I was very honored and humbled to be invited to be a guest “blogger” on Audrey Cunningham’s blog “Give Us This Day Our PB&J.” Each Sunday evening Audrey invites a fellow blogger to be the “Sunday Dinner Guest” and offer one of their own blogs. This past Sunday I was able to sup at the dinner table with Audrey and offer the following word… Thank you Audrey!!
The Dimmer Switch: Sunday Dinner Guest Post with PB&J
Posted on September 6, 2015 by Audrey D Cunningham
This week, I’m thrilled to introduce Pastor David Dendy as our Sunday dinner guest. David just recently published a book entitled, Seeing God at Work Every Day: The Forty-Day Challenge. At a recent signing, one reader brought one of his stories to life in a new way. You can read the story here.
The line was growing long for my first book signing for my book, “Seeing God at Work Every Day – The Forty-Day Challenge” in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Having served as a pastor in this town for almost eight years, I recognized everyone in line, except for one woman. Tall she stood, towering over the lady next to her. Her smile lit up the room with each explosion of white teeth framed by her rosy red lips.
With my well used earmarked book in her hand, this striking young woman finally made it up to the table where I sat signing books. She extended her hand and we introduced ourselves to one another. We sat down and after a moment of conversation I asked, “Was there any particular chapter that stood out for you?”
Her bright eyes fixed on mine didn’t hesitate. They didn’t even flinch. Her response was quick and deliberate. “The chapter on The Dimmer Switch really resonated with me.” She went on to say, “I guess I have just allowed too many people to have control over my “dimmer switch.”
I know the feeling.
Perhaps you do too…
Without any further ado, I offer you:
Photo Credit: Darwin Bell via Compfight cc
“The Dimmer Switch”
His demeanor was lower than an alligator’s belly.
Her countenance had fallen faster than the Twin Towers.
I have seen these postures a thousand times. So have you.
A person’s self-esteem, confidence in their abilities, and overall attitude toward themselves is basically in the toilet.
What does one say? What advice or counsel can be offered?
I have used the analogy of “The Dimer Switch” hundreds of times.
The powerful underlying question is…
“Who is in control of the “Dimmer Switch” of the light bulb of your life?”
Seeing God At Work Every Day
I am convinced that God has made all of our lives to shine with the brightness of a 500 watt light bulb.
However, I am also convinced that most people live their lives with the brightness of 60-100 watts.
Why?
Most people have allowed someone and it could be anyone to have control over the “Dimmer Switch” of their lives.
How many relationships have I seen where one “spouse/significant other/family member” has complete control of the dimmer switch and for reasons that are not all together completely clear to me or to anyone else in the universe, this person holds the dimmer switch down to a level that the person in question barely makes a glimmer.
How many people have I seen hold down the “Dimmer Switch” on their own lives because someone told them, “Don’t shine too bright. Don’t be a bright and shining star. You’re making everyone else around you look bad. You’re nothing. You’re a nobody.” And the list goes on and on.
I ran across this quote years ago that is worth sharing today and tomorrow and the next day…
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” (Marianne Williamson – excerpt from Return to Love…1992)
Here’s my twofold word for the day…
- Get your hand off the Dimmer Switch and let God turn it up. Don’t settle for 60 or even 100 watts. Shine bright my friend… Shine Bright!!
- If someone else has their hand on your “Dimmer Switch”… slap their hand so hard that it makes their head spin. You’ve got some shining to do!
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 ESV)
Turn it up!
Light up the world!
Let the light of God in you shine bright today!!
SeeingGodAtWorkEveryDay…
Laugh often and Fear not!
David!
For more from David, you can visit his blog or, better yet, check out his book Seeing God at Work Every Day: The Forty-Day Challenge
Next week, we’ll be using “The Dimmer Switch” as the springboard for Peanut Butter Bible Study discussion, conducted via email. If you’d like to join us, you can sign up here or email me at GiveUsThisDayOurPBj@gmail.com. Check out the Peanut Butter Community page for more information. We’d love to have you join us!
Thanks for reading. God bless you and the start of your new week!
Audrey Cunningham
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