We all know those folks-the ones who have a kind word, quick smile and warm hug for everyone they meet.
And we all know the other type-the ones that suck the oxygen out of the room when they walk in and effectively dim any spark of hope a heart might be trying to fan into flame.
I want to be the former, not the latter.
I want to be a light bearer, not a candle snuffer.
In fact, this has become my anthem since Dominic left for Heaven. I cannot bear to think I’m heaping weight onto an already burdened soul.
A smile, a kind word, an outstretched hand may be exactly what a hurting heart needs that minute to keep holding onto hope.
And how many of us are just about to let go at any given minute?
So much of the New Testament is about perseverance. Who needs to persevere if life is full of rainbows and unicorns?
No.
Perseverance is needed for trial and hardship.
My guess is that if you’re reading this, you know about both.
So I pray that the Lord will send someone each day to encourage YOUR heart.
And, being strengthened yourself, you will pass it on.
Life is hard. Most of the time I wanted a participation ribbon just for living through another day. We don’t give each other enough credit for hanging in there during tough times, and we often criticize more than we comfort. Can you imagine what our world would look like if we spent more time encouraging people who are making it against all odds instead of criticizing them?
Paul told us to ‘encourage one another and build each other up’ (1 Thessalonians 5:11). … While God in His infinite wisdom and timing does choose to deliver some of us quickly, many of us spend years persevering before we find freedom and healing for our wounds.
~Esther Fleece, No More Faking Fine
I don’t know how many times this has happened to me, someone comes along just when I needed them.
I have had a few darker days of late and bumped into my friend’s partner in the supermarket car park on Friday. She made just the right, lone comment to give me a boost to keep going that day. She re-lit my candle from hers.
Mine candle is a bit flickery at the moment but sharing it, I can only hope will make it brighter for us all.
Thank you for the re-post Melanie, my candle across the seas ❤
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I pray that every single day someone speaks courage at just the right moment to your heart. You most certainly speak courage to mine. The tiniest, most feeble light is often enough to lead us out of our darkest moments. ❤
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Thanks for this. Very encouraging
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