We're alive with Him!
So speak encouraging words to one another.
Build up hope so you'll all be together in this,
no one left out, no one left behind.
~ 1 Thessalonians 5 {The Message} ~
Let's be less absorbed in our empty stats, our futile self-promotion ... and instead turn the tables and aim the spotlight of grace on others. Let's work the room and spread the love, lend genuine support, offer the needed applause, grab the confetti, and pile on the affirmation.
Let's celebrate each other's awesome stories, courageous accomplishments, and hard-won wisdom. Let's rejoice with those who are rejoicing and grieve with those who sorrow.
Here's the challenge, friends ... to build each other up without any subtle expectation of any kind of payback.
And wonder of wonders, you just might never know how your own simple words, maybe even left in haste, impact another soul ... until their own heart overflows with a story that they're ready to share.
Like Lois did ...
'Earlier this year, I read a blog post by someone who was packing up and moving after 38 years in the same house. The writer, Linda Stoll, wrote about depersonalizing her beloved home to prepare it for listing, and about all the memories she would leave behind when she relocates to a new address in a different state.
In the comments section, I told her that the longest I've ever lived anywhere (as an adult) has been five years, so I could only imagine how hard it would be to do all that work after nearly four decades in the same place.
Her response stopped me in my tracks and triggered an internal dialogue that continued for weeks ...
{finish reading How I Feel is Not Who I Am}
~
~
How sweet, Linda. I can imagine how that blesses your heart to know that you've made a difference by just being you. :) ((blessings))
ReplyDeleteWho would've guessed?
DeleteYou are an inspiration to me, Linda! You urge us to stay real, encourage like no one else and make us feel welcome any time we stop by here. It has been one of the biggest blessings in my life to get to know you and to hang out here with you. Thank you for this gift. Love you friend!
ReplyDeleteIron sharpens iron, doesn't it! Thanks for all you've been teaching me about being brave, Mary. It's certainly not a word that I'd chose to describe myself ... but you make it look possible.
DeleteSo very grateful God has brought us together in our seasons of transition. What a blessing!
Ditto what Mary said. All of it! Love you, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteIt always makes me smile when you drop in ... thanks for being here today, my friend!
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Linda,
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with your photo of the vintage typewriter! Do you have one? I see so many pretty stock photos of typewriters that I think I have to get one just to stage in photos! So to take your advice from today's post, I'm applauding and admiring and inspired by your photo and the words in your post -- always get my daily dose of inspiration here, friend! xo
I remember my mom's gray typewriter with the hunter green keys, Valerie. But there looks to be alot of fun colors from back in the day! Thanks for your words of encouragement ... and thank you for bringing the magic of travel and adventure into my world in this season! Every time I visit you, I feel like I get a front row seat to Italy's grand vistas!
DeleteHi Linda! What a gift that you inspired another person. And it sounds like she triggered some thoughts for you too.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think we are writing to the air...like no one will really read or understand what I'm saying. But that's never true is it. Our wisdom and life experiences are things we should share, we have the ability to make someone else smile. Or think. Or love God more. How beautiful!
Blessings on your inspiring way today,
Ceil
I absolutely hear what you're saying about writing to the air, Ceil. I guess that's one of the reasons I appreciate the conversations, the comments that follow the posts we put up. I guess we all want to know that in some small way, we're making a difference.
DeleteAnd yes to what you wrote. The wisdom and life experiences you unleash with your pen impact me each time I come to call. Yes, you show me how to love God more.
And what more could we ask?
:-}
Linda,
ReplyDeleteI read Lois' post and I remember thinking, that is "so Linda, to be encouraging :-) "
And this is so God....I took Lois' post and was trying to figure out how to work it into my Hope series and here I read it here again...so I'm taking that as a go ahead...not exactly sure when it will be but it will be in somehow :-)
You sweetheart, you!
DeleteI can't wait to see what you do with Lois' very special words, Dolly. I really anticipate what's going to flow from your heart.
But what else is new?
;-}
Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteThat's so great that you were able to encourage Lois like this. I loved her response. I remember reading your post and it bringing tears to my eyes because I couldn't imagine being in a place for that long or what it would cost emotionally to leave it. I understand that God has something for you waiting, and we must always let go in order to see what that something is. In my life I always find myself much like Lois. Other than the home I grew up in, I've never been anywhere longer than four years. I'm wanting to soak up everything God has placed on this earth and so when an opportunity presents itself, I go. My husband is the same way.
I am very drawn to the large family gatherings and look forward to these each holiday season.
Thank you for sharing your heart here, Kim. Your tender words bring a tear to my eyes. May you always find this place to be a warm family gathering place. The welcome mat is always out!
DeleteOh, Linda! This touches my heart more than I can say! Thank you for sharing my post ... your readers already know how encouraging you are, but now they have even more proof! Blessings, my friend!
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, this is what we're called to do here, Lois. We encourage each other at every opportunity. We build each other up and offer grace and kindness.
DeleteAnd what fun to do so!
We love because He first loved us, don't we ...
;-}
Thanks for sharing Lois with us! I'm not at all surprised to learn you've impacted someone's life in such a positive way. You are special, my friend.
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love introducing people to each other when you just know that they're gonna hit it off?
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YES!
ReplyDeleteIn a word, THANKS!
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Thanks for introducing us to Lois! I loved reading her words. Isn't it great how one person's words inspire another to write their words and the circle just keeps going?
ReplyDeleteYou said it well, Teresa! Let's keep this circle going ... long after 31 Days are done! What a fabulous community God has given us!
DeleteI'm beyond grateful ...
;-}