An old story goes that quilt makers used to intentionally put flaws into their work to remind them that only God is perfect. In a craft where every stitch counts, those women were declaring, “I’m not even going to try to be perfect.” While we’re not going to be imperfect on purpose, it’s still inevitable.
Like the errors in the quilts, when we let our mistakes and shortcomings be visible, we remind those around us that we are only human. I’ve heard religious organizations encourage people to plaster on a smile even when they were broken. They were told not doing so could “hurt your witness.” In other words, they’d risk God’s reputation.
But the opposite is actually true. When we cover up our wounds, hide our failures, and refuse to ask for help, we give the impression that we belong to someone who must not really love us. We also lead others to feel they have to hide their weaknesses as well.
When we say, “I’m broken. I’m weak. I made a mistake,” then we are also saying, “I’m not God.” The places we feel most vulnerable are often where God can show His love through us the most.
You don’t have to be afraid of being honest about who you are or what you’re going through. God can handle it, and by opening up, you just might help someone else feel safe, too.
You will not make God look bad—you will show that He is good because He loves His children even in their most difficult moments. All of our stories have light as well as dark threads and both add to the beauty.
XOXO
Looking for Mother’s Day gifts? My books will encourage the women in your life!
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Do you write out quotes, too? I love this picture from Jennifer Hand!
Welcome to the Coffee for Your Heart weekly link-up! You’re an encourager so I’m asking you to pour out a little love with your words every Wednesday {link-up goes live at 5:30am CST}. Simply write an encouraging blog post and then share it here. Don’t have a blog? You can still write an encouraging comment. If you’re reading this by email, go to holleygerth.com to see all the fun and join in too.
Giveaway and Optional Writing Prompt: For the next few weeks, the Wednesday posts are going to be about getting free from the pressure to be perfect. I’ll have an optional writing prompt for you about that topic. If you write about it, link up and include my new book You’re Loved No Matter What: Freeing Your Heart from the Need to Be Perfect in your post somewhere, you’ll be entered to win a God’s Heart for You necklace {U.S. residents only}. Thanks to DaySpring for providing the necklaces! Congratulations to Sue Donaldson for winning last week! If you don’t have a blog, you can share today’s post on Facebook, leave a comment here saying you did and answer the prompt in your comment.
The prompt for today was: What do you need to lay down or take out of your “purse”?
Next Wednesday’s prompt is: Do you have a hard time showing imperfections?
Pretty please use this button in your blog post so others can easily join in with us {html code in right sidebar}. And when you link up your post, take a moment to leave an encouraging comment on the one that’s linked up just before yours. Thanks, friends!
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