TRANSFORMATION, is it possible???

TRANSFORMATION!!!!

In the early 1970s, Werner Erhard introduced the breakthrough notion of "transformation":

“A clear distinction between change within an existing world view or frame of reference, and creating an entirely new world view.”

How long does it take for “change/transformation” to happen? Is it gradually then suddenly? Is it in a blink of an eye?

I have learned to reframe my question on this trip! It’s no longer how long does it take. Its, “for who is the change/transformation for?”. Then timing is not the issues, it can happen in a blink of an eye, as were experiencing here in Asia. The issue then is will you invite personal transformation and the pain of it for someone, something, somebody, a purpose greater then yourself?

Transformation is painful because you will no longer be operating out of the same old system. You will be fumbling through a new system that is being created the deeper you go into the transformation. (more on this at another time).

I have seen this happen over and over with the team.

First, Thinh has broken through a challenge I have challenged him with for a while now. To be abandon and not care what others think? He made the “Kids” were serving bigger then himself and he abandoned himself for their sake. Thinh spoke in broken Vietnamese and wasn’t self-conscience about their thoughts of him. That gave him more intimacy with them as he broke through the simple, what’s your name, when are you going back to Vietnam from KL, how old are you, etc. Now Thinh, in his humility, through broken Vietnamese heard their pains, hope, dreams, he heard “them”. So much more….

Second, Hieu in a moment of trust and vulnerability shared how its easy for him to see the dark side of any situation. In fact, he had his “dream” come true and it turned into a “nightmare”, his words. He led a very creative bible study and it started going south as he asked dark questions that brought down the room’s energy. Vietnamese people like to play and laugh, Hieu got them to become more pessimistic and dark, what a gift he has!

I gave him feedback on my experience then another opportunity to share at the next speaking opportunity. Hieu made it about the Vietnamese “Kids” were sharing to and Hieu shifted to become this funny person with energy that captivated the group and they received his point with applause! It did take time for Hieu to shift, it took a commitment to others, something greater then himself for him to abandon comfortbility.

Third, Katie! Wow, so much transformation in such a short time. Leading worship with a bunch of off key, tone deaf, and lyrically challenged team members. I can write pages on Katie’s shift. Due to time, I’ll touch on one part. I’ve seen her shift from having to “know” what is going on, when its going on, how its going on, etc. she went to “He knows” and she surrendered. This is not an easy transformation, to give up control. And I saw Katie you this more each day as the team, “Kids”, and others become bigger then her.

Lastly, Kaleb has miraculously transformed in a blink of an eye. He is choosing to spend time with uncle Thinh, who he hasn’t ever desired to before. Kaleb would normally like to spend time with the “fun” uncles and play and make life about himself. I see he is choosing uncle Thinh because Thinh is our leader. Thinh is putting himself out there serving us and Kaleb’s natural leadership gifts are coming out. Kaleb is absorbing our bible studies like and adult would. Kaleb’s answers are profound and deep not for a 10yr old but for even adult to have! He is serving when opportunities arise and doing things for others that he normally ask he brothers to do for him. He is choosing to talk about others, the circumstance and what God is doing instead of himself and what he wants to do. It is frightening to see is instant maturity and still see they boyish characters in him.

One night I was crying as I shared my testimony in Vietnamese for the first time. Kaleb got up not caring what others thought, made his way through the crowd and stood by the stage ready… Uncle Thinh asked Kaleb what he was about to do, Kaleb said, “I felt my dad needed a hug” and he was standing at the bottom of the stage ready with all the peoples eyes on him and he not caring what others thought. This is big for Kaleb as he is a “socializer” and normally concerns about others approval.

Transformation can happen gradually then suddenly, immediately, over an extended amount of time. The length of time is not the issue; it’s the commitment to transformation. Commitment to make others, a vision, an opportunity, something to be bigger then your self, your self-preservation!

Then you will be able to experience:

“A clear distinction between change within an existing world view or frame of reference, and creating an entirely new world view.” Werner Erhard

sorry got to run, edit it later... SABASTIAN