Melanie in OK

Randy’s August 2009 Update

God Opens Doors:

When I first stepped out of my comfort zone into this Legacy Shepherding ministry adventure, I had no idea what doors God would open.

All I knew was that I had to step out.

I felt confident that God would do something amazing.  Not because I’m “all that”, but because I sensed God wanted to do something beautiful, something he’d been preparing me for my whole life, and God can do anything through anyone…even me.

Door after door has mysteriously flown open since I stepped out.

Recently, one door that God opened was a mentoring relationship with a woman in Oklahoma.

I’ve never met this woman in person.  Until a couple weeks ago, when I saw her photo on Facebook, I had no idea what she looked like. It was somewhat strange.  I knew her better than I know a lot of people, but I wouldn’t have known it was her if she passed me on the street.

I’ve been mentoring Melanie over the phone for about four months now.

The fact that this mentoring has occurred over the phone is interesting to me.  I’ve never considered myself good on the phone.  I used to not even like to talk on the phone.

About two and a half years ago, one of my closest friends who I’ve done a lot of soul work with, moved away.  His moving forced me to learn how to have deep, soul conversations over the phone.

It unknowingly became a safe training ground for me.

It made me realize that what I do is possible over the phone, though maybe not ideal.  Previously, I wouldn’t have considered meeting with someone over the phone.

Having been prepared and opened up to previously impossible possibilities, the opportunity with Melanie was handed to me.

Melanie has graciously written a brief testimonial for me.

She thought she’d like to share a brief testimonial now and then one later after we’ve done more soul work together.

Melanie’s Testimonial:

Here is what she wrote:
“Randy and I met through a mutual friend, Justin Vorel. (Note from Randy: See my June Update for more about Justin).

“I was sharing with Justin my desire for more formalized training, as I have served as a mentor in a few different capacities for the last few years.

“Justin told me about Randy and how valuable their time together had been.  He also shared some of Randy’s background and how he had received some of his training.

“I asked Justin to mention to Randy my desire to learn more, and Randy graciously offered to speak with me.

“God’s movement in my first conversation with Randy was very evident.  It became clear to both Randy and me that not only did God want me to learn more about being a mentor, He wanted me to have one myself!

“Randy and I are new in our journey together, but I have already learned so much more about who God has created me to be.

“I am learning that many of the things I have fought throughout my life about myself are really God’s design for my heart and have meaning and reason.  They aren’t just random parts of my makeup and temperament.

“I have also learned that many of my unrealized desires are God – given and need to be nurtured and cared for.

“Randy has a very unique way of sharing an unconditional love that makes those he journeys with feel safe.  He is able to draw out, with God’s help, the innermost self to examine in truth and in love.

“I am thrilled and honored to be working with Randy.  I look forward to this new path of discovery and can’t wait to share what I learn with others!

“I’ll share again toward the end of my time with Randy.  Until then, God’s richest blessings to all of you.

In Him,
Melanie Hummel

It’s All Good God:

To be honest, I’m often a bit embarrassed by some of these testimonials.  I feel a bit odd posting stuff that sounds so glowing about me, wondering if people think I’m doing it to boast and boost myself.

I’m quite aware of my limits and often wrestle with insecurities.

I know this ministry work isn’t about me.

Whatever happens in my time spent spiritually mentoring really is a God thing.

Somehow God uses my beauty and brokenness, my insecurities in myself and my confidence in Him, all my messiness that I’m still sorting through to bless people.

They seem to find a place that’s safe enough to be honest about their doubts, fears, wounds, and desires.

In those honest moments God shows up and does something wonderful.

Henri Nouwen calls it being a “Wounded Healer”.

I see Melanie as a Wounded Healer.

She has suffered from an autoimmune disease that has limited her body…and grown her spirit.

There have been bad days over the past nine years when she could barely move because of the pain.

Still she has opened up her home to minister to 20somethings, inviting them into community, guiding them toward the love of Jesus.

I’ve met some of the people she has poured into.  I can tell they have been greatly impacted by God through her.

I believe God has prepared her, and is preparing her, for amazing things.

I look forward to reading what she writes at the end of our time together.  Not so I can get some pats on the back, but because I love hearing stories about what God is doing in people’s lives.

I believe he is a God of redemption, interested in transforming everything in us, to bring us and the world more freedom, more life, more light, and more love.

Thank You!:

Thank you for your investment in Melanie.  She is definitely someone who is giving it away and leaving a loving Legacy of her own.

In His Love,
Randy

On A Personal Note:

I took a step of faith into the glass bottom balconies on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower).  Here are some photos:

Yikes!  It felt scarier than it looks in the photos.  That first step, with no railing to hold onto, is freaky!

It’s a lot like stepping out in faith with God – I’m actually safe.  It just looks scary.

Confession:  I took some of these shots without looking down.  I just aimed and clicked, hoping for a good picture.  My scared!