When You’re a Hugger AND Encourager

That’s me. I come from a family of huggers. So, throw me into a world of social distancing and stay-at-home orders and I’m really uncomfortable. Actually, my heart aches for our world that needs a good dose of love, compassion, understanding and HUGS. Let’s get the truth out there. God, the greatest of all lovers everywhere, didn’t cause this world to be locked up. Not our God Who “reached out and touched” the untouchable and loved the unlovable. It was our Lord’s mode of operation that He modeled for us from the feet of His disciples as He washed them as the greatest Servant of all. Our Lord was the One that crowds thronged around Him. He was the One Who called the little children to Him. He was the One who fed the thousands in a crowded situation. So, who is responsible?

It is the enemy of our souls – the greatest hater of all – the one who locks us up to keep us from loving, the one who would rather kill, steal and destroy our peace, our joy, our hope and our love. He is the one who tried to take our Lord out, once and for all, by crucifying him. He failed. It is he that has us locked up and away from others. But, he will not win. He is a loser in every way because we have read the end of The Book, the Bible, AND, we win!

A friend of mine posted on Facebook: “I hate Facebook”. I commented: “Oh please don’t hate it. It’s my mission field. We just have to let our little lights shine brighter so the darkness gets lit up with God’s love. I’ve learned to avoid the negative in every way. You have too many blessings to not share them. Love you so much sweet girl.” The truth is if we’re not the light and the encouragers, who will be? Sure I might need to stave off my hugging for the time being, but I can still encourage in word through social media, email, and when I am at church (yes, my church is following the 50% rule – sitting in every other pew and 6 feet apart). I can wave and blow kisses through my facemask. Encouragers just have to encourage.

Country Living magazine came out with more scriptures. I posted their encouragement in uncertain times' scriptures a few weeks ago). Now they posted scriptures about encouraging others to brighten their day. I love this so much and I’m passing on excerpts from their article and scripture verses for you to use to encourage yourself and others.

“Encouragement is something we all need to keep us motivated, loved, and feeling confident in ourselves and what we do. It’s something that is important for our mental and overall health and it truly can give us just the same amount of joy to give it to others as it is to receive it. Because God created us and knows this about our personalities, he has provided countless verses in the Bible to not only encourage us but also to teach us the importance of lifting up those around us. Imagine how your community could change for the better with a little more encouragement between neighbors instead of community message boards filled with complaints. Or how strong your team at work could become if each person talked up their teammates' work instead of their own accomplishments in order to get ahead. What a world that could be!”

** Hebrews 10:24-25 -- "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds..”
** Psalm 31:24 -- "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."
** Psalm 121:1-2 -- "I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."
** Romans 15:2 -- "Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."
** John 16:33 -- "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
** 1 Corinthians 16:13 -- "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."
** Romans 8:31 -- "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
** 1 Thessalonians 5:11 -- "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
** Romans 15:5 -- "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had."
** Romans 15:2 -- "Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."
** 1 Timothy 4:12 -- "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
** Isaiah 40:31 -- "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
** Joshua 1:9 -- "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
** 2 Timothy 1:7 -- "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
** John 14:27 -- "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
** Philippians 1:6 -- "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
** John 15:13 -- "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
** 1 Corinthians 10:13 -- "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
** Galatians 6:2 -- "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Thank you, Country Living magazine, for giving us exactly what we need to be encouraged and be encouragers!

The Month of Love Can Be “Bah Humbug”.....if we let it!

Everywhere I look there are reminders: "This is Love Month!". Since my sweetheart is long gone from this side of heaven, I could shut my eyes, allow myself to be pitiful and think "Please March, get here quickly!" But you’ll notice I refuse to go there, so much so that I intentionally post about love this month.

You see, February 14th has been a precious day for me since I was 12 years old. Well, maybe even before that when we decorated shoe boxes for receiving Valentine cards from our schoolmates. Up till February 14th, 1961, the cards I received from boys were slim-pickens. But from 1961 until 2010, Valentine's meant the world to me. My Sweetheart and I had our first "date" on Valentine's (ages 12 & 13) and every year since then, we made it "our" special day. I fully understand, however, why many wish there wasn't so much emphasis on love and lovers -- especially if they don't have a significant other.

But, every year, I purposely decide to defeat those thoughts as soon as February rolls around. Rather than being wimpy, I purpose to be energized, strong and determined. I embrace this whole month and call it a Month of Love -- focusing on giving out love daily, expressing my appreciation for friends, family and ESPECIALLY, my Father God -- the greatest LOVER of all.

I'm sharing my thoughts with you about "Valentine's NOT being Bah Humbug". I checked my heart on it before this month rolled around. And look at how God intercepted my thoughts. These photos are of a Valentine's "Love" brunch given by some precious women from Dwell Church. The homeowner emulates the beauty of being a Martha who serves with excellence and a Mary who worships at the feet of Jesus. I was so grateful to be included in this special celebration that she went way out of her way to show her love to us. Everything was done meticulously with excellence from the "love" signs that greeted us to the handsome servers from the church who welcomed us with a lovely punch, a ticket, and a sweet "love" magnet.

Their living area furniture was moved to their bedroom. Can. You. Speak? Reminders of love were everywhere and the brunch was par excellence. Check out that chocolate fountain bar. How blessed I felt when she gave a gorgeous orchid plant to me and another widow. I sensed my sweetheart looking down from heaven and applauding. To top it off, the tickets were for the gorgeous centerpieces filled with candy hearts and roses, and my number was drawn. I tried to give it away for someone else, but they insisted I keep it. Truly I sensed God's favor. He keeps on pouring it on!

I like to think that this sweet day was a gift for turning up the love burner in my month. It was a “give and it shall be given” gift to me. So, I will continue to NOT fall for the "IF ONLY" lie. You know, "IF ONLY my sweetheart was still here, IF ONLY I had a boyfriend, IF ONLY I had a romantic husband." "IF ONLY" can do quite a number on our hearts. That’s why I’m determined to replace my "If onlys" with "I ams". I AM loved by God. I AM so thankful for the beautiful people He has placed in my life. I AM rich in God’s mercy and grace. I AM so happy that I love this LOVE season because I am reminded to amp up my love for God and others. 1 John 4:19 explains it this way "We love because He first loved us."

Is Love Debatable?

I get amused at my 18-year-old grandson because, from all his four years of speech and debate experience with the NCFCA (National Christian Forensics & Communications Association), he can sure hold his own when it comes to debating an issue with someone. I was completely entertained when I watched his dad and him debate the rules of Rummikub. I am not a debater -- never desired to be, EXCEPT for when my husband and I had some “discussions” (that’s what we called our disagreements that the kids witnessed). If I knew that I was right, I would be like “stuck on glue” to debate my position to prove my case. When he would cave in and concede that I was right (or just to make for peace), it brought me a sense of great pride and joy. But it certainly didn’t add “sugar and spice” to our relationship. Over the years I relented from having to be right all the time. It wasn't worth the struggle. I didn’t want to be a “know-it-all”. I wanted to be a lover who prided herself more on love, peace, and harmony than having to "win" the game of having to be right. To this day, I steer clear of disagreements as best I can. I desire to be a lover -- not a debater.

I went to lunch with three friends recently and the conversation started to get “debatable”. Oh how much I wanted to debate something being said, but then I remembered that debating and having to be right with my husband only led to a disconnect. But authenticity and warmth brought about understanding and harmony. More than debating the issue, I determined to just let my little light shine. Love isn't debatable.

Christianity isn't about proving others wrong, but it is about proving that others are loved. That LOVE is not debatable. Often, when I witness “discussions” of others, I am drawn to look a little closer at my own life and how much more I need to reflect the love of Jesus Christ to a world that needs His love. In the words of the great philosopher, Dionne Warwick (LOL!), "What the world needs now is love sweet love, it's the only thing that there's just too little of".

Hopefully, I looked a little like Jesus to my friends because as John 12:32 says, "And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself." Hopefully, I lifted Him up enough that it will draw them to Him. That's my goal -- to meet up with them in heaven someday!

John 15:12: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."

But the Greatest of These is Love

I am not a debater -- never desired to be, EXCEPT for when my husband and I had some “discussions” (that’s what we called our disagreements that the kids witnessed). If I knew that I was right, I would be like “stuck on glue” to debate my position to prove my case. When he would cave in and concede that I was right (or just to make for peace), it brought me a sense of great pride and joy, but it certainly didn’t add “sugar and spice” to our relationship. Over the years I relented from having to be right all the time .It wasn't worth the struggle. I didn’t want to be a “know-it-all”. I wanted to be a lover who prided herself more on love, peace and harmony than having to "win" the game of having to be right. To this day, I steer clear of disagreements as best I can. I desire to be a lover -- not a debater.

Over the past couple of weeks, I've been challenged to be a debater. Out of the blue, I’ve been in communications with two individuals who seemed bound and determined to persuade me that there is no God, so there is therefore no need to pray, and convince me that “religion” is the cause for the world’s problems, etc. etc. Rather than get into a theological debate with either, I simply shared my story. I remembered that debating and having to be right with my husband, only led to a disconnect. But authenticity and warmth brought about understanding and harmony. More than winning the debate with those two individuals, I determined to just let my little light shine, and hopefully, that light might start to penetrate the darkness. I knew the only way to share was to express love.
This was my latest communication.

"I understand that you believe that organized religion is responsible for the mess in our world. But, honestly, for me, it's not about religion. I'll admit there's some wack-o people out there and what they do for their "religion". I'm not talking about religion. I'm talking about my belief in God -- the One revealed in Jesus, who looks nothing like the evil in our world.

Jesus Christ has given this gal unbelievable peace, joy, comfort and great hope for today and my future. Maybe it sounds like the "Good Ship Lollipop" thinking, and if it's a fallacy and at the end of this life, against everything I believe, that I believed a lie, it would still have been worth it. I have been a joy-filled, peace-filled, love-filled daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend who loves to serve and encourage others on a daily basis. I will have left a legacy of a good heart and soul. If what I believe is true, however, at the end of my life, I will hear God say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful. Enter into my joys." And if there is no God (which I utterly believe is not true), I know at least my family and friends will say "She was a good and faithful servant and friend." It's a win-win for me either way! Let me insert here that I've made many mistakes along the way, but I'm so thankful that God loves me enough to correct me, forgive me and forget. What an awesome role model for fathers is my Heavenly Father.

Here is really what I believe:
I believe that Jesus called us to love people unconditionally. I love YOU, my friend.
I believe that any time anybody claims to follow Jesus but they do not love people, they are not following Jesus.
I believe that if what I practice is true, then these practices will help me love others more.

Yes, I know that there are lots of "religious" things about Christianity with which you object. But please know that none of that is important if it doesn't help me love others like Jesus. If they don't help me love others, then they probably aren't true. And if they do help me love others, I hope you will be able to see it in my life, and many others.

Christianity isn't about proving others wrong (and I apologize if that's what it sounds like I'm trying to do), but about proving that others are loved. So, go ahead and believe what you will. As for me and my house, we will serve God. I believe God is alive and He lives in my heart. If you knew me and had seen the changes in my life and seen the awesome miracles I've seen, you'd believe in Him as well.

Thank you for these interactions via email, because, more than anything, it's made me look a little closer at my life and how much more I need to reflect the love of Jesus Christ to a world that needs His love. In the words of the great philosopher, Dionne Warwick (LOL!), "What the world needs now is love sweet love, it's the only thing that there's just too little of".

Hopefully, I looked a little like Jesus to these individuals, because as John 12:32 says, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." Hopefully, I lifted Him up enough that it will draw those two to Himself. That's my goal -- to meet up with them in heaven someday!