H7 Story: Leading With Vulnerability
Team Code Maxim 6 says "We Lead with Vulnerability".
Life is not easy. And no one probably knows that better than Bonita Colley who lives with several autoimmune diseases (including MS). “When you struggle, you can get depressed very quickly,” Bonita Colley told me. “I choose to step out and do God’s will for I know He gives me the ability.”
Despite her physical and mental challenges, Bonita reminds herself frequently that our Creator has fearfully and wonderfully made her and knew the struggles she would face. “We are told to be the hands and feet of our Savior Jesus while on this Earth. God delights in sharing His work with us and that gives me joy to work alongside Him.”
Each Sunday, Bonita and her husband Bill help prepare for Sunday service by making sure the Volunteer Headquarters (VHQ) is stocked and ready with snacks and coffee for those who serve. They also help with preparation for communion. And it isn’t just Sundays that they do this behind-the-scenes work. When there is an outreach event in the community or the school, Bonita is often there, making sure all the supplies (plates, tablecloths, plasticware, etc) are prepped and ready to go.
“It takes my mind off my struggles and gives me a heart for Christ and His desire for His creation,” Bonita remarked. “That is what I'm here for, whether physical or heart labor. The joy of the Lord is my strength.”
Connections Director Kendra Hinkle agreed. “They are in the building weekly to literally prep and prepare the boring stuff, They are faithful servants, even when Bonita is going through terrible physical struggles.”
Bill told me that the most important reason he chooses to serve at FCC is because of the words written in Matthew 20:28: Just as the son of man did not come to be served but to serve. “In doing so I put aside my own agenda and adhere to God's direction for me,” Bill explained. “God has blessed me so much with His Love and grace that I so often need, so in return I feel my serving is a small way to show my love and gratitude for Him. God blessed me with gifts and talents to use to bring Him Glory.”
Being willing to show up even when her own pain and discomfort could easily give her a reason to stay home coupled with this couple’s willingness to simply be in the background with no one seeing what they do is truly a calling from the Lord. And it was for all of these reasons that this amazing couple were given a Team Ball at our last FCC Team Bash.
“My dad showed me at a young age to serve others and to live with an open hand,” Bonita recollected. “I remember him baptizing others in our bathtub at home. It brings me joy to serve in any capacity needed. God has given me many talents and giftings and they are to be used for his purpose and will. The Joy of the Lord is My Strength! What brings him joy?” she asked. “Our obedience and love.”
Life is not easy. And no one probably knows that better than Bonita Colley who lives with several autoimmune diseases (including MS). “When you struggle, you can get depressed very quickly,” Bonita Colley told me. “I choose to step out and do God’s will for I know He gives me the ability.”
Despite her physical and mental challenges, Bonita reminds herself frequently that our Creator has fearfully and wonderfully made her and knew the struggles she would face. “We are told to be the hands and feet of our Savior Jesus while on this Earth. God delights in sharing His work with us and that gives me joy to work alongside Him.”
Each Sunday, Bonita and her husband Bill help prepare for Sunday service by making sure the Volunteer Headquarters (VHQ) is stocked and ready with snacks and coffee for those who serve. They also help with preparation for communion. And it isn’t just Sundays that they do this behind-the-scenes work. When there is an outreach event in the community or the school, Bonita is often there, making sure all the supplies (plates, tablecloths, plasticware, etc) are prepped and ready to go.
“It takes my mind off my struggles and gives me a heart for Christ and His desire for His creation,” Bonita remarked. “That is what I'm here for, whether physical or heart labor. The joy of the Lord is my strength.”
Connections Director Kendra Hinkle agreed. “They are in the building weekly to literally prep and prepare the boring stuff, They are faithful servants, even when Bonita is going through terrible physical struggles.”
Bill told me that the most important reason he chooses to serve at FCC is because of the words written in Matthew 20:28: Just as the son of man did not come to be served but to serve. “In doing so I put aside my own agenda and adhere to God's direction for me,” Bill explained. “God has blessed me so much with His Love and grace that I so often need, so in return I feel my serving is a small way to show my love and gratitude for Him. God blessed me with gifts and talents to use to bring Him Glory.”
Being willing to show up even when her own pain and discomfort could easily give her a reason to stay home coupled with this couple’s willingness to simply be in the background with no one seeing what they do is truly a calling from the Lord. And it was for all of these reasons that this amazing couple were given a Team Ball at our last FCC Team Bash.
“My dad showed me at a young age to serve others and to live with an open hand,” Bonita recollected. “I remember him baptizing others in our bathtub at home. It brings me joy to serve in any capacity needed. God has given me many talents and giftings and they are to be used for his purpose and will. The Joy of the Lord is My Strength! What brings him joy?” she asked. “Our obedience and love.”
Posted in Tell the Story