A Good Word Wednesday #14

Words of hope, encouragement and help for You Today

Word of the Week: Identity

We live in a world swirling with political slurs, pronouns and polarizing speeches. You are being told who you are so you will buy the right foods, the right shoes, the right car.

So. Many. Words. Many days I just want to shout “Everyone. Just shush it.”

Be quiet. Stop. Breath. And remember who you are.

Personality tests tell me that I am: An introvert. An enneagram #6. A person who needs the love language—Words of Encouragement.

If I introduced myself to a new friend, I would describe myself as an introvert; a writer; a Jesus-follower.

Who would you say you are? What are your three words to describe yourself? I’d love to know.

Of course, what really matters is who God tells us we are.

I am writing from Atlanta today on Tuesday. (By the way, it’s beautiful here. The trees are showing off their brilliant colors and starting their dance to the ground. It’s not quite this lovely in Oklahoma yet. This is the view from the deck of my good friends who host me when I come to Atlanta.)

I came to attend the She Is Safe Gala and spend time with friends and coworkers. It’s been encouraging. Hope-filled. Restful. I attended Stonecreek Church on Sunday with my sweet sister-friend, Patricia. The pastor spoke about the love of Christ. He shared ways that Jesus loves us from scriptures. His love for us tells us who we are: the bride of Christ; a patient cared for by a good doctor; a friend; a family member and a child of a loving father.

Yes, ALL those things and more describe who we are.

So, in the midst of all the clutter and chaos of our world today, remember who you are. Remember Whose you are.

Wednesday in the Word

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 ESV

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” I Peter 2:9 ESV

Words I Recommend

GOOD MUSIC: Following up from last week on my love of cello music, I also love all strings. If you need to silence the noise all around you today, stop and enjoy this classic hymn on Spotify: It Is Well With My Soul, Keith and Kristyn Getty. The instrumental background is worshipful and peaceful.

A GOOD SONG: I LOVE this song. Please listen: No Longer a Slave to Fear. I am A Child of God. Chris Tomlin - A Child of God

A GOOD BOOK: If the constant clutter of noise triggers anxiety for you, I can’t recommend highly enough the writing of Holly Gerth. Her latest book I am reading is: What Your Mind Needs for Anxious Moments: A 60-day Guide to Take Control of Your Thoughts. Holly shares moments throughout scripture plus practical and personal ways to get control of anxiety. I will share more about anxiety in a future email. Stay tuned. Take a look now at this good resource: What Your Mind Needs for Anxious Moments.

A GOOD BLOG: From the archives (April 2016) of Stories for Global Good: Precious. Precious blog As I held my granddaughter in my lap, I remembered the little girls I met as She Is Safe Country Director/Indonesia.

Those girls didn’t know they were precious and loved. I concluded that blog with a challenge, “So… love them. All of them. Not just your own, but children everywhere. They are all in need of love. To be cherished. And to know that they are… precious.”

A Final Word

Thank you for your prayers as I traveled to Atlanta this week. I almost hit a deer on the highway as I drove in the dark to the airport last Friday morning. Very scary. For me and the deer. Thankful that I only suffered from a pounding heart and shaky hands and not a damaged car and deer. But I’m so glad I came. The gala hosted by She Is Safe was the best one yet. There was international food to savor, good conversation around the tables to enjoy, and of course, a moving presentation presented by CEO (and friend) Michele Rickett. Well done, She Is Safe.

I explained to one of the people at the event that night, “If you’re looking for a nonprofit to support that is the real-deal and does amazing work and will steward your donation with integrity, She Is Safe is it.” That advice is true for you too. Consider supporting them with your prayers as well. She Is Safe

My travels are over for a bit and I look forward to being home, digging in to my work and spending time with my family. What are your plans for the fall? How can I pray for you? Let me know!

Until next Wednesday, share a Good Word of hope, help and encouragement with someone today. Let them know they are a most-loved, precious, child of God.