I love the blog 71 Toes. Talk about one dynamic lady who consistently has an amazing perspective on life. She speaks with her mom at many events like Time Out For Women and etc. I often read her blog for a little pick me up or a reminder about what matters most. Today, I stumbled across the exact message that I needed to hear today.
An excerpt:
"Lately I have been surrounded on all sides with people who are going through their own secret sorrows.
People who look fine and dandy on the outside. If you didn't know any better, you would think that the world is in the palm of their hands. Yet inside they are fighting with all their might to keep that smile in place to mask the heartbreak going on.
All this worry and sorrow going on around me has made me realize more than ever how much we don't know about even good friends. There is so much we don't see from our vantage point from the tip of the iceberg. It has reminded me to be more gentle and non-judgmental than ever before.
In wishing I had a magic wand to fix some of the tough stuff going on for my friends I was reminded of the awesome message connected to this link someone forwarded me a while ago.
I loved it. It talks about how sometimes it would be nice if we all wore signs around our necks about the tough stuff we are facing so we could be reminded to be gentle with one another. I was so taken by how much those thoughts prompted me to be aware of what others may be going through, especially if they are being nasty or selfish or unfeeling.
...I just love that little reminder to give people the benefit of the doubt. People all around us are going through their own secret struggles we may never see because they are deeply embedded in their troubled hearts. And we just need to love them unconditionally."
This is such a good reminder for me.. to not take offense when none was intended... or even when it was intended. To be more forgiving, understanding, loving and empathetic. To honestly strive to exemplify the "pure love of Christ".
2 comments:
I have actually been thinking about this very exact thing A LOT lately!! It is so true and hits right to my core. Pretty amazing how your perspective changes when you try to put yourself in someone elses shoes. Awesome!
Great post! This woman, Shawni- is in my Mom's ward. I meet her last year after reading one of her books she wrote with her Mom. She is just stunning, inside and out! Her book was wonderful- I'm drawing a blank right now but I'll get back to ya! :) LOVED the Halloween pictures! Those are some darling super kids!!!
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