Your Story Connects with Others

south ridge church

Oct 4

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

1 Chronicles 16:8 Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name;

make known among the nations what he has done.

In his book titled Connecting, Counselor Larry Crabb notes that one way we can connect with others is by "Claiming the special opportunities to reveal grace… ." He goes on to note that relationships (or perhaps, people themselves) heal when they reflect the energy of Christ. Some helpful steps may include:

"Letting people know we delight in them as Christ does.
Eagerly looking for the goodness in someone's heart, and identifying the passions that are prompting loving, strong choices

Similarly, Jean Vanier writes, "To love someone is not first of all to do things for them, but to reveal to them their beauty and value, to say to them through our attitude: 'You are beautiful. You are important. I trust you. You can trust yourself.'"

These quotes help emphasize a key principle when it comes to sharing your story: Sharing your story isn't about you. It's about what God has done within you. It's about your absolute commitment to seeing yourself as God sees you. It's about your desire to help others see themselves as God sees them.

READING & PRAYERS:

1 CHRONICLES 16:8-36 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: How may God be inviting you to be a loving presence in the lives of others today, with you expressing through your attitude, "You are beautiful. You are important. I trust you. You can trust yourself?"

REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Practice breath prayers throughout the day. Breathe in with the first part of the prayer, then exhale with the second. Some examples include: "Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner." "Speak Lord, I am listening." "You are the potter, I am the clay." "Peace. Be still."

Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I recognize that I need a regular reminder that You see me as beautiful, important and trustworthy. May I see others in this same light, helping them to see themselves as You see them. In Jesus' name. Amen.

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)