Sherry asked
him if the job was starting on the 12th, as scheduled. His face flushed as he tilted
his head downward and away from her. He said nothing. Sherry took a deep breath,
straightened up her shoulders and confronted him, “It’s not, is it?” He
stuttered a bit, “Well… not yet.” There had already been a couple postponements
so the tension was thick in the air as her brain ingested those words.
To me it would
be like putting a moldy strawberry in my mouth. I’d want to spit it out
immediately. But not Sherry. Not one negative word came out of her mouth. She
tucked it away and I was amazed.
All of this
happened in just a matter of seconds as I stood there mixing my paint, trying
to be anonymous. But my mind was going like star bursts, held in breathless
wonder at how she was able to keep utterly silent under those circumstances.
Could I do
that? Nope, not at this point. I definitely need more practice and help from
the Holy Spirit to keep my mouth shut. But, wow, what a goal. Her ability to
handle this negative situation so well really impressed me and seeing it in
action gave me hope and a vivid illustration I won’t forget.
I’ve always believed
that I can learn something from just about everyone, especially everyone in the
body of Christ.
We all have
our shortcomings, weaknesses and cracks in our souls. Where we lack, there are
others who are strong. The Bible calls those who are born again, members of the
body of Christ.
We need each
other.
The Bible
says, “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it
hath pleased him. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee:
nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you” (1 Cor 12:18 and 21).
And
Ephesians 5 tells us we are to submit ourselves, one to another. That tells me
that we are to look and learn and be observant of those good qualities in other’s
lives.
So, Sherry,
thanks for your great example. It inspired me and gave me a vivid illustration
and model to remember on how to keep my lips locked.
The thing
is, Sherry doesn’t even know yet what her actions meant to me (until I send her
this).
All the more
reason to keep following Jesus the best we can. Because when we do, we inspire
others and give them an example to live up to, even when we don’t know it.
Love,
Carolyn
Next weekend
is a FREE download of WINGS Part 4. It contains great chapters including
GENERATIONAL CURSES, GOSSIP AND HEALING, THE PROCESS OF OBEDIENCE, ANGER AND
FORGIVENESS and many more. The free offer goes from Thursday July 17th
thru Monday July 21st. Enjoy.
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