I don't think I have ever been more aware of how short life is more than this year. I'm reminded constantly that we never know when our last day will be.
Andrew Pray from Adair Creative Studio on Vimeo.
I told you about Andrew Pray who was killed right before Thanksgiving and is a worship pastor. They showed this video at his funeral. It was the things he had written on social media this year. WOW. Watch it.
He was an encourager. He shared Jesus every chance he got.
I was thinking about the words we all use. In our daily lives and in our virtual lives.
Do they uplift or do they bring others down? Are they words of light or of darkness?
I love facebook and twitter. I love just having daily chit chat with my friends about TV shows or being moms or just current events. I also probably tend to daily complain about my lack of sleep.
But life is short. I want to use my words to point others to Christ. I want to encourage my friends. Nothing feels better than getting a kind email or an encouraging text from a friend. Just today my precious friend Kacy who always has something nice to say texted me to encourage me after a particularly tough morning of teaching 3 year olds at church. It was just the lift I needed.
Life can feel like a competition. Just at Christmas - I feel so inferior when I see all the amazing things moms are doing. Co-workers can make you feel like you are competing to be the best in the office. There is competition to be thinner, more fit, better dressed. Competition to have the smartest kids. I think bloggers feel competition to have more opportunities or higher stats.
What if instead of competing - we encourage? What if we lift up our friends and those around us and help them reach their goals instead of wishing it was us? What if we were genuinely happy for the blessings that others get?
My prayer for myself is that in 2013 - I use every opportunity to encourage and uplift those around me.
I pray that I share my faith daily and unashamed. I received a comment recently that said they were offended that I tried to evangelize so much on here. I understand if I lose readers but I won't ever apologize for trying to tell you about the hope we have in Christ.
Will you be challenged to use your words to lift others up? Can you imagine how much better our world would be if we were more kind and encouraging? Let's live our life with no regrets so when we are gone - we will be remembered for the words we said.
Psalm 19:14
P.S.
If you would like to encourage Courtney - Andrew's wife who was left with three young kids - I'd love if you could send her mail. I know it has been a HUGE encouragement to my friend Julee who lost her husband. I won't schedule us out - just write her when you feel led. This is the address of her church - she can get her mail there.
Courtney Pray
c/o West Ridge Church
3522 Hiram-Acworth Hwy
Dallas, GA 30157
PPS Thank you SOOOOO much for giving to my friend Timesia! You raised over $5000!!! That is a HUGE start and an encouragement to Timesia that she can do this! BLESS EACH OF YOU A MILLION TIMES OVER!!!!
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