Playing Hurt

The last few days have been like a bad recurring dream. Its been like that movie ground hog day, when the guy keeps having to relive the same day over and over again. Every morning he wakes up and goes through the exactly same thing that he did the day before, eats same food, goes same places and meets the same people. Strange how one event can turn your world upside down.

Funny (NOT in a ha, ha, way but in a strange way) how people never look behind the smile. I shared this past Sunday on my weekly radio segment Words To Live By that every athlete learned early on to "play hurt" (definition: A injured player plays through his injury). Playing hurt separated good athletes from great athletes. Many time in ministry the pastor must "play hurt!" He does have the liberty to take time to heal, much like the franchise play on a professional team. The only difference is that the organization and ownership understands how valuable the franchise player is and wouldn't risk him being injured, hurt or possible falling to a career ending collision. One would think that the church, his family, friends and love ones would take a page out of the NBA or NFL owner's manual and protect the franchise player. I know that the church is bigger than one man but I also realize that in many churches people attend week in and week out because of the personality in the pulpit. The families of these men and women are supported well by his/her ability to do what they do. The members of these churches are strengthen fed and encouraged by the words that fall from his/her lips.

Sunday after Sunday I have stood broken, burden and battered. Preaching through heartache, hardship and heart break. Leading worship wounded, worn, weary and weeping. Ministering while morning and missing my Daddy. Nobody knowe! Nobody cares! Nobody concern! Just keep giving what we want.