Words. They seem so small, so insignificant, but in reality, they can make a person who they are. They can build up or tear down. They can encourage or hurt. They can show God's love or Satan's hate.
I've been feeling pretty down on myself lately. I had gained some weight, was feeling frumpy and unattractive, and unappreciated. I know this was just Satan trying to get my focus on myself and off God, and I gave in to it. I went a few weeks without even bothering to fix myself up, without even looking in the mirror. I quit reading, quit writing, quit doing things I love. I hate using this word, but in all honesty, I was depressed. I stayed in bed as long and as often as I could. Then, God used a few people to remind me he's always near.
It started with a random text from a friend. I hadn't texted her and wasn't expecting any text, much less one that read like this.
I've been feeling pretty down on myself lately. I had gained some weight, was feeling frumpy and unattractive, and unappreciated. I know this was just Satan trying to get my focus on myself and off God, and I gave in to it. I went a few weeks without even bothering to fix myself up, without even looking in the mirror. I quit reading, quit writing, quit doing things I love. I hate using this word, but in all honesty, I was depressed. I stayed in bed as long and as often as I could. Then, God used a few people to remind me he's always near.
It started with a random text from a friend. I hadn't texted her and wasn't expecting any text, much less one that read like this.
"I am so proud of you! New beginnings are hard and I love seeing you make the most of yours! You are so strong and deserve all the happiness in the world!"
I cried when I read it. I thanked God for using someone so dear to me to remind me I am loved. I didn't feel strong, hadn't felt strong, but her text reminded me that yes, I am very strong. I am stronger than I ever knew I could be. Her text reminded me that I deserve to be happy. I thanked God and went about my day feeling encouraged and uplifted.
The very next day I received yet another unexpected text, from a different friend in a complete different state. This one said:
The very next day I received yet another unexpected text, from a different friend in a complete different state. This one said:
"Hey beautiful lady, just wanted to say I'm praying for you and am so proud of you and all you've overcome and how awesome you're pushing forward. You my friend are amazing and an inspiration to many! I am blessed to call you friend."
Me? I'm an inspiration? I'm helping others? I'm amazing? Does she know who she's texting? I again burst into tears. All I've ever wanted, all I've ever prayed, was to help others, to make a difference in somebody's life. This dear friend confirmed that God was using me to do just that!
The next day was a bad day. I'd had a rough day at work, a potential relationship disappeared as quickly as it had begun, and I was feeling animosity towards the male gender in general. I had spent the night sending her a long, hateful text about how much I despised men and how I was done with them, and on and on...you know...like that whiny teenager after a break up. I called her the next morning and she talked me out of my funk, made me laugh, and brightened my day. I didn't think anything else of it until I came out to my car on my lunch break. I reclined my seat, opened my doors, and turned on my phone, intending to set an alarm so I could nap. Instead, I found this unexpected treasure:
The next day was a bad day. I'd had a rough day at work, a potential relationship disappeared as quickly as it had begun, and I was feeling animosity towards the male gender in general. I had spent the night sending her a long, hateful text about how much I despised men and how I was done with them, and on and on...you know...like that whiny teenager after a break up. I called her the next morning and she talked me out of my funk, made me laugh, and brightened my day. I didn't think anything else of it until I came out to my car on my lunch break. I reclined my seat, opened my doors, and turned on my phone, intending to set an alarm so I could nap. Instead, I found this unexpected treasure:
Hey. I know this is random but I just wanted to say I love you and appreciate you so much! I seriously don't know what I'd do without you in my life to talk to about...well, everything! Anyway, thanks and I hope we can keep up our morning calls!
Again, I was shocked. God was reminding me again that I am appreciated, that I am loved. To hear this person say they wouldn't know what to do without me floored me...I don't think anyone has ever told me that before. The thoughts of "If I disappeared, if I was suddenly gone, it wouldn't make a difference. Nobody would miss me, nobody would care" totally flew out of my mind and out of my heart. The lies Satan had been feeding me, gone in an instant, all thanks to a simple, heartfelt text.
These three ladies who texted me know each other, but do not, to my knowledge, talk on a daily basis. Two live in different cities, one in a different state. They had no idea they were each texting me. They also had no idea the impact their text messages had on me. I actually have them locked, so when I delete messages, they stay. They meant that much to me.
I plan on returning the favor. I plan on sending random, encouraging texts to different friends. I think we all should. It only takes a few minutes, but the impact will last a lifetime! Please join me in spreading love and hope and encouragement through the power of the written (or texted) word.
These three ladies who texted me know each other, but do not, to my knowledge, talk on a daily basis. Two live in different cities, one in a different state. They had no idea they were each texting me. They also had no idea the impact their text messages had on me. I actually have them locked, so when I delete messages, they stay. They meant that much to me.
I plan on returning the favor. I plan on sending random, encouraging texts to different friends. I think we all should. It only takes a few minutes, but the impact will last a lifetime! Please join me in spreading love and hope and encouragement through the power of the written (or texted) word.