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Light, Love, Hope

Light in the Darkness Surrounded by Love with Hope for those in need.

Shirley

About Shirley

https://lightlovehope.com

Shirley is the proud mother of two beautiful young ladies. She enjoys spending time with them on their ranch in the deep South with their three paint horses. Always looking for an adventure, she looks forward to hikes in the mountains chasing waterfalls, or scouring the coast for beautiful lighthouses! Shirley writes to encourage others and often times shares things that motivate and inspire her. She believes in living life to the fullest because no one is promised the gift of another day. Join her as we honor our bodies, minds, hearts, souls, and our Almighty Creator, God above!

Posts by Shirley :

Ease

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My 17 year old daughter has longed to showcase her talent, as she has the voice of an angel especially when she sings.  She took voice lessons before, but her range is so high and ability so vast that the instructor did not feel the need to “teach” her anything further.  Instead, the teacher suggested she would be perfect to teach the younger students at their studio.

It’s hard to get a “big break” in such a small town.  Feeling this, we sought an agency in the Charleston area and signed her up for an audition.  She hides her anxiety so well, no one on the outside would ever imagine she is struggling inwardly with this demon.  It has plagued us, and if we are honest with ourselves, we will admit feeling anxious from time to time with various roles we are in. One of the hardest is to face that which provokes anxiety within you.  I know what you’re thinking.  There is no way you would want to willingly subject yourself to that which you KNOW will cause your heart to race, palms to sweat, and hands to wring as you wait.  It is exactly what you must do for the anxiety to subside and release the hold it has over you.

We arrived at the host hotel for this event, and immediately my daughter started voicing her concerns.  The line for registration was long, as was the line for those auditioning that evening.  She asked if she could back out, but I encouraged her to just try … that is all I wanted was for her to put her best foot forward that evening and try!

She originally signed up for singing and modeling.  As we made our way through the registration process, she received her contestant number and stood in line for the audition.  She asked if she could keep her cell phone with her, and I agreed although my husband wasn’t too fond of the idea.  I only allowed it because I knew she would need coaching leading up to her time to shine.  Even if she didn’t reach out via text to me, she would be able to reach out to a friend for comfort and encouragement.  As she inched forward and her time to perform grew nearer, she texted almost pleading as her words leaped off the text message, “Do I REALLY have to do this?  Can we leave?  I don’t want to do this.  Please …”  I knew she was struggling, but I texted back with reassuring words, letting her know how proud I was of her and how much I love her!  The easiest thing in the world in that moment would have been to run as fast as you could toward the door to leave, to get rid of this uncomfortable feeling, to free yourself from all eyes being on you and all attention focusing on what you might say, do, or how you even walk forward as you present yourself to the judges.  Instead, I encouraged her to just see what would happen.  Press on … press through it … and just give it your best shot.

One last plea came before they called her number, “I don’t want to sing.  There are too many people.  Can we just leave?”

“No, darling … you can do this!  If you don’t want to sing, just walk forward and model.  That is all you have to do … just walk …”

A voice interrupted the plea bargaining.  “Contestant 150, please step forward and state your name and age.”

My internal voice began, “Oh nooooo … she has to speak!!”  Prayers followed in those few seconds as I asked God to help her through this.  I felt reassured instantly, and my internal voice continued, “She’s GOT this!”

She stepped forward with those long legs and stood confidently in front of the judges.   With perfect posture, her five feet seven inch petite frame did not give away the anxiety welling up inside of her.  My mama’s heart prayed her through it, but she was a natural and appeared so at ease in this atmosphere.   No one would have ever imagined the war going on inside of her at that moment in time.

Stating her name and age without so much as a tremble in her voice, she walked as if she was a model on the catwalk with one foot in front of the other.  Pausing to profile to the left, then profile to the right, she turned on the ball of her foot and made her way to the awaiting chair to be seated with the rest of the contestants.  This mama breathed a sigh of relief and a prayer of thanks, and I could finally stop wringing my hands together!

It didn’t take long for the judges to call out the numbers of those progressing to the next phase.  “Contestant 150, you have made it to the next round.”

YEAH!!   We wanted to jump from our seats and cheer, but we remained composed so as not to completely embarrass our daughter.  I grabbed my cell phone and texted congratulations and words of praises to her.  She pushed through her anxiety, and now she progressed to the next round.

That’s MY girl!

We went right away into a meeting where the judges stated how this all would work.  There were only ten available slots.  The judges assured us they would pour over all of the pictures submitted as well as review the audition tapes again before making their final selection.  We would know in a few days if she was selected.  We gathered our belongings, hugged our girl, and went to a celebratory dinner!

The next day the agent called her when she was in school, then rang my phone as well, and even followed up with an email.  They wanted her!!  She was one of the ten selected, and she was their favorite of the evening from what their message said!

MY GIRL!!!   Oh, how my heart beamed with pride in that moment.

It isn’t at all what you’d think either.  I’m not one of these mothers pushing her girls to do beauty pageants and putting all focus on looks and winning.  It seems contrary to what I’ve written here, but hear me out.  My daughter has struggled with her self esteem and self confidence.  She was bullied at an early age, and the hurtful and hateful comments were not easy to shake.  I’ve been there, along with every other person on the face of this earth if they are completely honest with themselves and others.  We ALL struggle with one thing or another.  We wonder if we are “enough.”   We fear we aren’t “good enough” or “talented enough,”  when that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Having my daughter recognized by judges in the modeling industry was a huge boost for her.  No matter how many times I tell her how beautiful she is or how gorgeous everything about her truly is, she struggles to believe it because I’m her mom.  She feels I “have” to say those things.  I say them because they are TRUE!!   She is, without a doubt, a true beauty.  Her beauty comes from the inside and shines out through her deep blue eyes and her sparkling smile.  But knowing that others in the field recognize that she has “the look” and having judges reach out to encourage her to pursue modeling has to help.

And so we move forward slowly to see what the future holds.  She is still interested in singing and wants to pursue that for certain.  In the meantime, we will bask in the moment and enjoy the pictures from this weekend’s professional modeling photo shoot!

 

 

Sheep

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There have been times in everyone’s life where they have gone astray.  For one reason or another, they seem to lose their faith or no longer wish to walk with God along the straight and narrow any longer.   It could be due to losing a loved one they prayed for God to protect and take care of, and they become bitter when the loved one passed away.  Or, they feel as if evil was winning time and time again no matter how good they were or how closely they followed God.

This makes God’s heart sad … and He weeps.

He gave us all free will, however, and will not force us to follow Him.  It is His hope and desire that we will all chose to do so, but He gives us the freedom to choose.

If you wonder if you even matter in the grand scheme of things, rest assured that you DO.  If 99 sheep were following the Great Shepherd, He would still notice that one was not.  He would leave the 99 in the field on the countryside and seek out the one, rejoicing when He finds the lost sheep.  Imagine the rejoicing God does when a sinner returns to Him!

You matter to Him!  If you have lost your way, God is there to lead you.  All you have to do is repent and turn from your sins.  Ask Jesus to come into your heart, and you will be assured eternal life through Him.

While you may be just one … He will rejoice when you return to Him even more so than the 99 sheep that followed Him and the 99 righteous people who did not need to repent.

Just one … that’s all it takes.

Will you be the one that chooses to return to Him today?

 

Luke 15:3-7

Nesting

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After a long Winter, we are anxious to get our patio, pool, and pond area in shape again.  That is my favorite area on our       property.  When people come to visit and ask if they can see our home, my husband will take them inside to show them all around.  I am just the opposite, as I prefer the outdoor living space, instead.

 

 

 

There, we have arches on the left side of the steps, which takes you around to the large patio area with a white pergola draped with green chiffon and dangling warm white solar lights that sparkle in the night.

 

 

 

(Taken at my daughter’s wedding during the Father/Daughter dance)

 

On the right side of the pergola is a large flowerbed with a fountain with beautiful Crape Myrtles that burst forth with beautiful Crimson Red blooms in the Spring.

 

On the left side of the pergola is a flower garden with fragrant Lavender, Knockout Roses in shades of pink and red, as well as white Shasta Daisies.   All flowers provide joy from Spring to Fall, until Winter arrives.

Winter.  Thankfully, the South Carolina temperatures aren’t as frigid as Illinois, for example.  Even still, we find our outdoor time limited when the winter wind is ripping and temperatures fall.  Trees are bare, as the leaves have all fallen on the ground. Everything is dormant now, except for my beautiful Camellias. In the middle of Winter, the variety of white, pink, and peppermint Camellias greet me as I bundle up and walk outside to greet the day.

(These were taken on a rare “snow” day in South Carolina recently.   We may get snow once every five years or so.)

 

My job each day is to check to be certain the bird feeders are well stocked in the winter to help the Cardinals, Blue Jays, Sparrows, and our other feathered friends.  Occasionally, we will see actual Blue Birds and Woodpeckers. I squeal like a schoolgirl with delight when I spot them in the trees!   We have Blue Bird boxes along our fence for nesting when the time arrives.

Ah, Spring!

We await your arrival, for just like Jesus, you make all things new!  Jesus washes us with His blood and saves us from our sinful ways.  He renews us and awakens a longing inside of us to follow Him all the rest of our days.  Oh, thank you, Lord!

His mercies are new every morning.

As temperatures begin to rise in a few weeks, the green leaves will return, and pretty soon buds will form!  Spring will bring forth such beauty and fragrant flowers from bare branches we see outside our window today.  Ah, but beauty awaits from the ashes in our lives.  Jesus restores what has been taken from us and those ashes will have beauty in its place as Jesus fills us with His love.

Raft

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The weather today will be in the 70s, and my heart yearns for the days of Summer when we would take our boat to the lake.  My youngest daughter and her friend would pile in our 2500 Suburban with the boat trailer secured behind it holding our Edge Water boat.  With excitement in our eyes and smiles on our faces, we would make our way to the landing, take the boat off the trailer, pull up to the dock and let everyone get comfortable in their seats as we packed the boat full of coolers and our Phantom raft.  This two seater raft always yielded squeals of delight as we pulled the ever so adventurous and trusting children behind the boat.  Ripping and roaring through the waterways, we would purposely circle around to ensure they jumped the waves our boat made.  Video footage to enjoy later is always a must!

We have made so many memories in our boat, and I’m so thankful our girls have expressed an interest in boating activities with us.  As they grew up, we feared they would lose interest.  Boating is fun with my husband and I, but it’s more fun when the entire family is there!

My oldest daughter doesn’t care for boating as much as we do, but we have gotten her and her husband onboard a few times. Sunset cruises on the lake are my favorite as well, especially when we let them have a turn at the helm.  I’m proud to say they have all demonstrated great skill with maneuvering the boat.

I feel the need … the need for speed!

That line became famous in the movie Top Gun, but it applies here as well.  No one can resist pushing the throttle forward, the front of the boat leaping forward, then getting on plain.  Now you’re living the good life!

Ahhh, sweet memories!  We look forward to Summer and all of the memories that await us!

 

Ordinary

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Yesterday, a friend posted questions she asked her four year old daughter.  One particular answer struck me.  The question was, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  The little girl’s answer was, “I want to be an ordinary girl who runs errands.”  When her mother asked who the little girl knew that was an ordinary girl who runs errands, she answered, “You and me, Mommy!”

My friend has been afforded the wonderful opportunity to stay at home and raise her daughter.  There is nothing “ordinary” about that.  It’s exciting to think of the opportunity this young mother has had to spend all of this quality time with her daughter.   She has been able to teach and mold her.  Stay at home mom’s often don’t get the respect they deserve, though.  Often times, people look down on stay at home mothers because they aren’t “working” to provide income for the family.  Yet, there are critics on the other side for working mothers as well, which is another issue altogether.  We will save that for another blog post.

But “ordinary” is not a word to describe the absolute most rewarding and fulfilling “job” ever!

This young mother struggles sometimes with her value and worth.  Day in and day out, she has fed, diapered, and nurtured her baby girl.  She has been overwhelmed by colic cries and laundry piling up.  Most days, the only interaction with another adult is when she receives a random call on her cell phone wanting to extend her car warranty.  It’s hard in those early days, but soon the baby learns to smile, laugh, and the mother’s heart is filled with such joy.  As the baby grows into a toddler, they learn to walk and are forming new words.  Oh, but wait until the toddler hugs you or climbs into your lap.  Those are the days you live for!  It makes up for ALL of the hard days when your baby is able to say, “I love you, Mommy!”  And you know without a doubt what unconditional love truly is all about at that point.

This is no ordinary task.  Raising our babies to be good, God honoring people, with morals and values, and teaching them about Jesus is a great privilege and honor.  These babies have been sent straight from God in Heaven to our awaiting arms, and we have been blessed to be their mothers.

Ordinary?

If anything, it’s extraordinary, and I have rocked this role as a mother of two beautiful blond hair, blue eyed baby girls.  They have turned into gorgeous young women, and my heart is so proud.

 

Longing

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We all have a longing to fit in.  We want people to like us, and when they don’t, it can get into our head.  What you need to remember in times like these is that God is for us.  He loves us so much, He gave His only son for us!

People pleasing gets us no where either.  We are the ones that end up suffering because we try so hard to please everyone around us.  It just is not possible!  No matter how hard we try, there will be someone knit picking us.

Criticism hurts. No one likes to be critiqued on every little thing or have someone find fault with how you do things, say things, etc.  It makes one feel as if they will never be “good enough” because no matter how hard you try, there is someone picking you apart.  It affects our self esteem and self confidence.

I can’t help but think about a card I sent my grandmother many years ago.  I may have been 10 years old at the time.  My family mentioned how my grandmother was lonely during the day,  Upon hearing that, I made a special point to write out a card to her.  I sealed the white envelope, placed a stamp on it, and took a stroll to the mailbox.  I just knew my card would cheer her up.   It was my desire for her to feel so much love when she read the words written straight from my heart.  Sadly, that is not what happened.  Instead, upon receiving my card in the mail, she called to say, “Next time use a better pen.  The ink smeared on the envelope.  You could hardly read what it said.”  There I sat with my good intentions squashed all because of the type of pen I chose to use.  Honestly, I never even thought about the pen.  I had no idea the envelope would get wet, either, as it made its way to her house!  Instead of her being appreciative of her young grandchild sending her a card with words of love inside, she found fault.  She focused on the smeared ink on the front of the envelope.  Needless to say, I was crushed.  If she felt the need to mention the pen, it would have been better taken had she shown any type of appreciation of the love that was poured into the card.

It is so easy to find fault, to knit pick, and to be negative.  Real effort has to be made to focus on the positive for the vast majority of us.  Why is this?  Is this who you are truly longing to be?  If not, you CAN change that.  Take a good look at the person looking back at you in the mirror. That is the only person in this world that YOU can change.  That’s it.  That’s all.  You can’t change a single person other than yourself.

Today is February 1, 2022.  We are one month into the new year.  Take some time to examine yourself and think of how you can shift into a more positive frame of mind before you ever open your mouth the next time you’re tempted to do so.  A person grows weary and just plain tired of someone harping on them about this or that.  Take time to appreciate the person and what they have to offer the world.

If someone is working on a project with you, appreciate what they bring to the table.  Maybe their way of doing things doesn’t line up with yours, but as long as you both get the same end result, what does it matter?  Is it really that important to belittle their way just because it’s not YOUR way?  Or maybe you have experience that says this is the only way it will work, then along comes Little Miss Muffet who sat down beside you to offer her way; a short cut!  If it works in the end to give you the final product you desired, you both win!  It should not be a power struggle, but often times, it is.

What about offering positive feedback when your human nature is to express how negatively you feel at any given moment.  Compliments go a long way.  An “atta boy/girl” or “way to go” has the power to perk someone right up, while words of criticism will ring in that person’s ear long after they were spoken.

There are so many people ready to tear others down, and some that do this on a daily basis.  Be different!  Focus on the positive.  Be that person’s biggest fan or their ultimate cheerleader in life.  You never know what someone is going through at any given moment.  Your words can bring life or death for others around you.  Choose to breathe life into someone and offer praise where possible and words of affirmation.

 

Trial

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Preparing for surgery while in the middle of a pandemic has proven to be challenging, to say the least.  With the new variants of Covid running rampant in communities all over the globe, businesses have implemented mask requirements.  Some have even required proof of Covid vaccinations or a negative Covid test prior to entering their establishments.  Hospitals have restricted visitors, which provokes anxiety in the one preparing to have this surgery, as well as the family members assisting in the care of their loved ones.  We feel like we have had too much to deal with as we walk this path.

During this trial, we have encountered individuals who have blatantly disregarded and disrespected our family while arguing about masks and their beliefs surrounding whether they work or not.  Red faced individuals have stared at us with bulging eyes, raising their voices,  spewing hatred straight from their evil core.

“I am NOT sick … I will NOT wear a mask!” 

HOW do you KNOW you are “not sick” when you have walked in off the street without having a negative test result prior to coming inside the office?  You don’t!!   That is my point exactly!!

You wear a mask when visiting a doctor’s office, going into Walmart, and any other place that requires a mask during these uncertain times we are living in.  Why disrespect someone’s family, especially when you state why you are passionate about adhering to the mask wearing?  We explained from a personal level that it’s because of our older loved ones preparing for surgery that we ask this; to show respect and regard for another human being’s life when they are already struggling with a major upcoming surgery.

It’s a sad day when humans have no regard for the life of another.

Christmas and Reflections of 2021

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This year is drawing to a close.  As we think of spending Christmas with our family, our thoughts also go to the reflections of 2021.  This year has been full of mostly joy for our family, with a few exceptions here and there.  We gained a son-in-law this year!  That was one of the highlights of the year as our oldest daughter married the love of her life.   Our youngest daughter was busy being awesome and being inducted into the American Christian Honor Society.  What a distinct honor, as it not only reflects her incredible grades but also her impeccable character as well.  Ah, sweet blessings from God above!

While we were protected from Covid-19, others have not been so lucky.  They either came down with it themselves or had a family member with it.  There has been wide debate on both sides for and against the vaccines, with each side having their reasons for being passionate about their perspective.

We lost our precious teacup Yorkie this year, which crushed my heart completely.   Baby was nine years old when she passed.   We were told early on that due to her smaller organs, she would not live as long as other pets.   Even still, we made sure to pack a whole lot of love into those years we had with her.

A family member was urged to have surgery and not put it off any longer, so that surgery will take place in the beginning of 2022.  Please pray for no complications, God’s hand on all staff treating and tending to them, and a speedy recovery.

Sadly, we have either lost friends this year or have drifted away from those we were once close with.  Things happen, and relationships either stand the test of time, or they don’t.  Either way, we are thankful for the lessons learned.  We hold the memories made close to our hearts, and we wish them well on whatever path they have chosen to go down without us by their side in life.

Family trips were taken, and we basked in the warm sun on beautiful islands!  From frolicking on sandy shores in Florida, South Carolina, and even Hawaii, too, we embraced travel once again when we were so limited in 2020 due to Covid emerging and shutting places down, crippling the economy.

Love was shared.  Happiness was found in hearts.  God brought us safely through it all, and here we are preparing to celebrate His birthday.

Let your heart not be troubled as you think of Christmas and reflections of 2021 with your family.  God is still in control, just like He has always been.  He’s still there on the mountaintop, and He will still be there when we go through valleys.

Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful, beautiful life and the family and friends we share it with.  May we keep Christmas in our hearts all year through.

25 Days of Christmas

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The holiday season is such a wonderful time.  As we approach Thanksgiving, right on through Christmas and New Year’s, there is such a joy and sense of warmth surrounding us.  I wish we all could keep this feeling throughout the entire year.

If you’re having trouble, as some folks do, getting into the Christmas spirit, Arlene Pellicane has written 25 Days of Christmas to help!  Consider not only downloading and reading her free e-book, but put her ideas and suggestions into practice with your own family.  Include your little ones, and your husband, too, as you go through this devotional that links activities along with her personal memories.   There are even cookie recipes found within the pages, and I plan to put those recipes to good use!  (Thank you, Arlene!)  Together with your family and Arlene’s suggestions, you are bound to create memories this holiday season!

Arlene has provided 10 devotionals, 10 family activities, and five ways to serve this Christmas season.  Assuring Christ is the center of this season is of the utmost importance, and Arlene gives us scripture to consider as we take in the sights and sounds around us and prepare for Christmas day.  As you go through this e-book, you will see that it’s more than a daily devotional or advent calendar.   Busy families will benefit with these meaningful opportunities to celebrate the birth of Jesus and connect together as a family on a deeper level this holiday season.

If you like what you read in Arlene’s e-book, check out The Happy Home Podcast/AccessMore podcast network!

#25DaysMIN

#25DaysofChristmas

#MomentumInfluenceNetwork

 

Many thanks to AccessMore for providing a sample of the product for this review.  Opinions are 100% my own and not influenced by monetary compensation.

 

 

 

Holiday Season

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The holiday season is upon us.  For many, this is not a happy time for them.  Their hearts are hurting from losing loved ones dear to them.  We are no different, as we have loved ones in Heaven we miss daily.

Our city just held their annual Angel of Hope event this past Saturday.  A monument was erected 12 years ago of an angel with wings outstretched as if to welcome and embrace children taken too soon from this world.  My sister’s name is among the names called and pictures displayed during the annual memorial service.  It never gets easy as you hold flowers and take the slow, lonely stroll down the brick walkway where the angel sits at the end.  Right behind the angel to the left is a plaque we donated to the city for my sister.  Every year my parents and I take this heartbreaking walk.  As we are standing at my sister’s plaque, my dad will kiss his hand and place it on my sister’s name.  After every name has been called, candles are lit for our loved ones.  As a song plays, memories flood in right along with the tears.

Be kinder than you usually are, especially during the holiday season.  You never know what a person is going through.  The person standing right next to you in line at the grocery store might just be fighting back tears as they try to hold it together.

Choose kindness … every time.

And

Pray for all those hurting during the holiday season.

Mean Girls

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“You need to wash your hair.”

I did this morning!

“Yeah well, it always looks greasy.”

***

“You’re wearing WAY too much blush.”

I’m not even wearing blush.

“Yes, you are!  And it looks awful!  Your makeup is always extreme anyway.”

****

“Hey, we’re going to get smoothies … don’t you want a smoothie today?  Ah, what a nice treat … or I know … what about those big giant cookies from the specialty shop down the road.”

Then they proceed to ask everyone in the office except for one young lady.

****

~rolling eyes~

“I don’t know why you think you can dress like that.  You need to be fired.  You suck at your job, then you come in here dressed inappropriately,” said after permission was given by a supervisor to wear said clothing and after getting promoted to a new position at work!

***

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sick of you.  I wish you would just shut up.  No one wants to hear about your life anyway!”

***

~throwing documents across the desk~

“You need to do this NOW!”

I am working on an important task.

“NO, I SAID you need to do this NOW.  So, DO IT!”

***

“We are taking up money for the birthday club.  Everyone contributes, and then we make sure that everyone’s birthday gets celebrated.”

~giving money, watching everyone else in the office being celebrated with cakes, balloons, streamers, and gifts lavished on every other co-worker, then NOTHING being doing for your birthday~

***

“Hey Sharon … Hey Mandy, Hey Lori … oh my gosh, Sue, you look SO good today!  Let’s plan a co-worker dinner on Friday!” said in front of the girl that got left out again.

***

All of the above are prime examples of dealing with mean girls.  I could go on and on, but you get the idea.

I am not quite sure what enjoyment they get out of behaving this way toward others.  However, it seems that these mean girls target a person in the office that does not follow the crowd.  If there is a “clique” and she (nor I) followed what they were doing, then we are deemed the outcasts.  I will just never understand the mentality of mean girls and what joy they could possibly get out of mistreating others.

Also, if one girl doesn’t like another girl in the office, then they ALL are expected not to like that person.  This could go on for a day, or it could go on for a week or even months.  You never know where you stand with people like this.  Literally one day they are nice and friendly, and the very next day they are hateful and making snide remarks.

You would think that by withdrawing from the mean girls after taking their abuse repeatedly that things would get better.  You stop caring that you’re excluded and just stay to yourself.  Surely there will be some relief by just withdrawing, right?  Instead, that seems to further fuel the fire with them.   They almost make it their goal in life to see how hateful they can be and are even more “in your face” with comments attacking you, your character, and your family even.

This does not even have to be confined to mean girls in the work place, although that is where I have encountered more than my share of mean girls!

I have tried to tell my daughters that it is an extremely miserable person that gets joy out of hurting others.  This person isn’t happy with themselves if they seek to destroy someone with their comments or behavior day in and day out.  Yet, if it was their daughter being treated as an outcast at school, they would be the first in line knocking on the principal’s door demanding that something be done about the daily harassment and bullying.

Children can be cruel, and I have dealt with it in school.  You expect it out of children somewhat that haven’t been taught any better.  Yet, I worked in an office such as this in my early 20s.  Sadly, I worked in an office such as this in my late 40s as well.  It’s truly unfortunate that there are women in the world who seek to destroy another or who takes great pleasure in attempting to chip away at another’s self esteem and self confidence. At times, supervisors sit by and don’t do anything about their employees, even when they witness it happening right in front of their faces.  Even if you report it, they still do very little.  I have left jobs in the past because of how I was mistreated by coworkers and upper management with their unwillingness to help with the hostile work environment.

The older a person gets does not ensure they will grow and mature.  Sadly, this behavior continues in some women in their 60s and beyond, believe it or not!

I learned to stand up for myself, and thankfully, my daughters are learning to take up for themselves as well when faced with mean girls such as the ones I’ve described.  It’s more than just “growing a thicker skin.”  And they aren’t “too sensitive” as some have even tried to say.  There needs to be more awareness, and we need to make it a priority to teach OUR children not to behave in this fashion.  These mean girls – regardless of their ages — learned it from some where, which is extremely sad, and the cycle continued.

There are mean, cruel, and hateful people in the world.  You don’t have to be one of them!

This is why I purposely give compliments to strangers!  I know what it is like to be on the receiving end of hateful and hurtful comments.  This is also why I try to include people as much as possible.  I know what it is like to be excluded, left out, and ignored.

When you can make someone’s day better, why not do so by smiling in their direction or giving a sincere compliment to them?  Why can’t women build each other up, instead of always trying to tear another woman down?   For the life of me, I will never understand any of this.

I go out of my way to be a light in another’s life.  I compliment, I praise, I sincerely include and invite.  I am not perfect by any means.  Because I’ve been hurt by others and experienced cruelty at another’s hand, I try to be different and strive NOT to be a mean girl.  I go against the grain and don’t join in when others are being hateful to another.

We have no way of knowing what a person may be struggling with.  Always be kind!  The person on the receiving end of this bullying and harassment by the mean girls could be really depressed and down on themselves.  They don’t need one more person to push them over the edge or have them contemplating suicide.

In a world where you can be anything … BE KIND!

 

 

Prayer

8

We’ve heard it said before that the greatest friend you can have is a praying friend.  Friends are so very important, and they are an extension of our families.  Some times, friends are more like family than our very own family members.

Just this morning, I had a friend reach out with a medical concern advising what was happening with them.  Immediately, I notified my family members so we could all rally around our friend and pray.

Prayer is powerful!  When we gather with fellow believers and pray to God, we know He hears us and is with us at that very moment as we lift our heartfelt prayers to Him.  We have reassurance of this in His word!

Be that light in the community, the one people know they can come to for prayer at any time.  The greatest compliment has been when others come to me asking me to pray for them.  What could be greater than that, knowing you will stop what you’re doing and pray with them.  Even if you don’t pray openly out loud, even if the prayers you offer up are silent prayers from your heart to God’s ears … just pray!

In our office, we begin each day with prayer.  Our clients know this and have called to request prayer.  This happened a few weeks ago, and I sought the assistance of my co-worker who speaks so eloquently and offers up the best prayers to God.  I feel at times that my prayers are inadequate because I don’t pray like that.  I offer up a humble, simple prayer, but know that God still appreciates my prayer.  He doesn’t care how we come to Him, just that we come.  Before I started working here, I was never one to pray openly in front of others.  It was not something I was comfortable with, and I admit feeling anxious when it was “my turn” to pray in the morning meetings.  Now, I still don’t have fancy words I use when I pray, but I still pray.  Some times I even have to write notes on what I’d like to pray about before it’s “my turn” so I don’t stumble.  But even that is okay, because God knows my heart!

Be a praying friend.  Someone out there needs you and your prayers.  They need to know that you WILL pray for and with them, that you won’t just “say” you will and then don’t.  A lot of times on Facebook I see people saying “prayers” or “sending prayers” or “praying for you.”  And you wonder, do they really stop what they are doing and pray for these people, or are these empty words that they write in an attempt to offer comfort?

PRAY!

Just knowing this person specifically chose YOU to pray for them and their situation … that speaks volumes!  Don’t let them down.

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