Social media has made it possible to be in touch with many more people than we could ever hope to keep up with in real time. That’s a wonderful thing! I love that I can reconnect with someone in person and not be completely behind on what’s going on in their life. I love that I can send them a quick note or respond to something they are celebrating. At the same time, I think we are all aware of the downside of having a front row seat into the lives of other people. We see the posts about wonderful achievements and perhaps wish that we could be a little more like them and a little less ordinary like ourselves.

I have caught myself doing this more than I care to admit, particularly in the last year.

You see, I’m taking an extended sabbatical to complete a professional doctorate at seminary. I believe I am following what God is calling me to do, but the road is a long one—three or four years. Sometimes in this season where dreams, ministry ideas, and experiences are in an academic and theological incubator, I can be tempted to look at others and somehow long to be like them, have their skills sets, and perhaps even mimic their approach to ministry.

But I remind myself that God has created me in a unique way and at the end of the day I want to be true to that person. There is a biblical account about David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 that really brings this point home for me. It is a familiar account about a little guy taking down the big guy. David had tremendous faith that God would be with him—against seemingly insurmountable odds. We all know the end of the story—David defeated Goliath in an epic battle and Israel was saved from slavery to the Philistines.

But when we look a little closer, I believe there is an important lesson about being our unique selves.

Before David headed out to battle Goliath, King Saul tried to persuade David to take his royal coat of armour, bronze helmet, and sword. After all, these were probably the best protection available. When David strapped everything on he soon realized he could barely walk around! This would never do. He would have to fight Goliath in his own way using his familiar slingshot and five smooth stones he collected from a nearby stream-bed.

Five. Smooth. Stones.

On their own there seems to be nothing spectacular about them. But in the hands David, who was trusting completely in God, those stones had an incredible impact–pun intended! My point is this. There is nothing wrong with observing, appreciating, and praising the gifts and talents of others. But we need to be careful that we don’t move to a place of longing for what they have. We need to allow God to use the talents and resources we have been given.

So, my friends in the Ellen’s Picks community, let me be more transparent with you…

I have often looked at some of the amazing ministry you all are doing and realized that I am not a gifted women’s ministry speaker, media personality, or pastor. And if I am honest, I have lamented that a little bit and perhaps have felt like I don’t quite fit in or measure up. But I believe God has deposited other gifts in my life, particularly in board leadership, teaching, and facilitation. Through my studies I am thinking deeply about how to bring theological moorings around board leadership tables in our churches and Christian ministries.

These are my five smooth stones. Just recently I made the bold decision to start my own consulting ministry for church and Christian ministry boards. Not only am I content with my “stones,” but I also believe that I am compelled to be true to using these gifts if I am really going to fulfill God’s call on my life.

Heather Card is the President of Five Smooth Stones Consulting. Heather’s keen desire is to call Christians around the board tables of churches and Christian ministries to integrate biblical theology and practice…

To read the rest of Heather’s bio, click here!

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