Good morning…
How happy was I when this peaceful photo graced my iPhone yesterday? Renewal. Redemption. Restoration feels sweet. After Sunday’s messy mishap (see yesterday’s post, I Made A Mess), Kitty Crenshaw sent six celebratory emojies beneath this pristine picture of the unstained carpet in her gorgeous guest room. Whenever I think of this beautiful bedroom, I will remember Betty Skinner’s quote: “Whatever God brings will be exactly what you need.”
There are priceless gifts given to us during life’s messy moments. Brene Brown reveals exactly how I felt being calmly cared for by Kitty: “I felt exposed and completely loved and accepted at the same time (which is the definition of compassion for me). Trust me when I tell you that shame and fear can’t tolerate that kind of powerful connection surging between two people. That’s exactly why courage, compassion, and connection are the tools we need for the Wholehearted journey. To top it off, my willingness to let someone I care about see me as imperfect led to a strengthening of our relationship that continues today – that’s why I call courage, compassion, and connection the gifts of imperfection. When we’re willing to be imperfect and real, these gifts just keep giving.” (Brene Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection, 11-12)
God designed each one of us with grossly glaring flaws. When together we are willing to be imperfect and real, exposed and accepted, courageous and connected, we give and receive exactly what we need each day – God’s great, growing grace.
May the promise of Psalm 92:14 (AMP) become the story of our lives: [Growing in grace] they will still thrive and bear fruit and prosper in old age. They will flourish and be vital and fresh [rich in trust and love and contentment].
…Sue…
P.S. To help us maneuver through life’s messy moments, our church is hosting a series of Crucial Conversations. This Sunday from 5:00 to 6:30 pm in the Northside Church chapel, Kristin and Tommy Newberry will speak on MARRIAGE. Becoming supportive spouses, imperfect and real, exposed and accepted, courageous and connected, we will give and receive exactly what we need each day – God’s great growing grace. Many of us know and love the Newberry family as they are raising three boys in our tight knit community. I would love to see many of you at Northside Church on Sunday at 5:00 pm to support Kristin and Tommy, to learn some good stuff, and to feel empowered as we prepare ourselves to thrive during life’s meaningful and sometimes messy moments. Come on your own, with your spouse, or with some friends. You will be glad you did!
To read more about our series of Crucial Conversations (MENTAL HEALTH, ADDICTION, MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, FINANCIAL BALANCE) touch on this link: https://www.northsideumc.org/crucialconversations.
