Just “Keepin’ It Real,” Huh? (Try Gentleness)

I once had a supervisor who seemed to relish in the opportunity to bestow the brutal truth. But, it was more like he told the truth in a brutal way. He actually felt that it qualified him as a “good leader”. He and I were at odds for quite some time, because he was blunt and I am sensitive. I am never one to shy away from correction; I embrace it as a means to become better. But, I struggled to take correction from this particular supervisor because I spent most of our conversations trying not to take offense. I could barely receive his advice because I was trying so hard not to be hurt by it. I was being confronted in such a way that I felt judged and demeaned without being understood or appreciated. With that, I raise the question: Does the truth have to hurt?

KINDNESS

(Photo by @heatherd)

What's Inside: The first thing that comes to mind when I think about the word kindness is a fair, delicate, Disney Princess. She skips about, she is at peace with the world, she sings and is kind to every animal and creature she meets. Cute. How does kindness show up in our world? How do we Christians not just perform acts of kindness but actually be kind? The implications of not doing so may surprise you.

PATIENCE REQUIRED - Patience P2

(photo by @_rachelcrowe)

What's Inside: There are three significant areas that require our patience on a daily basis: other people, the results, and us. The key is remembering first and foremost that all belong to God: other people, the results, and us.

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE - P1

What's Inside: “You have heard it said, ‘Patience is a virtue’.  But I’ll tell you this; patience is evidence of the Holy Spirit residing in us. It is a way of life” (- Me).  Patience is a quality that everybody needs yet nobody wants to have. We have patience within us by way of the Holy Spirit, but we must be intentional about developing that “muscles”.

TRANSCENDENT PEACE

What’s Inside? We pray for peace: peace on earth, peace in the Middle East, peace and quiet, peace of mind and just plain peace. But what of that Jesus peace that transcends all understanding. What is it and how do we get it? Let’s explore together.

IS YOUR JOY COMPLETE?

What's Inside: I could certainly use a fresh dose of joy, could you? Join me as we wind down this topic of conversation with more tips on how to reignite your joy. (If you missed part one, GOT JOY? read it here.)

GOT JOY?

What's Inside: Could you use a little joy in your life? I know I could. I did some soul searching on the subject and came up with ways that I could refresh my joy as needed. I’ll have to admit, this was a tough one for me. Who can be happy all the time? Is that even a requirement? I‘ll share with you in two parts what I found. I hope you enjoy and share some tips of your own.