Sharlene Wedin-LeClerc

My finger hovered over the share button. I was taking a risk in sharing a personal post. The post wasn’t to Facebook, where I was sure to get a fistful of likes. Rather, this share would be to a work group. 

As Risky As Doing the Right Thing

Yes, we shared the occasional personal post, so mine would not be completely out of character with the group. This post, however, involved risk of a deeper kind. 

I already felt different from my peers, and I sensed they felt it too. I anticipated the ever-so-slight shift away that might accompany this share. A post that might highlight our difference.

While this post was meant to share the recent recognition of one of my sons, embedded in the recognition letter in a newsletter were two words that would highlight the difference between myself and my coworkers. 

Those two words are oh so familiar. They greet us each week as we enter through our church doors, as we welcome the Sabbath hours. “Happy Sabbath.” While I imagined the slight shift away that might accompany this share, I also imagined the possible question that could potentially arise. “Why do you worship on Saturday?” Internally, I crafted my response:

“The Sabbath was initiated at Creation. It’s a recognition of the Creator God. It’s a celebration of God’s creation, a day to put aside household chores, reports, or other work-related tasks without feeling guilty. It’s a day to truly rest and be restored through our fellowship with God, one another, and in nature. 

“Yes, I believe in a literal six-day Creation. When we look at Planet Earth, we see a clear difference between it and other forms of matter in our known universe. Our planet is teeming with life. There are only two explanations for this. Did that happen by chance or by purpose? Both seem implausible. 

“Yet, we must make a choice. Each choice brings with it a different purpose, life meaning, and set of values. I choose to believe that I was created on purpose by a God who loves me and wants good things for me. That’s something to celebrate every week! On Sabbath.”

As these thoughts swirled quickly in my mind, I hesitated slightly before clicking the share button. During my hesitation, the words of a children’s song came to mind, “Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna’ let it shine.” Believing that God gave me this opportunity to illuminate for Him, I quickly tapped the button. 

I may receive only a few customary “likes” to my post, I thought, but I’ve taken a chance, a chance to open the door, a chance that invites more questions.

As Risky As Trusting God

What happened next? In a world where we often judge ourselves, and perhaps even our lives, by the response our posts receive, I believe what happened next doesn’t matter. We are called to be sowers of seed. The effect of a share may not be an immediate response, an evident response, or a response at all. Therein lies the work of the Holy Spirit. And yet, the share did elicit a response. It resulted in a response from me. In sharing, I acknowledged my belief in the Creator God and affirmed my own faith. 

“Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven (Matt. 10:32, NLT).^*

By choosing to share, I opened myself up to allow God to shine through. In doing this, I receive the greatest of blessings. If given the chance, hit the share button.

Sharlene Wedin-LeClerc is a clinical psychologist living in Charleston, South Carolina.