Just Spit It Out!
How many times do we think something, but never say it?
How many times do you think about complimenting somebody, but as they walk by, you lose confidence and let them keep walking?
How many times do you read something on facebook, a website/blog, or even in an email, and just keep scrolling through, even if a compliment is in your head?
What if we all started to act on those thoughts more?
The power of a word.
We all know how we feel about the power of a kind word.
Yet we turn around and fail to pass on that kind word for fear of awkwardness, botching up what we want to say, or for fear of looking weird. (I have experienced all 3!)
Christ spoke with kindness and compassion. We read in the Sermon on the Mount, how much Christ loves. How much he cares for those who hurt. For those who need love. For those who need a kind word. We can read and reread His words, yet we fail to act them out.
Think about the best compliment you have been given (or two, or three…)
Now think about the last compliment you have GIVEN.
Do you think the recipient had the same feelings you had when you received those “best” compliments?
Insecurities cause us to deny the truth. To deny the truth of compliments given. What if we started to really believe them? To take every word and let it soak in?
What if we started to speak the truth. And speak the truth IN LOVE. And speak the truth in love THROUGH COMPLIMENTS?
I am not talking about being insincere. Don’t force. But follow what the Holy Spirit puts on your heart. Don’t underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit’s prompting.
This may sound weird, lame, or like I have too much time on my hands, but I have been trying to work on this in my own life. When I read, watch, or hear of a story that really touches my life, I try to contact that person (typically via facebook or email). It has been surprising the responses I have been given. Why do I do this? Because I have been a recipient of kind and encouraging words. When we were going through difficult times, we received messages and emails from people we never met. Yet their words, meant more than I could ever thank them for.
In fact, after I got done typing this whole post up, I went on my facebook and saw this message from a friend:
Today is infant loss and awareness day. Remembering alongside you Hootie 1 and Hootie 2 and wondering what they and my little one look like; dreaming what they sound like as they worship Jesus, and looking forward, as I am sure you are, to the day I can wrap my arms around that sweet child and say “I’m your mom and I love you so much!”
Thinking of you today, Kristin!
How beautiful. This friend reminded me of why I desired to write this post.
I want to offer that same support to others.
Speak the truth in love. Speak the truth from your heart and…
JUST SPIT IT OUT :)!
