We all have baggage that we carry around in life. Different weights and different sized suitcases. Some suitcases were made years ago and some were made last week. Some have chosen the things inside, and some may have been handed a suitcase full of it. Bottom line, your suitcase is no different than theirs. But the way it’s handled and felt is. Just because you don’t see it the way they do, doesn’t mean they don’t feel it the way they do. So never underestimate a pain. Be the one that helps to empty it, not add to it. And if someone is willing to help you unpack yours- you better be gracious in helping them unpack theirs. -C. Elizabeth

 

The legacy of words and a feeling are such a simple yet profound concept that life will never let us outrun. 4 years or 40 years, memories come with an embedded feeling that is everlasting. It takes us back to that very moment where we feel everything as if we had stepped back in time, to that very moment. It’s pretty incredible how our hearts have that kind of memory to make those seconds feel so fresh or so tender. We have to know that when we chose a word, a tone, or a reaction- that very moment will last a lifetime. And one day, the words we utter out of our mouths will be the last words they will ever hear us say. That reality is not an if, it’s a when… That’s a pain or a peace that we will live with. Choose wisely.

People hold gut wrenching pains and traumas that we have no idea live within them. They cry tears that our eyes can’t see. They hold words within them that they may never know how to speak. They carry weights on their shoulders with a smile like they’ve never felt pain a day in their life.

So, if you’ve never walked in their shoes with their very heart of trials, be careful with the words and reactions that you chose. Words can heal or tear healing into shreds quicker than you can get it out of your mouth. Be careful not to tell them how they should feel or shouldn’t feel because we have no idea how it feels. And when they finally feel safe enough to bleed the least little bit of vulnerability- never make them feel badly about feeling the way they do. Never underestimate their pain as if you know what they feel. And most of all, never push them away because that may be the only chance you get.

Remember- they don’t want to struggle just as much as you don’t want to see or feel them struggle. I can guarantee they are hurting a thousand times worse on the inside than you can even imagine feeling from the outside. Patience… we are all broken.

Kindness to humans really is simple. May it be your spouse, a friend, or stranger. Be the one that leaves another human being feeling lighter and lifted up, not low-spirited and discouraged. It may not be your season of struggle right now, but one day, you will need compassion too. There is freedom to be had. Sometimes we just need someone brave enough to open it with us.

We reap what we sow- that will return to you. Sow goodness. Sow compassion. Sow grace.

Oh, what a sweet place the world would be if selfless grace came first. If ultimately, we put everyone above ourselves.

“Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.” Proverbs15:4

“Your own soul is nourished when you are kind, but you destroy yourself when you are cruel.” Proverbs 11:17