He entered the atmosphere of the outer levels of my personal space. Internal alarms started to sound because I knew verbal engagement was imminent.
I sat at the edge of the bench with my legs stretched out and ankles crisscrossed. My girls scampered up and down the hall, still releasing jitters from sitting in church class for an hour.
Then, looking at me, he sat at the opposite end of the bench. I knew his family, but had never really talked with him before. Why was he approaching me?
In the 5 seconds between him crossing into my personal space and sharing His words, a dozen thoughts and possibilities punctuated my mind.
“I just want you to know I’ve been praying for you.” he said.
Oh, that was nice. Generic, but nice. Still, I heard the clinking of my self-protective fences going up.
He continued.
“It’s hard being a mom and the only Christian in your crew, but you are doing awesome. I know its not perfect, but I just want you to know I’m praying for you and your family. You’ve been on my heart for at least two weeks now.”
My fence vaporized. And my heart snapped to attention.
In the 15 seconds from when he began speaking until he finished, my thoughts traversed from skeptical to encouraged to grateful to God that He sees me.
I’ve also been praying more for my family in the last several weeks. And God sees me. Not only does He see me, but He has others on the job praying as well. Awesome.
Though I was skeptical initially, I’m thankful he didn’t let a possibly awkward encounter prevent him from encouraging me. I’m thankful his motivation to encourage outweighed his fear of being misunderstood.
*
Last night another friend mentioned how her married male friend struggles with self worth. Yet, in addition to being an amazing husband and father, she sees him as one of the most genuine people in her life. But she resists telling him because, “Well, I’m single, and a woman.”
The excuse sounded absurd to both of us when she spoke it out loud.
Don’t hush! I told her.
In that moment we declared, “We’re unbuckling the enemy’s muzzle. People need our words.”
Still, I struggle with feeling stupid, afraid my motives will be misunderstood. And what if I’m just being prideful and more concerned about how spiritual I look than how encouraged the other person is?
Well, we need to start somewhere. It’s better to encourage the person and let God deal with our pride, than leave the person unencouraged because we’re afraid our weaknesses will show.
Colossians 3:16 says:
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Clearly, God doesn’t want us silenced either. In this verse He offers permission to speak His words to one another.
Don’t hush!
His words on your heart may be the answer to someone’s struggle today.
And if you are confused about your motivations consider the next verse.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)
Your heart is a gift to others. But no one will see it unless you share your words with them.
So risk it. Hide yourself in Him. Wrap the cape of Christ’s love, humility and authority around your shoulders. And boldly share the gift of your words with someone today.
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