Our body language communicates so much about what we think about ourselves. I had a conversation recently with a woman whose job involves important work, but work which has a low status in our society, and her whole demeanour made it clear that she knows this. On this day though, something was different. I needed assistance with a problem beyond my ability or skill to solve and when I asked her for help, something changed in her. She drew herself up to her full height, thought intently about my problem and then confidently suggested a solution. It was a wonderful transformation to witness!

More than anything else, witnessing this kind of sacred moment is what has drawn me into the ministry. Everywhere I have been, I meet people in the church who feel they have nothing to offer, but whom God has clearly gifted and called into ministry in one form or another. Often such people are doubtful as they take their first steps into a new area of service or ministry, but invariably, with enough encouragement, their confidence grows and this new thing becomes deeply life-giving - even life-changing. Many of you are sitting quietly in the pews on Sundays with something bubbling up inside of you that God is longing to release. May God give us all eyes to see each others' gifts and cheer each other on in our respective callings. May you and I be a Barnabas to someone this week!