Come As You Are

This past month has left me raw. A series of unfortunate events played out in my life
and I felt myself come undone. With emotions raging for all the world to see, through
the heart I wear on my sleeve, I ran. I ran to the only source that I know has all the answers
and offers the greatest consolation: my faith.

There is beauty to be found in suffering.
I've realized through my little woes, once again, that I am little. Small.
Needing a God who is bigger than any mess to come down and cover me.
It's hard, but beautiful. A tragic oxymoron if there ever was one.
But tis the story of all of us here in our human condition.

I walked into a support group for family members of alcoholics last week.
It wasn't my first time and it will not be my last. I told my husband that I felt
more received and accepted THERE than any other place I have ever been in my life.

COME. AS. YOU. ARE. No expectations. Say it how it is. Be loved no matter what.
Smiles, cheers, pats on the back, hugs, and prayers - I treasure this ENCOURAGEMENT.

I long for the day that this simple, loving exchange between humans is found everywhere -
in our families, homes, churches, communities... the world. Heaven is gonna be great!

Our words and actions are a driving force; holding the power to build-up or tear-down.
Are we sources of positive grace to those in our lives? I so hope to be. I pray that you
find encouragement here today and in turn go out and give that gift to another soul.



Linking up with Ashley of Written on Her Heart and Nadine of A Secondary Heartbeat
to bring you this "encouraging" edition of The Girl Behind the Blog!!!

If you aren't following them already - you should! They are a real treat!!!
Click on this graphic to be directed to more video link-ups of other bloggers sharing on ENCOURAGEMENT!!!

It's Monday... we all need this, right?!