I remember that when I was much younger, we were taught that elephants are the largest land animals. Thinking about it, it means that they are noticed wherever they are - in other words because of their mere size, they cannot be ignored; we can't say the same for many other animals. What about you? Do you make an impact wherever you go? I'm not saying you must announce yourself or be loud - does your countenance or even quietness send or leave a message wherever you go or whenever you leave? For avoidance of doubt, I'm not saying "size" is required to make an impact...
Back to our topic, elephants are tough-skinned yet sensitive - sounds like a paradox won't you say?"The elephant´s skin is despite of its thickness a very sensitive system and has a rich nerve providing. An elephant notices every fly landing on him!"*
I have written quite a bit about having a "water off a duck's back" attitude to things.** This is a critical attribute because you cannot afford to be phased by everything people do or say to or about you. Even Jesus was tough-skinned - and knew when to let things slide off like water off a duck's back.
In being tough/thick skinned, we must also be sensitive and tender-hearted - to be effective in ministry.I recently read an article that puts makes this point simply - see Thick Skin, Tender Heart, and What Every Pastor's Wife Needs Most - by Elisha Galotti.
I don't know who the quote below is attributed to but it encapsulates the message of this post. In being tough/thick-skinned, never lose touch with your softer side. Strengthen those heart muscles so they are tender...
References:
*http://www.upali.ch/skin_en.html
** http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.com/2013/11/water-off-ducks-back.html
Source of article:
http://www.truewoman.com/?id=2776
