When others allow you into their heart, when they share who they are, what they want, what they believe, it forges a different path than maybe you would have taken otherwise. Our words to others are not that of "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." Our words to others, followed by our actions, can create a bond between spirits. Our words can give hope, can offer peace, and can establish joy within the hearts of others.
I am not sure if I do this for those around me on as regular a basis as I would like. I attempt to always let others know how I feel, but sometimes feel I fall short when going through a regular day of frustration where my own world feels like it is ripping at the seams.
I recently received 2 forms of communication that shook me. One was a letter mailed to me, unexpected, from my sister-in-law Jessica. The other was an email received today, from a person I deeply care about and would do anything just to see them smile. For the sake of this person, I will not mention names, but if you read this, you know who you are.
The letter from Jessica came on a day where I literally was so low in spirit. I was struggling with not only the regular day emotions, but also huge questions about who I am, what am I doing, why do I suffer the way I do when it comes to certain things...I received the letter on November 20, just a few short weeks ago. As I am reading this letter that was written on stationary with her handwriting, I was transformed to different periods of my life where things were much more stressful than today. I was transformed to different periods of my life where I felt complete joy, complete love, and a blissful ignorance only time diminishes. Suddenly, I was 19 again, I was 23 again, I was 27 again, reliving all the wonderful and difficult phases I have grown through, and grown up to be the person I am today. She was sharing with me her appreciation of who I was, how I live, and who I will be in the future. She was telling me through every sentence how she loved me for me. The words she wrote on paper were not just words - they were a song, a testament to love, to family, to strength, and to honor. They were words I cannot even think of without becoming tearful with an overwhelming warmth of love for her, and who she is. She didn't know the day I received this I would need it. She put her faith in her actions, and realized she was doing this based out of her need to show her appreciation. I have read this letter several times since, overcome with emotion each time.
The other, the email I received today, touched me in a different way. It was not centered around me as the letter from Jessica. It was someone sharing with me who they were, their fears, their uncertainty of what the future may offer, and how they were not sure how or what steps they would take. It was someone telling me who they were in their thoughts. And while there was a mention regarding my strength, or willingness to give of myself, I do not believe that is why the email was sent to me. I believe it was sent due to a longing to let out feelings that may otherwise be left to roam within their heart, unknown to many, unheard to all.
My own words I would say to Jessica and the person very dear to me would include something similar to lyrics from my previous post below. Some of my words will be shared with them individually, in a more private forum rather than in the world of internet searches. But they would also include a special editorial note as follows that I am willing to share to the world, for all to see, without fear or reservation (with some of those lyrics included):
For Jessica, my sister in love, you are forever one of the strongest women I know. From the time our lives became intertwined we have both had our ups and subsequent downs. You have always put a brave face on for the world to see, and I am sure and know that is not always the easiest thing to do. You demonstrate strength to a degree I will never be able to understand, but have also demonstrated such grace under pressure with all the hardships life has given. We have grown together as individuals, and grown up together through our own hardships and joys. To see you as a mother, holding your sons in your arms, to watch your love for them, the love you have for your husband, and the love you have for the Lord is truly an amazing event to see. In these moments, you are at your most beautiful, for your love shines through you as rays of sunshine would light the sky at dawn. Be strong in the Lord, never give up hope. You’re going to do great things, I already know. God’s got His hand on you so don’t live life in fear. Forgive and forget. But don’t forget why you’re here. Take your time and pray. These are the words I would say.
To my very special friend, with whom my time has been shorter than others in my life, I want you to know your brilliance is beyond my understanding at times. Your wit, your desire to achieve great things, and your tenacity at grabbing what you want (including my attention) can never be matched. While most things are uncertain right now, I know you are going to set the world on fire. You are nothing short of amazing, and I feel so blessed each day having you as part of my life. Hold strong in your trust to do good. You have captured my heart in so many aspects of who you are, not what you are. Be strong in the Lord, never give up hope. You’re going to do great things, I already know. God’s got His hand on you so don’t live life in fear. Forgive and forget. But don’t forget why you’re here. Take your time and pray. These are the words I would say.
No comments:
Post a Comment