Recently I've been thinking about the different roles Christians have, and how each role is designed to shine the Light to the world in a different way. So I'm curious - how do you think God designed you to shine? What role do you feel led to fill?

For a while now, I've been discovering what I believe is intended to be my role. But I've got a long way to go before I can truly be an encourager, always rejoicing through struggles, always ready to lift people up even when I'm feeling blue. But it's exciting to know what I can do for people, and it's definitely an adventure to learn to fulfill God's will in my attitude and actions.

What about you? How do you feel led to shine?

I have no idea.

I feel led to shine similarly to you, Calista. I have a heart to be an encourager, listener, and counsellor to my brothers and sisters in the Lord. I also feel led to shine through music; praise and worship, allowing God to shine His light through my talents.

I think learning to be a good reflector for God's light is a constant journey that you never finish till the day you die. I just pray I become as shiny as it is humanly possible for me to be by that time.

I feel led to shine simarily to both of you. Recently God has really been leading me to minister to those who are emotionally hurt. He has given me an immense passion for them, my heart, my soul aches for those who are depressed, outcasts. I'm not sure how God wants to use me with this yet. I also have been called to prayer.
And... I'm guessing alot of people here feel this, since it's a writer's forum, but I feel called to write, to bind up the broken hearted with stories that portray darkness well while still having an underlying message of hope.

I'm like that too, except it seems to fade in and out at times, like everything else.

I really have no idea, really.

I don't know for sure...but right now I seem to have a burden to be a friend to people. Share in their happiness and lack thereof, bearing their burdens as I am able, and encouraging when I can.

You are doing a good job of that already, bro.

I just realized I didn't say quite clearly how I feel to shine. I'm very passionate about helping Christians in particular. So many Christians minister to the lost, however there aren't so many who minister to Christians who are often as lost as the unsaved. There are those who are hurting needlessly in countless ways, and I wish to bring the light of God's empowering grace to their lives that they may live victoriously in all areas of their lives, and be blessed with God's abundance. That's my passion.

I suppose my way to shine is twofold - first, being a friend, and second, interacting with babies and young children. (My friends always say "Elly, you're going to be a great mom someday!")

I believe mine is to minster to babies and children, especially those who grow up without parents, or those who grow up without experiencing love and care from parents.

Yes! *high-fives Idril*

I'm glad to hear that. I have good examples to look to.

I too feel lead to shine similarly to you, Milly.

I feel burdened to listen, encourage, pray, and be there for others. Often my heart hurts with more empathy than I think I can stand under. . . God is continually having to remind me I can't do anything without Him.

*high-fives back* We should put up an orphanage together.

We should.

Has anybody else been thinking about this recently?

I've always had a passion for helping the homeless... I'm not sure if that's my calling per se, but it's something I definitely an area I want to serve in.

That's cool, Admiral.

*Loves this thread*

It's so interesting to read the different ways people feel called.

I am often called the peace keeper at home, and I feel that somehow that is a part of who I am. I'm quite a gentle hearted person, and it means I feel things very keenly. I think God has definitely used that in me at home, and one day I would love to be a Mother and a keeper of my own home. Whether that is in God's plans for me or not I do not know.

When I write, I find myself writing for Christians; I know some people may write to influence non believers, and I'm not saying my books wouldn't do that; but my aim is to write for Christians rather than non believers, and that's always been on my heart.

If you were to ask me what my calling in life was, I'm not sure I could point to one specific thing.

*Smiles* And that's why people love you so much, Stephanie.

Aw! That really made me smile, thank you, Calista. *Hugs*

*Hugs back*