Showing posts with label Mother's Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mother's Day. Show all posts

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Testimony Part 2

Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! ~ Psalm 27:14 ESV

A testimony is a story of how God moved in an otherwise hopeless situation. A testimony—a story of hope—was definitely what I needed. Once again, on this journey, the way is not nearly as neat or smooth as we’d like. The way has felt elusive and the choices intimidating. Similarly, to a child, I’ve been pitching a fit, demanding what feels good and comfortable. Fortunately, I have an awesome Dad and He used redirection to help me see the situation a little more clearly.

Instead of telling me that I need to trust Him, “because He said so,” He did something much more inspiring. He used the testimonies of women whom I love and respect. One by one, He brought to my remembrance the stories of strong women in my life who have stood where I now stand and who walked on paths similar to mine. God showed me that He brought them through their seasons victoriously and promised to do the same for me. In the moment of my surrender, I felt both peace and the most heart-felt gratitude toward each of these women who are a living testimony to me.

It’s no coincidence that it’s Mother’s Day weekend, a time when we honor our blood mothers, adopted mothers, surrogate mothers, spiritual mothers, and honorary mothers. If there is a woman in your life who has been a living testimony for you, be sure to thank her and pray for her journey. And, if like me, you are on a journey where the answers feel unclear, obey the words in this Psalm: Be strong. Take courage. Wait for the Lord, standing firm on His promises.
Happy Mother’s Day!

©Heather Potts 2017

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Sparkle

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness ~ Exodus 34:6 NIV

After perusing her options, Kelly selected the perfect outfit: a simple skirt and peach blouse.  She complemented the outfit with sandals and her favorite necklace.  After braiding her hair, she came out of her room.  When her mother saw her, she asked Kelly suspiciously, “Where are you off to?”  “Church,” Kelly smiled.  When she walked through the familiar doors of her church, she saw all her friends waiting for her.  They were dressed in their usual casual attire.  A few of them poked at her and asked if she had a hot date.  Kelly only smiled and thought to herself, “Yes and His name is Jesus.”

The root word for abounding means to take care, to value highly and to nourish, so that it will grow and become great.  Because of the Father’s great love for us—the love that He pours on us, that He uses to wash away the falsehoods we’ve been taught about love, that He bathes us in covering us with His deep, passionate, never-ending and never-failing love—we can begin to feel loved, feel free, feel beautiful, and then desire to express those feelings outwardly.

And like Kelly, we will act differently, stand out from the crowd a bit, and desire to show our appreciation and love to Jesus.  When you’re encapsulated by the love of Jesus, you begin to sparkle. On this Mother’s Day, regardless of your relationship with your mother, remember your Father in heaven abounds in love for you and He places high value upon you!

©Heather Potts 2016