. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.
STOP.Â
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Featured Resource
Influence: Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus (Not Me)
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Join the link-up with your own five-minute freewrite below, then visit your link-up neighbor to read their post and leave an encouraging comment:Â
I’ve heard the Soweto Gospel Choir. It’s the music of Heaven.
I don’t have to perform for God,
the Gospels make that very clear,
but the river is quite broad,
and for sure I must perform down here,
and with my fabric now a wreck
there is no margin, no release,
and I cannot write a cheque
to give just one day of peace,
but life is what we make each day,
and each task deserves our best,
so smell the roses ‘long the way,
and hold their fragrance to your chest
until the hour of your death,
for their scent is God’s holy breath.
Four minutes 45 seconds. Cutting it close.
What a blessing that we can just BE with our Lord and he doesn’t require us to jump through hoops to earn his favour.