by Eddie Pipkin

We like to keep things running smoothly.  We like to keep things drama free.  We like a day characterized by the smiley-faced emoji, not that dude with the grumpy frowny-face.  We like a day when there are no hiccups, hangups, or complications.  This is nice when it happens, so we do everything we can to try to make it happen – sometimes going so far as to pretend that the not-so-nice things don’t exist, all in an effort to maintain the facade of amiability.  Unfortunately, life is complex.  Life produces drama.  The day (or at least parts of it) often conducts itself with unfavorable emoji vibes.  This is the truth.  And although as ministry leaders we sometimes try to paper over that truth with feel-good aphorisms and “don’t look behind the curtain” distractions, the most authentic, powerful ministry is the kind that that is willing to embrace life’s difficult complications honestly.<