Today, on #ThankfulThursday, I want to spotlight a guest post by a remarkable young woman, Lizzy Christian. As a young girl, Lizzy was one of my writing students. For several years, I watched her gift for writing and love of God grow exponentially. She embodies remarkability and truly is a radiant presence in every sphere of her influence. Her life-giving words encourage us to judge less, love more. A really good word for each of us. So, welcome Lizzy and her words into your heart. We’ll talk more about this week’s thoughts on Facebook Friday!
Less Judgment, More Love
Our story of healing has the potential to unlock hopeless hearts, our own experiences serving as a compass for others. This is the power of sharing our stories, this hope that leaks from the pain of our past.
As I have contemplated writing about several topics currently stewing in my pregnant
brain, there is one that is a culmination of them all – less judgment, more love. Right
now, our society is bombarded with endless opinions of who should be president,
theories on gun control, recent shootings and how they could have been prevented, and
now a 2-year old who was taken captive and killed by an alligator in Orlando while on a
family vacation. My heart is breaking for our country and for the heart of both families
and individuals around the globe.
- Read popular news articles and see the comments that people leave.
- Listen to political candidates wage a war with their words.
- On YouTube, viewers comment on hopeful young musician’s song covers telling them how
horrible they are and how they have no future in the music industry. - On news feeds, readers leave their opinions of how it’s always the victim’s fault for the tragedy and if
they simply chose not to be there, then the tragedy would not have occurred.
My heart is burdened because our world is full of such hatred and violence, and we are no
longer focusing on what we can do for society but what society can do for us.
Our society is aiming to shatter dreams, tear families apart, and seems so focused only on
living for oneself.
As I sit here, my eyes are beginning to swell and tears are beginning to flow because
our society focuses on all the wrong things. We cannot change what happens. Pain is
inevitable. Our world is full of sin, hatred, insecurity and shame. What we tend to
forget is that God is bigger than tragedy. Hope in Christ is far beyond anything our
minds can comprehend. I am resting in the promise of Matthew 11:28, “Come to me all you who are weary
and heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (New International Version).
Right now, our world desperately needs a ray of sunshine and a glimmer of hope. Our
society needs rest and dreams restored. I cannot lay awake at night worrying about what
tomorrow may bring, but I can rest knowing that God holds my future in the palm of His
hands and He promises me rest, hope, mercy, and grace (Hebrews 6:19).
Always remember that everyone around us is fighting a difficult battle. Our world is full of people who are struggling and looking for something to fill the void in their hearts. We must end the cycle of judgment and reach out and embrace those around us with love and compassion. Hearts need Jesus, who is the ultimate Healer and Restorer.
It was once said, “Our story of healing has the potential to unlock hopeless hearts, our own experiences serving as a compass for others. This is the power of sharing our stories, this hope that leaks from the pain of our past.” God can use your past hurts and heartaches to reach those who are currently facing a difficult battle. Let us focus less on judging others and more on loving them. We cannot take any day or any moment for granted!
At age 17, Lizzy Christian organized a Sports Program and became a Crisis Counseling undergraduate student (Liberty University). In 2011, she founded Fearfully & Wonderfully Made Ministries, in which she uses missions, writing, and teaching to help young girls and young women see their true worth and value in Jesus Christ. Lizzy was a high school Athletic Director at a Christian school for four years and transferred over as School Counselor and Middle School Bible Teacher. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Russ. Lizzy received her Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling–Crisis Response & Trauma cognate and is beginning to pursue her love for writing, teaching, and entrepreneurship as she begins the exciting new adventure of motherhood this August. Read more on Lizzy’s blog: www.lizzychristian.com.
So proud of you! Great perspective of our society today. May God touch hearts with all you do.