(Part three of three.)
- What is going well in your life right now?
I'm generally happy with my walk with God, my free time, my friendships, my workout consistency, and my level of self-respect. - What is one piece of advice that turned out to be helpful?
To line cake pans with parchment paper when baking a layer cake. ;-) - What is the greatest life lesson you’ve learned?
That every good/beautiful thing we experience here is like a movie preview to make us crave what's in store for us in heaven... and that my ultimate, unshakable hope is in the coming kingdom of Jesus (NOT available through any other person, place, or thing on earth). - What makes you angry?
* When kids face long-term mental or physical pain because of the poor choices of the adults who should be protecting them.
* When Christians distance themselves from hurting people and offer quick cliche advice rather than real comfort, time, energy, and help.
* There are small, petty things that make me angry, as well, but there's not much benefit in listing them here. - What makes you unique?
God's design. Also known as the one-of-a-kind combination of my individual background, race, gender, nationality, personality, DNA, talents, character, thoughts, memories, relationships, quirks, personal choices, gifts, and life story... we all share certain pieces of that puzzle in common with others, but when you take it as a whole, each of us is a unique creation with a unique purpose. As Robin Arzon says, "Take care of yourself because you are one of one, my friend... limited edition!" - What would you do differently if given a second chance?
For a long time, my answer would've revolved around ways I thought I could have behaved differently to fix a broken friendship... but I was given the gift of a second chance... and I was healthier and did a great number of things better and differently... and the end result was still the same. Sincere remorse is not always equal to repentance, and our depth of love and care for someone does not affect their free will or ability to make their own choices. That's been an important lesson to really grasp, and a principle that also holds true in God's love for us.
...I'm a big believer in God using all things for our good, so it's not that I've lived a perfect life, but there's no major regret or thing I can think of right now that I would want to go back and change. - Who do you admire? What would you say to him/her if possible?
I admire many people, but the one that comes to mind now is John Eldredge. In the midst of grieving the death of his best friend, he chose to seek God and move forward with the work they had begun together, playing a much larger role in founding and leading that ministry than he had expected. I would say thank you for fighting through all the hardship and loss and spiritual warfare, and thank you for listening to God and writing books that have changed my life and the lives of many others! (And I will say those things when we hang out in heaven, if not before.) - Write about a moment you felt brave.
Bravery = pushing through fear for something more important. I have a fairly cushy life, but there have been a handful of moments when I've really stepped up and felt brave. Most recently, I felt brave when I signed up for the Home Study and officially started the adoption process. I'm learning as I go through life to believe in myself and trust in God's provision more and more. (Not living from a spirit of fear, but power and love and a sound mind.) - Write about an experience where you stood up for someone else.
During my junior year of high school, CHA fired a female teacher whose husband had walked out on her and their three kids (because the school policy did not allow anyone who had been divorced to be in leadership). I knew the details there because her daughter was Rachael's classmate and good friend, and their family was devastated by his infidelity and decision to leave. I was young and idealistic enough to be genuinely stunned by the idea of any Christian institution kicking someone while they were down on that level... this woman was already going through a heartbreaking loss and adjusting to a new family dynamic, and their response was to immediately take away her financial stability and her childrens' spot at a school where they had solid relationships and Biblical education. How did any of that represent the heart of Christ? So I went and spoke with Mr. J. Bullard, our secondary headmaster at that time, a man I trust and believe to be a person of high character. I can't remember our conversation very well, but I know it took courage for me to speak with him and stand up for her, and I know he really listened and cared and his response was gracious... and not long after that, the board met again and decided to look at things on a case-by-case basis, and they offered her her job back. (She turned it down as they moved to be closer to her family, but still, I'm thankful that I spoke up about that, and I feel like it planted some good seeds that might have helped someone else down the line.) There are more recent examples of defending someone else, but that was the first thing that came to mind. - Write down the lyrics that keep looping in your head.
"When it rains, it pours... but you didn't even notice it ain't raining anymore. It's hard to breathe when all you know is the struggle of staying above the rising waterline. Well, the sky is finally open; the rain and wind stopped blowing. But you're stuck out in the same old storm again. You hold tight to your umbrella, but darling, I'm just tryin' to tell ya that there's always been a rainbow hanging over your head! If you could see what I see, you'd be blinded by the colors... so tie up the boat, take off your coat, and take a look around! Everything is all right now." -Kacey Musgraves, Rainbow (one of my fav yoga class songs, and a hopeful message for those struggling to move forward after abuse, grief, or trauma)
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