I came across this blog today.
And, it really got me thinking about something I've been talking to a lot of women about lately. Why is it that we try so hard to put on these perfect faces and pretend like everything is ok with us? Why are we so nervous about being real and vulnerable, because someone may not like what we have to say? Why are we so focused on keeping our pains and hurts and pasts a secret, instead of sharing them with others who may be dealing with the same things?
I am so guilty of this. Even with this blog. I share some personal things about myself...but there are many things I keep a secret. Why? Because I don't want someone to think less of me, or think I'm crazy, or give me crap about it later. Is that any way to live our lives? How are we ever going to reach out to people, and be truly effective in doing so, if we give off the impression that we have everything together 24/7?
I was so nervous about this blog post. Why? Because I was afraid of what people would think of me. I truly didn't want to offend anyone, so I think that was a valid reason for being nervous about it...but I was also worried that some people in my life may not agree with me, and think badly of me because of it. It's so silly! Why do we care so much about what people think of us, that we're afraid to be honest?
It's time to start being ourselves. It's time to start living our lives, exposing the not-so-pretty things, in order to encourage others to do the same. We are all imperfect, we all have flaws, pasts, hurts, struggles, and bad days. We all need the encouragement of other people in our lives...and we all need to be pointed back towards God on a daily basis. If we're always telling people we are "fine", no one is going to feel the need to encourage us. It's time to start being real!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Love for You: Day Seven
Today's post is for two wonderful friends of mine.
J.B. - I am so thankful you and I became friends. I know we knew each other for quite a few years, but it's only been in the last year and a half or so that we've really gotten to know each other. You have such a beautiful heart. Your love for God is so evident in all you do. I love your passion for animals and photography. You are such an encouragement in my life and I'm so thankful I can call you my sister. We have had so many fun times together. From BUNCO nights, to getting our makeup and toes done, to eating out and laughing a lot. Thank you for being you! I love you very much!!
B.H. - I remember meeting you at A.G.'s house about two years ago. Your honesty and vulnerability blew me away. You have amazing strength and courage. Your heart breaks for those who are hurting and rejoices for those who are doing great. You are a beautiful blessing. I love the joy you get from teaching little kids. Your face lights up every time you talk about them. You love your family so much, and would do anything for them. You are such an inspiration. I feel so privileged to be your friend. I love you so very much!!
J.B. - I am so thankful you and I became friends. I know we knew each other for quite a few years, but it's only been in the last year and a half or so that we've really gotten to know each other. You have such a beautiful heart. Your love for God is so evident in all you do. I love your passion for animals and photography. You are such an encouragement in my life and I'm so thankful I can call you my sister. We have had so many fun times together. From BUNCO nights, to getting our makeup and toes done, to eating out and laughing a lot. Thank you for being you! I love you very much!!
B.H. - I remember meeting you at A.G.'s house about two years ago. Your honesty and vulnerability blew me away. You have amazing strength and courage. Your heart breaks for those who are hurting and rejoices for those who are doing great. You are a beautiful blessing. I love the joy you get from teaching little kids. Your face lights up every time you talk about them. You love your family so much, and would do anything for them. You are such an inspiration. I feel so privileged to be your friend. I love you so very much!!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Love for You: Day Six
Today is all about my beautiful friend in CO.
E.O. - You and I haven't been friends that long...but it seems like we've known each other all our lives. The very first time we met for coffee, I told you something I had only shared with about a handful of people prior to that. I felt so comfortable with you. Every time I was around you or we were able to hang out, I loved watching the way you interacted with people. You have such a beautiful personality. Your love for others just shines through you. I was so sad to learn that you guys were moving back to CO...but so happy at the same time. I knew your heart belonged there, with your family and friends, and that this was just a tiny piece in your journey...but I was a little bummed we wouldn't get to hang out as much. I love that we have been able to stay in touch...and that we were able to come see you guys! You have been such a huge encouragement in my life. I love that I am able to be honest with you, and know there is no judgment. You are such a wonderful mommy to your little beauty...and I know you will be a wonderful mommy to all the other babies you will have. Your life's story is inspiring, as is your relationship with your husband. You are such a sweet friend and I feel so blessed to have you in my life. I love you oh so very much!!
E.O. - You and I haven't been friends that long...but it seems like we've known each other all our lives. The very first time we met for coffee, I told you something I had only shared with about a handful of people prior to that. I felt so comfortable with you. Every time I was around you or we were able to hang out, I loved watching the way you interacted with people. You have such a beautiful personality. Your love for others just shines through you. I was so sad to learn that you guys were moving back to CO...but so happy at the same time. I knew your heart belonged there, with your family and friends, and that this was just a tiny piece in your journey...but I was a little bummed we wouldn't get to hang out as much. I love that we have been able to stay in touch...and that we were able to come see you guys! You have been such a huge encouragement in my life. I love that I am able to be honest with you, and know there is no judgment. You are such a wonderful mommy to your little beauty...and I know you will be a wonderful mommy to all the other babies you will have. Your life's story is inspiring, as is your relationship with your husband. You are such a sweet friend and I feel so blessed to have you in my life. I love you oh so very much!!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Love for You: Day Five
Today's post is all about two wonderful M ladies :)
M.P. - We met at A.G.'s house a little over 3 years ago. You brought your beautiful babies with you...who were truly babies back then. I honestly didn't think we would ever be friends. But one day...all that changed. I was so happy that I was able to invite you to my wedding. I'm glad we were able to get to know one another better as time went on. And then, we started hanging out. And, you became the bestie...and one of my greatest friends. We always have so much fun together...and we sure laugh a lot. I remember all those nights I'd come over and hang out at your old apartment...sometimes with M.D., sometimes not. But, it was awesome. I am so proud of the person you have become in the past three years. I have watched your heart develop and grow in beautiful ways. You are such an amazing blessing in my life...as are your kids. Thank you for being you...I love you so much, bestie!!
M.D. - We also met at A.G.'s house a little over 3 years ago...on that very same day. I didn't really think we would ever be friends either. But, God definitely had other plans. I loved the passion you rediscovered for Him and His ways...and man, the things you would say during discussions...they blew my mind. You have such amazing wisdom and I feel so blessed to be able to hear it. You and I didn't really start getting close until after you left for school...but oh did I cherish those weekends you were here, and we could hang out. Even the weekend M.P. and I came to see you for your birthday. Good, good times. Our love for BE, sushi, and laughing make my heart happy. You are such a beautiful blessing in my life and I'm so thankful that God used A.G. to bring about amazing change in all of our lives. I love you very, very much!!
You two mean so much to me!!
M.P. - We met at A.G.'s house a little over 3 years ago. You brought your beautiful babies with you...who were truly babies back then. I honestly didn't think we would ever be friends. But one day...all that changed. I was so happy that I was able to invite you to my wedding. I'm glad we were able to get to know one another better as time went on. And then, we started hanging out. And, you became the bestie...and one of my greatest friends. We always have so much fun together...and we sure laugh a lot. I remember all those nights I'd come over and hang out at your old apartment...sometimes with M.D., sometimes not. But, it was awesome. I am so proud of the person you have become in the past three years. I have watched your heart develop and grow in beautiful ways. You are such an amazing blessing in my life...as are your kids. Thank you for being you...I love you so much, bestie!!
M.D. - We also met at A.G.'s house a little over 3 years ago...on that very same day. I didn't really think we would ever be friends either. But, God definitely had other plans. I loved the passion you rediscovered for Him and His ways...and man, the things you would say during discussions...they blew my mind. You have such amazing wisdom and I feel so blessed to be able to hear it. You and I didn't really start getting close until after you left for school...but oh did I cherish those weekends you were here, and we could hang out. Even the weekend M.P. and I came to see you for your birthday. Good, good times. Our love for BE, sushi, and laughing make my heart happy. You are such a beautiful blessing in my life and I'm so thankful that God used A.G. to bring about amazing change in all of our lives. I love you very, very much!!
You two mean so much to me!!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Love for You: Day Four
Today is all about my friend I met when I worked at Hallmark.
L.B. - You and I were locker buddies at Hallmark. I remember showing up for my first day at work and having a sweet note from you, welcoming me to Hallmark. I was so excited to meet you! You invited me to your graduation party and started coming to my church's youth group with a mutual friend. You and I started hanging out almost immediately and had a blast on our trips to the mall and Starbucks. We've been to Disneyland three times together; once with a group of friends, once with our sisters, and once with our husbands. I loved staying at your house when your parents were gone for the weekend, and all the chips and queso we'd consume. You and I have been through a lot together, and we are still friends 8 years later. I love the joy I see in your eyes when you're talking about your hubby or your daughter. You are beautiful inside and out and I love you so much!
L.B. - You and I were locker buddies at Hallmark. I remember showing up for my first day at work and having a sweet note from you, welcoming me to Hallmark. I was so excited to meet you! You invited me to your graduation party and started coming to my church's youth group with a mutual friend. You and I started hanging out almost immediately and had a blast on our trips to the mall and Starbucks. We've been to Disneyland three times together; once with a group of friends, once with our sisters, and once with our husbands. I loved staying at your house when your parents were gone for the weekend, and all the chips and queso we'd consume. You and I have been through a lot together, and we are still friends 8 years later. I love the joy I see in your eyes when you're talking about your hubby or your daughter. You are beautiful inside and out and I love you so much!
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