Wednesday Wisdom With Wyndham – 12

It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.   
Colossians 1:28-29 (NRSV)

Wisdom is not meant to be used merely for ourselves, but to help each other grow to maturity in Christ. This wisdom requires the vision to see who one can become through the power of God.
Jesus used this kind of wisdom throughout his ministry…calling things that were not as though they were. He inspired the men and women around him to become who they were not. Think Simon—the impetuous disciple—whom Jesus nicknamed “Rock.”
May we grow in wisdom to see ourselves and others the way God sees us.

Wisdom Sees Beyond “What Is,” to “What Can Be.”
By Gary Hannon

Wisdom sees beyond “what is,” to “what can be.” Wyndham is one who saw considerably more potential in me than I saw in myself. He is one who has had significant impact in so many areas of my life. Of the many great men who have been part of shaping and molding me over the years, he by far gets the nod for “Best Director.”

Wyndham was one of the three men who studied the Bible with me. A very level-headed discussion with him about “a wrong choice I was currently choosing but could change” was pivotal in helping me see I could overcome my sinful life when becoming a disciple of Jesus.
Wyndham saw potential in me as a teen leader—and with his recommendation I went on to do that for about 15 of the first 20 year of my Christian life…perhaps more.

Wyndham and/or Jeanie at some point suggested that I take this lovely sister, Julia Shropshire, out on a date. I did and then later married her. When Julia was like “Hey, I need some help with this guy and with how he’s doing,” they were there getting us through that rough patch. 

When Wyndham came calling to ask if Julia could come work for HOPE, I gave up my vision of her being a stay at home mom as she fulfilled a dream to design the “Permanent Families” program which has led to many kids getting a new lease on life in a Christian home.
When he had vision for me to become a deacon I said “No Problem,” and have since loved serving in any ways I can.

When Julia’s father was toying with the idea of faith, Wyndham built a friendship with him and gave him all the information he wanted to hear from the Bible. When he got the news he was dying, Wyndham was there, full speed, and gave him a vision for a future with Jesus. The reality that this man could whole heartedly change and became a disciple of Jesus was a miracle that I witnessed…based on Wyndham’s faith and vision. He was there when he was baptized.

And most recently, Wyndham has given me a vision that my son (who just graduated high school) may even have a future as a minister someday. Who knows—stranger things have already happened!

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4 Comments

  1. Cynthia Mahagan

    I love this! So inspiring!

    Reply
  2. 1hundredtimes

    Great thoughts Gary! Love you bro!

    -Dakota

    Reply
    • jeanieshaw

      Thanks for reaching out. I can’t change the email addresses. I think you have to go into the “follow blog” area. Let me know if you have difficulty. Thanks.

      Reply

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About Jeanie Shaw

After retiring from forty-five years in full-time ministry, Jeanie Shaw went back to school to earn her master’s and doctorate in spiritual formation and discipleship. She also serves as a certified Christian life coach who loves helping people discover the joy, peace, and purpose that come from finding and following God’s plan for their lives. She has taught classes and workshops all over the world and has written numerous books. She has four grown children, eight grandchildren, and a golden retriever who thinks he is human. When she is not reading, writing, coaching, teaching, or enjoying her family she might be found walking along rivers, learning new lessons about life.

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