Stretched!
March 17, 2010 by Lakita
Filed under Encouragement
As a dance minister, stretching is important because it gives you an opportunity to warm up your muscles. Proper stretching increases your flexibility, range of motion and strengthens your muscles. However pushing the muscles too far is counter-productive and can result in serious injury. Sometimes the damage is permanent and limits movement, the very thing you were trying to gain.
This concept not only applies to our physical bodies, but in life as well. In order to grow as a dance minister you need to be stretched. Do a Bible search on the word “stretch” (I’ll wait.)
See how often it is used prior to a demonstration of God’s power? Stretch out!
I love this quote by John Maxwell:
“If we're growing, we're always going to be out of our comfort zone.”
I love it when I’m in class at the Anointed Feet Academy, my instructor Ms. Patricia knows how far she can stretch me. I’ll be on the floor and she’ll come over….I take a deep breath in and exhale as she stretches me a little further. She encourages me to hold it until I am comfortable in my new position. It’s time to move out of your comfort zone. Increase your range.
As a conference host, I have the opportunity to speak with many dancers regarding upcoming events. Usually I receive several calls from people that are discouraged that there is not a similar conference in their area. When I ask why they don’t travel to a conference, I can hear the fear in their voices as they dismiss the thought. Dancers that won’t stretch out will only surround themselves by the familiar. This comfort keeps them from moving to another place.
Don’t Over Do It
Stretch too much too fast and you risk serious injury! Leaders should stretch those that are under them, however they have to be careful not to exert too much pressure on their subordinates before they are ready to handle it. Often times, leaders will encounter passionate followers, full of zeal and ability (every leader’s dream). However, it is important not to overtax them to the point of injury. It is just as important for the person being stretched to know when to “say when”, hold, relax and get comfortable before going any further.
Many dance ministers today find themselves stretched thin. They have exerted themselves to the point of fatigue and they are nearly immobilized. Remember, the point of stretching is to improve your movement…so you’re no good if you’ve stretched so much that you can’t perform. It’s important to maintain balance between family, ministry, work, school, etc.
Stay flexible, agile, and mobilized! Walk (and dance) in Kingdom Authority!
