Compassion

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen - Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

We've all gone through something that made us stronger; and it's in those moments that life's challenges shape our perspectives on everything!
How you respond to people is based on your journey. How you engage in their lives is another challenge in itself.

Being somewhat involved in others' lives is a sense of maturity in yours. There are so many things that you can offer to someone who may be in a situation similar to what you went through. If you would only try....

The great person that you are today is a result of the combination of your life journey, the person(s) who helped you build a defense against its negativity, your tenacity to become whole, and your fight to win strong!
Since we know that no one was born this way...you are perfectly positioned to help another fellow reach their own height of victory!

You can do it ;).
Happy Sunday!

Kind

Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle - Philo of Alexandria

Think about how many folks you walk by, pass by, bump into, talk to on the phone etc.

Then think about you.... And how somedays are tougher than the last. Or how you could often use a good Samaritan. Or how a single phone call could make things better. Or how a "hi, I'm checking on you" from a friend/family makes all the difference!

In that respect, try your hardest to express a bit more compassion and sympathy when you meet others.... You too might need it someday.

Happy Thursday

Sticking it out

So ladies, as you know, I hardly ever write about marriage, as I like to encourage women in general. But forgive me on this one :), I needed to put this down... Hopefully, we can all take something from it.

There is woven into the fabric of marriage a sense of something ongoing.  One woman, one man, together for a lifetime, right? But somewhere in the beginning, in between, somewhere along the journey, we adapt to some reasoning that as couples, we do not have to be "communicating" or having fun or constantly setting goals together.  We literally live single lives in a married home. We accept that all it takes is that we have to be together - and intend to stay that way.  This is faithfulness to each other and to God, according to feelings and whatever guards we have set up. 

Unfortunately, too many times, and too many people have been deceived to think that marriage should not be fun or fulfilling, or entertaining.  The dissapointment sets in when we get married and deep down inside, we know that we know, that things should not be this way, and should be vibrant...but we can't do anything about it...so we take it for what it is.  Or we bail out of one marriage and keep searching and find even more frustration with another marriage setting. 

As I read through scriptures, I see teachings on joy, yes, joy - the kind that flows with obedience, submission, tenderness, love, compassion, sensitivity, service (to each other), from glimpses of the Holy God.  God wants us to do that which glorifies Him - to be faithful, to keep His commandments, to love and cherish our spouses/fiancees (not just doing the works, but actually loving each other deeply). 

Sticking it out means being faithful, and out of faithfulness there is peace. It's being tender, and out of tenderness, there is reciprocity, joy and love. I see too many couples these days with a lack of tenderness...and it really breaks my heart because marriage really should be founded on Godly perspectives, should be fun, has to be loving and something to boast about.

Married ladies out there, please.....stick it out - let this be our first principle!

Marriage Builders:

• What are the challenges you are facing as a wife/fiancee as you try to be faithful to God?
• What challenges are a part of faithfulness in your relationships?

Be Open to the World

Inviting people to your home is one of the most effective ways of ministering to others; whether its a one on one invitation or by hosting a bible study group.

 

I think the reason why this is so hard for most of us, is because, we feel that our space is being invaded, or its just difficult to meet new people.  A lot of times, it's the conversations over coffee, or in our backyards, or over dinner that create meaningful connections with others.  Most of the non-outgoing people are lonely and are longing for a friendship, or a home where they can talk freely without the fear of being put-down.  We need to help people overcome that fear; and be a safe, peaceful place for them to come to.  When people sense that in you, they'll comfortably seek your feedback for situations they are facing. 

 

There's a lot of hurt, anxiety and frustration in the world. Peace starts with the discipline of respecting your fellow human beings. Be kind to whomever you talk to, be gentle, and be gracious in what you say.  Add the Love of Christ to that and allow Him to work through you. 

Hospitality Builders:

• When have you sensed God's peace at work in your home?
• In what ways can you picture yourself using your home to reach out to the lonely?