Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Titus 2 Tuesday -Inspiring from Afar

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What have learned from another woman this week? (or ever)

Write your own "Titus 2 Post" (linking back here somewhere within the body of your post) and enter your link below!

We have all, I am sure, been inspired by someone who we didn't actually have the opportunity to get to know. Maybe we haven't even actually met the person who inspired us. There are several women who have had influence in my own life from afar.

There are women like Beth Moore, Lysa Terkeurst, Joyce Meyer, and so many more who God has used to touch so many of our lives.

But then there are others. Some of whom I don't even know their names but I see walking in God's love, grace, and power around me. Today I am taking pause and reflecting on those women. The ones whose walk has affected my life although I may not really even know them. Do you have any of those?

What struck me as I was reflecting was how God shines so brightly through them as they serve others selflessly. Not that they volunteer for everything or never say "No" to ministry opportunities; but those who in every day life go out of their way to encourage and bless others.

...holding an umbrella for an elderly woman in the rain although they don't even know her.

...witnessing a tearing down or crushing that was so carelessly or heartlessly done by another and somehow encouraging the victim even though they were a total stranger. (recent grocery store experience)

...Encouraging the mom whose child is in the midst of a very public tantrum in the middle of Target.

One of the youth in our church gave the message this past Sunday. He read a phrase of a song that he could not remember title or artist; but it impacted my heart.

"The only evidence against us is love..."

How else could someone prove that you knew Christ? Words we say don't compare to our actions. The fact is that many of us are or have been inspired; even taught, by those we don't even know. What makes me believe that those women who have spurred me on have known Christ? The way they serve others in love.

I John 3:16 "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

God alone knows the impact of our lives on others.





6 comments:

Unknown said...

i just "found" your blog today - thank YOU for this post...i will think on and pray thanks for the women in my life.

HappyascanB said...

What a beautiful post! I, too, admire Beth Moore more than I could ever put into words. I've lately been thinking and praying a lot about my actions and how they can best reflect who I am in Christ. It's amazing, really. . . .

Unknown said...

This is such a wonderful idea! I posted on my blog and shared:) Thank you!

Gretchen said...

I've heard it called being "Jesus in skin" to others. Our mission field can be anywhere, from a marriage to an unequally yoked spouse to a crowded Target. Beautifully, put (as always), Shanda.

Kathryn said...

Amen, Shanda! Reminds me of that old camp song, "And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love ... Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love." (I'm singing it as I'm typing it!)

I've been observing a lot lately. I see so many awful things ... so many mean, cruel, hateful, and just plain thoughtless things. When I see something uplifting and encouraging, like the recent actions you witnessed in the grocery store and in Target, I see the love of Jesus, and it warms my heart. Can you imagine how much it warms His? :-)

This side of heaven, we may never know the full effect of our Christian love, witness, and influence ... but one day, I believe the Lord will allow us to see it.

Unknown said...

Getting out of God's way is so hard to do, but the benefits are immense! :) Thank you for coming by my place!