Monday, June 28, 2010

You are Captivating

Last night was our final session for our bible study group on the book "Captivating". I have really enjoyed reading this book...well for the most part. This book has held the proverbial mirror up, and made me acknowledge all the destructive behaviors I have been living with. This hasn't been easy. The most prominent of these behaviors is my tendency to hide. I hide in my work, my responsibilities, my obligations, etc. The thing was that I never realized I was hiding. I actually believed that I was just a workaholic! In actuality I was running from my emotions, the pain they carry, my rampant insecurities, and so much more. When I realized what I was doing, it was like hitting a wall that I could not get around. The only way out was through. The range of emotions was great, and I cried a lot through this process but not always from sadness. It was a cleansing of my spirit...something I've needed for a very long time.

As we completed this wonderful book, the mood was bittersweet. Many of us, if not all of us, didn't want it to end. And eventhough it was the last chapter of the book, God was still working in miraculous ways through each of our hearts. I won't get into the details of what was said, because that is private, but I can tell you that through it all God has healed, mended, been exhaulted, and built what I believe to be life-long friendships. Each of these women I have had the privilege to spend this precious time with is such a beautiful person...inside and out. If you know them, you should consider yourself blessed. I know I do.

Eventhough I did not have all the words I was looking for last night, and maybe wasn't as eloquent as I would have liked to have been, I was able to say something that was very important to me. I was able to tell my best friend what an amazing woman she is, and how grateful and blessed I have always felt to not only know her, but to call her my friend. I have told countless people countless times what a special friend she is to me, but I never sat down and told her to her face. I was so thankful for the opportunity. :)

So that brings me to this question...who matters to you? Have you let them know? I mean really let them know. Have you sat down with them and told them what a blessing to your life they are, or are you just assuming they already know? If that's the case, you might be surprised to learn they don't always know. We all have our insecurities, and sometimes just hearing it, knowing deep in your core that you're special to someone can be so healing. Words are so powerful, and they may just be what "your person" needs to hear. If you're anything like me, you may not realize how saying those words may make you feel. It's an incredible feeling all around, and I would challenge you to do say what needs to be said.

Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."