A Heart-to-Heart Talk was a great opening to the book. It opened my eyes and I felt like I was sitting across from an old friend talking about life. Maybe it's because this book is what I need to read. Maybe it's because God is trying to use Holley's words to speak to me. Whatever it is, I've only read the first chapter and I love it. Sure, I'll probably hate something along the way but I usually don't like books when they smack me in the face and tell me something I've been hiding from.
The way Holley describes her friend's words, "Sometimes, I don't even like my life. And I feel so guilty because I'm so blessed" was beyond what I feel. She continues, "I try, I try so hard and I just fall further behind" describing her spiritual walk as a treadmill.
Holley describes God's thoughts as being similar to "Come to me. You are weary and burdened. I will give you rest." but often, it's hard to find rest in something that isn't tangible. When I need time to myself and to get away, I go for a drive. I go for a pedicure or a massage. I go for a cup of coffee. You know what these things have in common? Money.
Holley (I just realized I'm referring to her like she's my friend. Or that I actually know her. #awkward) tells another woman, "Yes, you matter. No one can take your place. god made just one you, and this worlds needs you just as you are." Can you please be my friend??? Or at least a mentor???
I think my favorite part o the chapter is where Holley wrote about pretending to have coffee with her. (see, little dreams do come true!). She said she'd tell me, "It's time you knew you're amazing! I mean, it's time you really know. And there's more: You're not only amazing, you're enough. You're beautiful. You're wanted. You're chosen. You're called. You've got what it takes...not just to survive but to change the world." Holy. Moly.
She goes on to tell me, as we casually drink our coffee and share in the sisterhood of Christ, that she's glad I'm not an "it girl" because God doesn't want what's hip at the moment; He wants what's his ALL THE TIME! Instead, I'm an "is girl". I can look in the mirror and tell the person looking back at me, "She is loved, accepted, and valued. She is created just the way God wants her to be." We have to go beyond what is on the surface. Look at some of the greatest people in the Bible. Not everyone was capable of talking to fire or building an arc or surviving living in a whale's belly. Not everyone can walk on water (and certainly not without having faith not to sink) or dying on a cross to cover the sins of God's people. Everyone is part of God's plan. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29.11 And within this plan, everyone has a special purpose. 1 Corinthians 12 tells us all about the body of Christ and how we each have a special part. Personally, I like to think that I'm something special like a thumb or somewhere close to the heart. I don't think I'd like to be a toenail but if being a toenail to Christ is important, I guess I'll take it. Even something as little and seemingly insignificant as a toenail is loved and blessed by Christ.
God takes the broken pieces of his people and makes them whole. He fuses these broken pieces back together with his grace and love and patience. We are all wrapped in the love and comfort of the Lord, dear friends.
I can't wait to continue to read how amazing I already am and to share the same great news with you.
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