April 7, 2025

When you least expect it…

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I’m approaching my official 30-year anniversary at Dare 2 Share on October 23rd. It is crazy to think that I’ve been serving in ministry for almost half of my life. I will never forget the day I walked in to my church’s offices to talk with Pastor Greg about volunteering for the church. My husband Rick and I had been going to Grace Church for a couple of years (since 1991) and volunteering seemed like the “Christian” thing to do.

We loved our church. It felt real and raw without all the “churchy” stuff. But what captured our attention more than anything else was the commitment to share the simple Gospel message every single Sunday. This hope was offered to anyone and everyone every week, whether they had heard the message before or not. Gospel clarity and consistency was a foundational value for the church and the leadership knew that God would use that commitment to reach thousands while also training us through their modeling. If I was going to offer my time to something, it needed to be worthy. Since I was self-employed, I knew a significant amount of time had to lead to generating revenue. Volunteering for the church seemed like a logical next step in my faith journey.

What I wasn’t expecting, was that this young pastor would challenge this decision. I assumed he would just say “thank you” and send me away with a small project to tackle that utilized my gifting and expertise. Instead, he began to ask me questions. It felt more like an interview. I was a bit blindsided, but before I could process a response, he quickly moved on to telling me more about another ministry he recently launched – the ministry that is now known as Dare 2 Share. I was intrigued.

Greg’s entire body language morphed as he proceeded. When I had entered the office, his feet were up on the desk and he was leaning back in his chair, clearly contemplating something. Moving his feet to the ground, but still sitting back in his chair, one hand to his chin and the other folded across his stomach, he began his questioning. Then, when he shifted to talking about this other ministry, I could visibly see his passion ignite. Teenagers. He loved them and believed that they could change the world – if only they were given a chance.

In that moment I could sense that God was up to something. My heart was captured by the vision this man of God had for the next generation. I had no idea what would come next, but I wanted to learn more. I agreed to help. I would allocate a couple of hours each week to jump in wherever I was needed. The first step was to meet his co-founder and mentor, Jonathan.

Little did I know that God would use that innocent inquiry to change the trajectory of my entire career… and little did I know that He would also use the next three decades to teach me more about His character and His mission than I could ever imagine.

 

August 18, 2023

The Willing Unknowns

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I recently finished reading Chuck Swindoll’s excellent book, Hand Me Another Brick. I’d heard of the book before, but had never taken the time to read it. It was released in 2007. So, why now? Quite frankly, I saw it at a second hand bookstore and decided to pick it up. I’m glad I did. It’s a phenomenal read!

One of the last chapters is titled “The Willing Unknowns.” Although I’ve now finished the book, I keep pondering the content in this chapter. Near the beginning, the author talks about being on a family road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles when they approached the crest of a hill and saw thousands of white crosses in the field adjacent to the highway. Their youngest asks about the meaning and as Dad somberly explains that this is a military graveyard, he is also quietly aware of the many unrecognized heroes whose bodies lie there peacefully.

The entire book is based on the Biblical narrative from Nehemiah, and this chapter is one that focuses on Nehemiah’s leadership after the wall was built. He was busy establishing order and organizing the people for sustainable governance. Nehemiah was recruiting volunteers and developing leaders. This stage of work is often forgotten, but it is critically important.

However, in this chapter of the book, Mr. Swindoll decides to pause and reflect on the importance of the people behind the scenes. The captivating twist to me though wasn’t JUST that he wanted to reinforce recognition for these folks. He also calls the reader to make a commitment to the Lord to be as unknown as possible in their position of influence. This thought hit me hard and made me think. How often have I wanted to be “known” for my accomplishments? How often have I longed for words of affirmation from those around me?

“Two dangers lurk in the shadows of leadership. One is the reluctance on the part of the leader to become virtually unknown, forgotten, and overlooked in the accomplishment of an objective. The second is the negligence of strong natural leaders who fail to recognize others who deserve much of the credit.”

Today is a vacation day for me and I’d made plans with a few friends. Coffee with one and lunch with two others. As I write this I’m realizing that the friends I met today are true “willing unknowns.” They love King Jesus with all of their heart and they sacrifice to fulfill the call He has on their lives. I love each of them dearly. In so many ways, they are my heroes.

I’m asking God for strength to submit to His plan for my life and to resist the temptation to fuel my ego. Will you join me?

 

January 20, 2020

Undetectable

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It’s a word I don’t often use. As a matter of fact, I can’t remember the last time I’d heard anyone use it. But that morning, when it was used to explain my husband Rick’s most recent PSA level, I was incredibly thankful for it.

Last Spring, after a routine check-up, Rick received the news that his PSA level was at 36. Normal is 4 or less. That launched a series of exams, tests, and consultations. Then, a pretty aggressive treatment plan was determined. A series of Lupron injections (hormone deprivation), then 22 doses of low radiation, followed by brachytherapy (high dose radiation implant surgery). The implications and side effects were discussed and we began to pray for healing as Rick braced himself for a long 7-10 months.

We will always look back on 2019 as the year that Rick battled his second bout of cancer. We still haven’t forgotten his melanoma diagnosis the summer of 2002. But now, as we approach the end of the first month of the first year of a new decade, we are thankful.

Health is something that we don’t take for granted. We both have auto immune diseases (I have RA and Rick has MS) and so we understand that every day is a gift. God gives and takes away and we both know that although we are moving a bit slower in this season of life than a few decades ago, we could be doing so much worse. Yes, every breath needs to be treasured.

When Rick’s oncologist said he wouldn’t require another Lupron injection my eyes welled up with tears. The side effects from that drug have taken a toll on him and I was ready to fight to keep him from another dose because of that. But I didn’t have to, thank GOD!

So, we will wait. Blood tests every 6 months seem like only a slight inconvenience in order to check levels for any increase in PSA. And we will pray.

 

January 6, 2020

Up! Up! Up!

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If you are a parent you’re familiar with this persistent plea as a tenacious toddler pulls on your pant leg. I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t eventually relent and pick the child up.

And what happens after we give in and the child is in our arms? The pleading subsides and the child is happy and comforted. Safe -protected from harm. Embraced in the arms of someone bigger, stronger.

I recently heard a pastor suggest that we visualize ourselves as that child when we raise our hands to worship. I’d never considered that before and I’ve been thinking about it for weeks now. What if I, like that tenacious toddler, consistently begged the God of the universe to “pick me up?” What if my heart and attitude cried out for Him constantly – even when my hands weren’t in the air and I wasn’t in the midst of a weekly worship service?

I believe my life would be transformed.

He would, without a doubt, hear my petition and welcome me in His arms. Although I know He is always with me, the desire to deny myself and be led by Him would sooth any sense of anxiety or temptation of self-reliance.

Take my life Lord…

 

December 31, 2018

A new year

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Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”

John 7:37-38

 I don’t really have a New Year’s Eve tradition. I have friends who make it a point to celebrate the new start by being together with family and friends, pushing themselves to stay up until midnight in order to be the very first to offer each other a greeting in the new year. It’s been fun to be a part of those gatherings in the past but lately Rick and I prefer just staying home and off the roads. Add to that the fact that I’m more inclined to rise early and go to bed early and well, this “holiday” just isn’t a big deal for me.

This morning as I read this passage in John, God brought to mind the many people who are truly “thirsty” for more in life. I thought about how the New Year represents a fresh start for millions of people. A quick rise of the glass for a quick “Happy New Year” toast seemingly assumes that every person with a glass in their hand is putting the previous year behind them. The celebratory atmosphere gives the impression that “all is well” and greater things are yet to come. But the reality is that there are hidden hurts and hang-ups that continue to linger no matter how much a person tries to move on with the turning of a calendar page.

I am thankful that no matter what the year has been like, I have hope in Jesus Christ. For me, 2018 has held a lot of change. And it’s brought some significant challenges. As I reflect on all that has encompassed the last twelve months, some of the most emotional memories are of those I am close to experiencing pain. My heart still hurts because I know that there isn’t much more I can do, even to this day, other than to pray. But then maybe that is the BEST thing I can do. So right now, once again as I pray, I add to those prayers a request for myself… that God will keep providing those “nudges” to prayerfully intercede for those whom I love.

My mind drifts back to these verses in John. How many people have I encountered this year who have been literally “dying of thirst?” I want to offer a taste of this living water to them. “God, forgive me for the many missed opportunities I’ve had to offer a drink that would quench this thirst. In addition to helping know how to pray for the hurting, give me boldness and courage to offer hope to those who don’t know You. Amen.”

 

January 2, 2016

Tackling 2016

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Another year has come and gone. And similar to years past, a few days of vacation helped to finish up the year and hopefully provide a “reset” before jumping into another annual adventure. It seems as though the list of to-do’s keeps growing instead of shrinking though. Whether it’s email inbox “housecleaning” or organizing the dreaded Tupperware cabinet, the demands of home and ministry seem to be more overwhelming to me this year than ever before.

So what’s a girl to do? Well, I’m certainly NOT going to give in! I may have some moments where I need to escape reality (nothing like a hot bath and a glass of white wine), but then it’s back at it. But it takes a lot more than determination to really make progress. So here’s a list of things I want to remember as 2016 kicks off:

  • Relationships first. Jesus and then others. People before projects.
  • Start with a solid plan. Prioritize. Tackle one thing at a time.
  • Enjoy the journey. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
  • Finally, worship God in all things – tough or not.

Okay, self, let’s go. It’s 2016!

 

November 13, 2015

Lights are on, cameras rolling

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camera_rolling

If you’ve been called to any position of leadership, you know all to well that you are always “on.” Even with a healthy work/life balance, a good leader knows that they are “leading” whether they are standing at the front of the room making a presentation or vacationing with friends in Mexico. And the best leaders in the world are not only aware of this, they embrace it. They realize that the basis of strong leadership is relationship and count it an honor to share their life with those they lead and serve.

Do you consider yourself a leader? If so, how do you feel about the fact that the cameras are always rolling? If this thought makes you cringe, you may want to consider redirecting your career to a role where you are an individual contributor. Don’t see it as a copout; the world needs a lot of highly skilled talent. But what the world doesn’t need is mediocre leaders.

So, do some soul searching and ask yourself the question. If you see this kind of “life on life” leadership as a way to leave a mark on the world through others, then go and live a life worth following.

 

October 27, 2015

In more than Through

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Yesterday I attended a memorial gathering for one of the most Godly men I have ever met, Jonathan Smith. I met him when I first started volunteering with Dare 2 Share in 1993. He and his wife Maybelle, along with Greg Stier, founded the ministry with a vision to reach teenagers and equip them for a life of discipleship and disciple-making.  It was obvious right away that Jonathan had a solid grasp on Scripture. He taught with authority because he had spent countless hours praying over and rightly dividing the text.

It was humbling to hear the stories at the reception from the folks that Jonathan’s life touched. Most of them spoke of him as their professor and mentor. They talked about his legacy living on through them. It was such an incredibly honoring moment in time.

I remember Jonathan saying something very profound to me as I was just beginning my ministry journey. I had been really struggling with not being able to do more. I wanted so much to make a difference for the Kingdom and I honestly felt like I could never live up to my own expectations, let alone God’s expectations of me. I constantly felt as though I was falling short no matter how hard I worked or what was accomplished. It was an all-consuming battle for better and it was wearing me out.

He simply pulled me aside and gently said, “Debbie, you need to understand that God is more interested in what He is doing IN you than what He is doing THROUGH you.” Wow. Why in the world would God be more interested in my individual spiritual growth than He would be in outcomes for His cause? It was counter-intuitive but Jonathan convinced me that it was true.

I often think about his words to me, especially when I am particularly focused on getting the job done. That simple statement comes to mind and provokes me to take pause and remember that if I work from the inside out He will accomplish His purpose IN me first and then THROUGH me second. At this service, I caught myself reflecting on this sage wisdom once again and was struck by how Jonathan applied this truth to his own life. As a leader, I want to model this “inside out” approach, helping others prioritize their relationship with Him first and their performance for Him second.

 

October 23, 2015

What would you do if…

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It may have been 25 years ago but I remember the conversation well. The lunch invitation came as a bit of a surprise to begin with since I hadn’t heard from Tom since I’d left the telecom company we’d both worked for months before. He had been released through one of the waves of reductions that were all too familiar in the high-tech industry in the late 80’s. He sounded eager to talk and was willing to make the hour or so drive to where I was now employed to share a quick meal.

It was great to see him. He and his wife were doing well. He was ready for the transition even though the timing was not his choice. He sought some advice but made it clear that he really just wanted to encourage me and thank me for my leadership. I was a bit embarrassed but very appreciative. How kind of him to come all this way to tell me that! Our time was comfortable and casual until he asked me a question that really caught me off guard… “Debb, what would you really do if you could do anything at all – if money and other responsibilities were all taken care of?”

First of all, I was only in my early thirties, and I’d already been reasonably successful (at least by the world’s standards), so I hadn’t really ever pondered a question like this before. Rick and I had just bought our first home. Our kindergarten son was enrolled in a good Christian school. Life was moving right along. My career ambition was to start my own company and I had a plan to accomplish that in less than 5 years. Tom pressed in with the question again, maybe because he sensed that my plans were somewhat shallow, or that there was more, I’m really not sure. However, after a few minutes of thought my response to him was, “I’d do something to help teenagers.” Then I went on to explain that it seemed like there just wasn’t enough support for kids during that season of their life. They needed something to draw them away from bad choices that would create baggage for them to carry the rest of their lives. I recalled briefly my own teen years with some regret, wishing I had made some different choices.

Today marks 20 years to saying yes to full-time ministry with Dare 2 Share. I had no idea this ministry even existed when I had lunch with Tom that day. But God obviously had a plan. I have had the privilege of playing a small role, albeit behind the scenes, in the lives of countless teenagers over those years and I’ll never get tired of hearing their stories.

Every once in awhile, I think about that brief encounter with Tom. Not only did God use him to plant a seed for future ministry in my heart, but his gratitude served as a foundation for developing a passion for leadership in my soul. There have been almost 200 co-laborers (not including the hundreds of volunteers) that have served or are still serving with D2S these past two decades. What a blessing to me to have been a part of their lives too! I have served alongside some amazing people that inspire me in so many ways. My life has been forever changed because of their friendship and love. My character has been strengthened because of their commitment to Christ. 

As I mark this milestone, I’m asking myself the question again. “What would you do if…?” And the answer is still the same.

 

October 4, 2015

Forced.

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Forced. The word itself can bring to mind some pretty negative mental images. As a kid my little brother really wasn’t very “little.” He was big and he was strong. We were only two years apart and although we are super close now as adults, as kids we were on a mission to kill each other. A vivid memory of mine is locking myself in the upstairs bathroom in order to avoid getting my tail kicked by this guy. Not that I was taunting him at all, of course!

Whether or not my brother was justifiably provoked could certainly be debated, but either way, I still felt forced to spend hours in this small little room, screaming through a locked door.

The bottom line is that no one likes to be coerced into doing something that they don’t want to do.

But sometimes the pressure has a purpose. A friend lovingly confronts your sin and you’re swept into the midst of an intervention. Your spouse grasps your hand as you head into that needed surgical procedure you’ve been putting off forever. Yes, sometimes being forced is exactly what you need.

I’ve had many moments like this in life and in hindsight I’ve always been thankful. However, a recent incident brought more pressure than I can remember ever feeling, and it came from an unusual source – the Holy Spirit.

A true and safe leader is likely one who has no desire to lead, but is forced into a position of leadership by the inward pressure of the Holy Spirit and by the press of the external situation.”

A.W. Tozer

So, here I sit. Now just three months in to a leadership role I absolutely did not want. It has been the biggest professional challenge I have ever faced – times ten! There are moments when I have called out to God, exclaiming that He must be crazy. But then I remember His distinct, undeniable call and I surrender. I vow to Him that I am here – ready and willing, even if not able. He has carried me through every difficult decision and has filled me up when I have felt more than empty. I have never felt closer to Him than I am now. And for that I am thankful.

 

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