Speak Life

Peace Family, you never know what a difference you might be making in someone else’s life.

Last night, I woke up with Toby Mac’s “Speak Life” playing in my head. It’s not often that I’ve had someone tell me, years after an event, that I did or said something that really encouraged them or taught them about God, and I almost never remember saying or doing the things they tell me about, but it is so encouraging when it happens!

On the other hand, I always remember the people who’ve taken time to mentor and encourage me. I can tell you the names of the college girls who lead my Bible study group when I was in junior high, about the perfume smell of a high school librarian who was faithful to lead me to a real relationship with Jesus through her example (and gave me lots of hugs), and the powerful words, word-for-word, of a college roommate that helped me break free from great fear. I can tell you about several youth pastors, camp counselors, and Young Life leaders who invested in me when I was a dorky, lonely kid and felt like I was difficult to love. Many of my most precious memories are from spending time with slightly older Christians, just regular friends, who took time to listen to me, helped me grow, comforted my heartaches, loved me, and challenged me. They were true mentors without necessarily meaning to be; they just loved and lived out their faith well and were powerful examples that helped shape me into who I am today.

If you ever had someone like that, I’d like to encourage you to tell them today how much they mean to you. Meanwhile, who can you be intentionally loving? There is so much healing and so much power in just making time for and loving others, especially when they can’t give you anything in return.

Anyway, just a few thoughts from your friendly neighborhood Kat.