Webster defines accountability as the obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for one’s actions. When Apostle Shepherd asked me to write a bi-weekly blog, I reluctantly and excitedly agreed. I was reluctant because I did not feel as though my writing would appeal to anyone. My writing is simplistic. Nevertheless, I agreed because I love to write. Writing is a ministry. Writing can reach an audience who will not step foot inside of a church. Writers are artists who paint a picture with a pen or keyboard. However, this post is not about writing. It’s about being accountable.
Since I have agreed to write a bi-weekly blog, I take my commitment seriously. I am committed to submitting my blogs in a timely manner. My grandmother raised me to have respect for time. If I have a doctor’s appointment at 10am, I arrive between 9:30 and 9:45am. I am not bound by CP time. I am on time for everything. If I am late for any reason, the circumstances are extreme. In my opinion, being on time is a sign of integrity. It shows that you operate in excellence. In my quest to be excellent (not perfect), my humanness won this round.
After a year and a half of submitting each blog on time, I forgot to submit my most recent blog. Why? I have been busy looking for a house. Last week, I found a charming and older home that I absolutely adored. The realtor and I placed a bid for the home on Saturday. On Sunday, I was flooded with texts and emails; “read this”, “sign this”, “re-sign this”, and “you will need this amount of money by tomorrow”. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed. A day or two later, I remembered that I did not submit my blog.
I accepted responsibility for my actions by apologizing to Apostle Shepherd and Breonna Baker. Although I do not get paid to write these blogs, I do not take my position lightly. Ministry goes beyond the pulpit. We are often dismissive of positions within the church that do not come with a microphone. I made a commitment to write and I must follow through. What does it mean to be accountable? Being accountable means showing up and setting out to accomplish the things you say or do. In all things, I work as if I am working unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).