DWELLING IN THE BALCONY

Once again I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to pull out my well-worn copy of Balcony People by Joyce Landorf Heatherly. Only 69 pages, it is a small book with a powerful punch. Every day we can choose to be a “Balcony” or a “Basement” person in someone’s life. With our words and our actions we can build up, encourage and affirm or we can tear down, evaluate and criticize. I have determined in my heart to dwell in the “Balcony.” If in person, through a smile, a hug or a compliment; in an email, some empathy, an encouraging word or a compassionate prayer; even on Face book, let my postings be pure, good and uplifting.


Everywhere we go most people we meet and most situations we face are filled with stress and discouragement, just think how an encounter with one “Balcony” person could change an entire day. Now stop and think how many lonely, discouraged people could face a brighter day, if you chose to BE a “Balcony” person. There is no lack of subjects on which to practice as you develop your balcony expertise. Start with your spouse, your children, neighbor, the greeter at the grocery store, the people in your church, your PASTOR and HIS WIFE.

Having been a pastor’s wife and having run a lonely obstacle race most days, I now am on the other side, in a congregation with the opportunity to be a balcony person to my pastor and his wife. The Balcony Person doesn’t just stand on the sidelines and cheer but they get involved in the race. They help share the load, they speak a word of praise, send an email of encouragement, give a quick hug, they make sure to pray for their pastors daily, support the vision, button the “lip of criticism” and oh yes, always, always cheer them on to victory.

Here is an excerpt from the book, “Balcony People.”  “We do not allow a pastor to experience discord, admit to or deal with depression; give them permission to be angry or human. We don’t allow pastor’s spouses to have mental illness, emotional burn-out or even a miscarriage. They must be spiritual at all times, with a biblical reference on the tip of their tongue. They must never have a bad day, lose their spirit or temper and most of all they must be able to play the piano.” I especially appreciate the last line. I was not blessed with natural piano playing abilities but taught myself to play by ear and was usually the only one available in our small home-mission churches. Maybe it was God’s way of keeping me humble, but after experiencing people in the congregation sticking fingers in their ears and some giving their children permission to stay home because they disliked my playing, I have asked God to please use me in any other role in the future. It has also caused me to become a “Balcony” person toward the Praise Team and anyone who serves God through music.

Joyce Landorf Heatherly continues, “If we ever do become balcony people of God to our ministers, you’ll know it instantly. There will break out over pastors, missionaries, lay people and congregations alike, the greatest revival the world has ever seen!” Talk about “World Changers!” If you struggle with your role in the Kingdom or you just are not sure what God is calling you to do, become a Balcony Person. You will amaze yourself, those around you, in the process be blessed and who knows, you may find out this is what God was calling you to all along.