photo by starathena
She slips in quietly and sits down on the couch. Her body is curved like a question mark and I can tell something is on her mind. “I know you say relationships are important,” she says, “But what if I don’t have anything to offer others?” I nod with understanding. Don’t all women ask this at some point? We tell ourselves when I’m better, stronger, more whole then I will reach out. But we will never be complete this side of heaven. And even if you are in the darkest night of your life you still have some light to shine on those around you.
Here are 5 things you always have to offer…
* Your struggles. When you let people see you’re human, you give them a gift. You let them know that they can be imperfect and still be loved too.
* Your strengths. Even if you’re having a hard time, your God-given strengths are still present. They’re part of you and don’t change based on circumstances–they’re just applied in different ways. {If you’re not sure what your strengths are download the You’re Already Amazing Interactive Tools on the Books & More page and find out.}
* Your story. When you share where you’ve been, where you are and where you’re going you give others hope that they can make it too.
* Your support. Even if you feel like you have nothing to offer, you can say, “I have no idea what to to or say. But I’m here for you and I care about you.” People don’t need answers. They need real people.
* Your Savior. Here’s the beautiful truth: if you have Jesus living within you then you always have something to offer because you have him.
The most impactful people aren’t those who are already perfect {there aren’t any of those anyway}.
The most impactful people are those who are in the process of growing.
Whether you feel like it’s true or not–you’re already shining, friend.
What’s one small way you can brighten someone’s day?
XOXO
p.s. I’m speaking in a couple of places soon and would love to see your smiling face. I’ll be in Fayetteville, AR in February and St. Louis, MO in March.
