Quote

 

 

"There will always be things we want to see happen in our lives, but we can learn to enjoy where we are, on the way to where we are going."

Kind Words

 



In Holley Gerth's book, You Were Made For a God-Sized Dream, she states so perfectly, "Kind words are becoming an endangered species. A friend who will rejoice in your successes as much as her own is a treasure indeed.  A woman who will say, "Yes, with God you can do this" is a beautiful and hard-to-find wonder."

The very last part of that quote is who I want to be, "a beautiful and hard-to-find wonder."  It used to be difficult for me to compliment people.  I was much younger and life was a big competition.  It didn't matter who it was, a friend, a co-worker or even a family member, I wasn't going to dish out any compliments.  Mostly because I knew that person wanted them.  And after all, no one was sending compliments my way!  I know that sounds terrible, judge me if you will, but I know from experience, I am not the only one who practiced this sad and pitiful existence.  That was until I met a wonderful and beautiful friend, Sara. 

Sara was the first woman I met that poured out compliments.  For the first time, I met someone who wasn't afraid or low in self-esteem to share words like, "You're looking pretty, today" or "That is a good color on you" or "You are a great mama."  I remember one day in particular, I was over at her house while she was hosting a family gathering.  I was in the house doing, what, I have no idea, but when I walked out into the garage all heads turned my way, she said, "They were saying that your daughter was a cutie and I told them, 'wait until you see her mama.'" Now don't get me wrong, it was a very nice compliment and one that I remember to this day, but I was left embarrassed.  Do you know why?  I was feeling very insecure that day. I felt ten pounds heavier than usual and didn't feel comfortable in my clothes.  I debated on whether or not I would be going to her house in the first place.  And in that moment all eyes were on me! Something I was hoping to avoid.  But it was that one compliment that settled me down and helped me get over a bit of social anxiety.  Those few words took a bit of my insecurities away, if only for a day. 

It took some time, but I began to practice the art of complementing.  I no longer find it difficult to say, "You look so pretty today, your face is glowing" or "You are a great cook, you could so open a restaurant or bakery."  Guess what happened when I started complementing?  I walked away BEAMING.  I didn't receive the compliment, but I found enough confidence in myself to allow someone to feel special....and it felt exhilarating! It felt exhilarating because I knew my words gave a boost of exhilaration to the one receiving the compliment.  The best part...it only took a few words! 

So why is it so hard for many of us?  Maybe we need to examine who we are in Christ and trust that we, too, are very special, whether anyone acknowledges it or not. When we start believing our worth in Christ, we automatically feel confident in our own skin allowing us to dish out kind words more freely. 

Daughters of Christ, lets pour out kind words, you just never know who may be needing them! 

Gracious words are a honeycomb,
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.  Proverbs 16:24

Love

If you read Dilapidated Insides, you know of how God spoke to my heart about fostering and growing in the fruit of the Spirit.  The other day, something so beautiful and almost breathtaking was revealed to me.  I have two wonderful daughters.  I have a fifteen-year-old and a six-year-old.  My girls are sweet girls.  But like most humans, they have their moments when they are not so sweet.  As a mom, I always hope for and want the best for them.  Whether it be good relationships with friends, a soccer goal or a part in the school play, I'm in constant hope for them.  One particular day, I was praying for my eldest daughter.  She was about to start a new school year and there were so many things that I needed to pray for.  As I'm praying and hoping for a promising year for my daughter, this little voice in my head argued, "Even though she doesn't always deserve it." It was only a few seconds when the Lord spoke quietly to my heart: You don't always deserve my blessings, but I still bless you, because I love you.

My eyes spilled over quickly. Truth, whether it's spoken gently or harshly, pierces certain nerves.  I am very blessed.  I am very much loved.  And I don't deserve it.  The tears ran as I realized just how much he loves.  Not only did he confirm how much he loves me, even when I have my rotten moments, but how much he loves and looks beyond my daughters rotten moments, too. He's going to bless her, even though she doesn't deserve it.  He's going to bless me, even though I don't deserve it.  He's going to bless you, even though you don't deserve it.

I thought about the many times when my children wanted this or that.  I agreed they could have this particular thing based on condition.  When they failed at earning their "prize," many times I would concede anyway.  We sometimes do that as parents.  We love our children so much and if we can put a smile on their face, we do what we can to make that happen.  In some ways, God is like that...eager to put a smile on our face.

We don't have to be perfect to earn God's love and blessings.  If it's in His power, and it is, He's going to do it.  He does it because He loves. 

God  IS  love. 1 John 4:8