Monday 10/13

Introduction

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I never started out writing with the idea of one day writing a book. It seems strange sometimes, even now. But over the years, I would journal and just write for enjoyment. I would send texts and email letters to encourage others that were struggling with one issue or another. Eventually, I had notebook after notebook filled with stuff. It struck me that maybe I should organize and compile all these writings into a book, so that others might be encouraged as well.  I have come to learn that many times encouragement doesn’t need to take the form of wise advice, but instead, it shows itself as a listening ear and supportive words (and a hug if possible). People can get so worn down and distracted from their heart’s desires that life becomes hum-drum and boring. They begin to live life fearing change because who knows what lies ahead, maybe it’s worse!

So, in an effort to try and help people lift themselves up out of this morass I decided to write more and share some of these texts and emails I have sent out over the years. I will attempt to encourage people to be bold enough to take necessary steps to lead the life they know deep down they are meant to live. I will try to show people how and why we should all have the courage to step out of our comfort zones. My deepest desire is to be practical, not to throw up some pie in the sky method to fulfillment. I want this to work for people. I am not writing a book just to write a book. I have seen people make changes in their lives in both directions, good and bad. The hollow smile of someone on the wrong path rings sad when compared to the inner joy found from true and honest selffulfillment. My goal is to help you, yes you, not just someone else, to realize that God loves you. Yes, He loves everyone, but, He loves YOU!  When I share a message I wrote previously, text, email etc. I will set it mid page and in italics. Bible verse references will be centered for easy reference. All biblical references will come from the NIV unless otherwise noted. I try to use the words ‘many’, ‘sometimes’, and ‘some people’ so as not to make any allinclusive statements. Even when I think all people should react in some way, I need to remember that we are all different. We come from different environments, different histories and different moods even at the time. So yes, there is plenty of room for exceptions to every rule and every statement. We would be foolish to assume otherwise. 

 

Realize that through all the choices you've made in your past, from career choice to school choices to choices of friends, through good choices and bad, God has taken what you've given Him and used that to mold you into who you are today. Whether you are still being molded or find yourself where you believe you were meant to be, don't ever stop growing, don't ever stop searching. Don't be afraid of more molding and more refining. Step out and take that chance. Because failure is not a lack of success, failure is giving in to fear. Failure is not trying; not taking that risk. Failure is complacency. Failure is being content with not allowing God to work in your life. Failure is a paralyzing fear of taking action towards the unknown. Failure is not trusting God to work all things for your good. And remember, God’s heart for you is good. He did not set you up for failure.

 

As you read through this book, keep the following in mind and see how everything fits together. Most everyone has the ability to make a difference; just not everyone has the desire or the motivation to make a difference. I don’t think I have ever met anyone that stepped out of their comfort zone to serve others that hasn’t benefitted from the experience in some way. Whether that experience has helped the one seeking assistance, or has helped us and our perception of life and love, good things come from loving others. You may not now, and you may not ever, be able to change the way your particular church or community functions, but by maintaining your own personal status quo, if that is a life of not getting involved, (which for many, many years was my life), you sell yourself short. We all need to step out. Whether it starts as volunteering to serve meals at a homeless shelter, sponsoring a child, volunteering at a school to help mentor a young child, serving as a Big Brother/Sister; you need not start out in some big role, just take the first step. Ask God for some direction for your steps and proceed. Continue to pray and let Him lead you, but take the step. Not only will you be loving, but you’ll be growing - growing in care, concern and empathy for others; yet also growing your own sense of self-worth and developing an inner peace and joy like you have never felt before. Let’s all keep our eyes open for opportunities, and ask God to show us opportunities, to serve and be strong and bold enough to take that first small baby step! The first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the most important.