Some years ago my pastor (Pastor Kimbrough) told me that I would experience many moments of silence in ministry and that I should embrace them. He said many people will not understand why you often “still away” in reflection and meditation with God; however, it will ultimately benefit you and God’s people once God moves you to breaking the silence by breaking open the WORD that had to be matured in your spirit while he had you in the silent realm of his secret place. Leadership is not signified by the one who speaks first, but by the one who allows God to first speak for them before they speak. My utterance has no relevance unless I learn to lead by first being led. I cannot be led by God’s Holy Spirit unless I learn to be silent and meditate to the one who knows what needs to be spoken and how it should be said. In this New Year, be led into the quiet place of God and do not exercise your tongue until God has exercised your heart & mind in his silence.

~ Rev E. Shon Hagwood