/disˈmantl/
Verb
Take to pieces.
Synonyms
strip - disassemble - take apart - dismount
I have had the absolute JOY of meeting with my pastor's wife(we'll call her R.O.) once a month, in a mentoring and relationship building capacity. She mentors me, but mostly we sit and chat about life, important subjects currently working us over, relationships, struggles, how to lead and relate with people, managing a home and children…life! We are reading through a book together but we barely get to that between the other nuggets, it is however, a very good book and I recommend reading it.
Girls with Swords How to Carry Your Cross Like a Hero
~ Lisa Bevere&John Bevere
R.O. is so wise and tempered yet, bubbly and full of joy, she is bright eyed and always encouraging, just a gift to me and someone I desire relationship with. In one of our meetings while talking about the barrage of fiery darts aimed at me, those little stings that come one right after the next, R.O. observed that when one is about to receive a new mantle there is a season of dismantling. We have to be stripped of our "old" to receive the "new". Perhaps the "new" is so radically different that it can't fit over the "old" they are incompatible and we must be restructured to receive the gift and the calling.
She said the word "dismantle" and it cut to my heart and has been an ever-present thought since. I wondered, what is a mantle, and with that, what does it entail to be "dismantled"? It sounds unpleasant, does it not?
The mantle represented a man’s gift, the call of God, and the purpose for which God had called him.~Bible.org
man‧tle
1 take on/assume/wear the mantle of something
formal to accept or have an important duty or job:
It is up to Europe to take on the mantle of leadership in environmental issues. ~http://www.ldoceonline.com
I'm in discovery mode, prayerfully approaching my Creator and Mantle Administrator. Who knows better what I am created for than Him? I am excited for this season, for the ministry that Bing and I enjoy, while seemingly unconventional; who ever said God was conventional? :) More to come on this, as I discover, and as new things are unveiled. I'll say this, I have never had such a focused regard for prayer, but it is constantly in my sphere, in my thoughts, the books I am reading and in everyday conversation and encounters.
3 comments:
Good grief! This girl can write. Keep going miss Lane, heaven has more to say! Love you.
This is really cool to hear, Lanie! Makes me want to sit down with a cup of coffee and really have a good long chat. Makes me miss you. Hope we get to have some connection time during our stint that way!
The Lord has given you a gift sweetheart. It is evident that the words Tracy spoke over you are 100% true. Please forgive me for being so busy with life and business that I don't often make the time to read your blog. That will change today!
As I look through your posts it fills me with gratitude and allows me to appreciate the life we have in a way that I otherwise could not. We are SO BLESSED! You encourage, uplift and inspire me to be a better man. I am stinking fired up for the life God has in store for us.
"The mantle represented a man’s gift, the call of God, and the purpose for which God had called him...."
I married a Godly, warrior, poet who is most definitely following the call of God. You are very talented, so much so that I don't have words to express how moved I am. God is speaking through you!
I love you and am so proud of the Champion Leader you have become. You are truly an impact player for the Kingdom of Heaven and I am honored to be your husband.
Love,
Bing
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