Welcome to the Sacred Work Newsletter!

This newsletter normally follows a theme like managing conflict or leading through change. This edition, I'm sharing something personal that recently happened to me on social media. It was a minor incident, but it discouraged me until God stepped in and helped me see it for what it was.

• Have you ever been hurt by someone you thought was an ally?
• Has someone you trusted ever lashed out at you publicly?
• Has another Christian said something that wounded or provoked you?

Christians sometimes think that all other Christians are allies. If someone shares our faith, we grant them entry into our space with few questions asked. The truth is that everyone is human—Christian or not. We often want and expect people to do things like we do them. Studies show that humans are more comfortable with sameness. We like it when people behave in ways that mimic how we behave.

We also have an ancient enemy who knows that jabs from other believers pack a wallop. What better way to distract and derail us than to have someone from inside God's Kingdom speak doubt into our purpose.

the jab

I'm active on LinkedIn, which is the perfect place to engage with career-minded people. I love talking about leadership and business, and I've made many genuine connections in this space. There's a large, supportive faith community there, as well as people with different belief systems. In general, everyone is open and accepting. On Sundays or Mondays, I post a devotional that explores what I've learned by studying God's word. During the week, I post about leadership, career development, and business.

A few weeks ago, a Christian challenged me publicly because all my posts don't always mention God, the Bible, or my faith. She didn't send me a private note but instead commented publicly with something like, "Christian leadership practices need to reference Christ." I didn't respond, but the comments kept coming with every post.

Finally, I'd had it. I got defensive and angry and wanted to shoot back, "Have you ever read the book of Esther? It doesn't mention God's name once, but He was definitely involved." Instead of responding, I went for a hike.

the reflection

While I stomped through the woods, I vented to God about what had happened. In the quiet spaces in between, He took me back to a time when I was a single mom and a corporate leader. Back then, I felt out of place in the faith community because I didn't know a lot of single working moms. During social events, men and women always separated into different groups, and I had little in common with other moms. I loved my job and was grateful for it. People made well-intentioned comments like:

"It's too bad you have to work and can't be at home with your daughter."

"Have you ever thought about using your leadership skills for ministry or missions?"

"Maybe one day you'll be able to be more involved in church. We know you're busy."

I would come away feeling less-than as a mom and less-than as a Christian. As I relived that experience, God reminded me of the day I shared my feelings with Him. I told Him I felt like I didn't measure up. The statements made by people of the same faith felt like giant speed bumps that I couldn't get past.

back on track

That flashback helped me remember that God's ways are not man's ways. God doesn’t live in a compartment labeled “sacred.” He lives in us, and we carry the sacredness that comes from Him everywhere we go, including the workplace and online platforms. We openly share our faith with every decision we make, the quality of work we produce, the words we write or speak, and how we treat other people.

I privately messaged the woman who challenged me. I told her that sometimes we put more effort into professing Christ than embodying Him. I explained that in my 20+ years of leadership, I never walked into a room and said, "I'm Peggy. I'm a Christian." How we embody Christ points to what we believe. Our spiritual identity shapes the words we write, the knowledge we share, the help we offer, and the work we do. We don't have to label it to make it so.

She didn't respond but has continued to engage with me on Linked absent the touchy remarks. It's as if it didn't happen. But I'm glad it did. It reminded me that:

1. We need to anchor into God and His purpose for our lives. What that looks like for someone else doesn't have to be what it looks like for us.
2. If we have a vulnerable spot that's proven touchy in the past, satan will poke it again. He's predictable.
3. Christians tend to categorize "us against the world," but civil wars are a reality. Internal disagreements will distract and neutralize us if we let them.
4. If we seek God first when someone upsets us, He's faithful to use the situation to teach us. He'll reveal the truth behind the smoke and mirrors. What the enemy intended for harm, God will use for good.

The next time discouragement shows up from within the faith community, remember that our job as believers is to follow Christ, not other people. The Bible is full of unconventional leaders used in diverse roles to accomplish God's purposes. He created us, equipped us, and gave us a mission.

Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink,

he will still be with you to teach you.

You will see your teacher with your own eyes.

Your own ears will hear him.

Right behind you a voice will say,

“This is the way you should go,”

whether to the right or to the left.

~Isaiah 30:19-21 (NLT)

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If you're on LinkedIn and we haven't connected there, here's a quick link! https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggybodde/​