The picture in this post does not depict the people and conversations referred to by the author.
One day during the Lausanne – Orthodox Initiative 2014 consultation I found myself disturbed. I was upset because I felt like other members of my discussion group were not taking my experience and point of view seriously.
I returned to my room to pray, and the Lord immediately pointed out to me that it was my pride and insecurity that had been jarred. And He reminded me of Ephesians 4:2-3, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
So, I resolved to leave my room in love, trusting God for His blessing. Within a few minutes He led another participant to encourage me regarding my presence and influence at the consultation, and we ended up sharing with one another how God had invested years preparing us to be involved in the LOI. God’s presence was evident.
I confess that I still wonder to what degree others took my ideas and experiences seriously at the consultation. But when I wonder that, I’m reminded of this thought from St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, “Pride is darkness, but humility is light.” However God may lead LOI forward, I’m sure that humility will be a key to God’s purposes for us.