On Becoming Dr. Morgan – and Gratitude

I have been absent (mostly) from the blogsphere for several months while writing my doctoral dissertation. I hope to post more frequently now.

Yesterday I defended my dissertation before the committee at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I have now earned the Ph.D. with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership. This has been a journey that has consumed my life for the last 3 ½ years (and I am thankful for the personal discipline to press-through in a short time), but I know it has been worth every struggle and joy along the way. I have grown so much (intellectually, developmentally, relationally, and spiritually) during this process. It was a great feeling to hear the committee address me as “Dr. Morgan” at the conclusion of yesterday’s defense. God is good!

My dissertation study was “The Impact of Trust in Confidant on the Relationship Between Self-Disclosure and Job Satisfaction Among Pastoral Leaders in the Church of God of Prophecy in the United States.”

Today I am filled with gratitude to God for His unfailing goodness to me. I am also thankful for the professors who have guided me in this journey, and for my classmates as we encouraged one another and were like “iron-sharpening-iron”. I am also thankful for Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, for the support and encouragement throughout this process, as well as to my home church in Mississippi (Morgantown Church of God)-- and especially my family. I am looking forward to spending a few days with them without having to focus on coursework. And, I am very thankful for good friends. I am amazed at the number of people in various parts of the world who I count as dear friends, and know the feeling is mutual. Often I am in awe at God’s love to me personally and to all of us. In recent weeks God has strengthened friendships that are an encouragement to me in my faith-walk. This is an answer to prayer, and just at the right time.

Last night I was talking with a good friend and sharing how God gives us these wonderful opportunities so that we may serve Him and others more effectively. Yes, our personal blessings are a way God shows His love to us personally, but it is also for reasons beyond us. God blesses us so that we may bless others. For several years my goal has been to learn as much as I can and impart that to others. My hope is others will be able to learn from me and then even move beyond what I know. That means we are all moving forward and impacting the Kingdom of God in tremendous ways. And, we are able to accomplish this task only because of the Lord and His strength.

I hope to post more in the coming weeks about things I learned personally in my spiritual journey this last year. I have much to share, and (finally!) I have the time to share it.

I pray you have a wonderful Christmas season. And may you find renewed strength for the coming year to be “on mission” and following The Way, whose birth we celebrate this season.