WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF YOU?


He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. - Micah 6:8 NIV

WELCOME TO MY BLOG!

Hello! My name is Dustin Barrington. My family and I are full-time volunteers with Youth With A Mission, a Christian non-profit organization operating in over 1,200 locations in 170 countries.

We are affiliated with the Student Mobilization Centre. We inspire, inform, equip and encourage individuals and their communities to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God. We do this through teaching, writing, consulting, mentoring young leaders and one-on-one coaching.

I hope your visit to my blog helps you become what you were made to be! If there is any way that we can serve you please let us know! - DWB

Monday, February 2, 2009

LRHS Diagnosis

I am doing much better now that I am recovering…

I have known for a long time that something was wrong with me, and a while ago I was diagnosed with condition called “LRHS.” It is a surprisingly common and destructive ailment also known as “Little Red Hen Syndrome.” It generally develops from a pre-condition of pride or fear, often found in those who try to use achievements or the acceptance by others to validate their self worth. LRHS sufferers consistently perceive the most reliable solution to any challenge as being, “I’ll do it myself.”

The only remedy developed so far is an intensive therapy that emphasizes the primary value of people and relationships over tasks, duties, schedules, obligations, events, resources, etc…

With the support of my wife and some close friends I have been able to transition into a new way of living which will help me overcome “LRHS” and hopefully avoid a ‘mid-life crisis’ involving tanning salons, hair implants or purchasing a fast car.
The story of most “LRHS” survivors typically recognize that lazy dogs, sleepy cats and noisy yellow ducks are to be found on many farms, but this doesn’t mean that there are not more admirable and productive barnyard animals to partner with. I believe that the hen was stopped asking for help to soon. She could have gone to the milk cow, the draft horse or even the farmer himself!

I do apologize if my “LRHS” announcement caused you any anxiety. (I use humor to ‘soften the blow’ when I have to deal with my personal character flaws.) James 5:16 says, “…confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

This Little Red Hen anecdote is my way of confessing that I have not valued and trusted relationships that God has put in my life. I have also leaned on accomplishments to increase my sense of self-worth rather than dealing with my pride or fear. Would you be willing to pray for me, so I may be healed?

Please consider this a personal invitation to become a member of our “LRHS” Support Group… Thank you for all your prayers and support!

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