The Power of Words

It's kind of been an ongoing joke in my family that I'm a terrible singer. And I definitely was bad when I was younger. But the thing is...it was funny for a while. Now it just makes me want to work harder at singing well. So I do. I love music so much. I desire to be able to sing anywhere at any time and not have to think...ugh...I know I'm a terrible singer, I shouldn't be singing in front of these people. Ah. But I love singing. I love singing loudly. I love worshipping with everything I have in me. So I do. Even though I may not have a great voice, I sing with all I've got.
Here's where the power of words comes in: This morning at church we were singing worship songs. After the first song, the man that was standing in front of me turned around and said, "You have a beautiful singing voice. I could hear you singing behind me." Whoa. See the thing is, he has no idea how much that meant to me. His words were such a blessing to me this morning. I don't even know this man very well. I know of him. But we're not buddies. He had no obligation to compliment my singing. But he did. And that was how he showed me love this morning. So, Mark, if you're reading this, thank you. Thank you for saying just a few words that made my day.
The power of words: you never know when a word of encouragement is exactly what someone needs.

Dear Blog Reader,

I just want you to know that everything is awesome. I'm so on fire for God. He's moving. It's crazy. It's awesome. I love it. I love him.I love YOU.

....yeah. I just wanted you to know that.

A Care in the World

I went to the park this evening -- the one that has a little stage in the middle of it. I wanted some alone time to listen to an audiobook. [Cast of Characters by Max Lucado] I love that little stage. We're pretty much besties by now.
So I was laying flat on the stage, relaxing, with headphones in my ears. And something happened. Something that I would have normally just shrugged off. But something about it stuck with me for some reason. So now I'm gonna share it with you.
Note: I am laying flat on my stomach in the middle of the stage. Try to picture me.
So I'm listening to my book and I think I hear what might be a faint voice in the background. I sit up, look around, and note a middle-aged woman shouting at me. So I take my headphones out and say..."what?"
"Are you alright!" she asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine" I replied.
"Oh-good. I just saw you laying there and I wasn't sure if you were breathing or anything. I wanted to make sure you were okay."
So I explained to her what I was doing and thanked her. She smiled and went on her way.

Yeah -- not a great story -- I know. But for some reason that woman had an impact on me. Because it made me think, what if I had been hurt? What if I had needed help? What if I had passed out? Or even...what if I was having a terrible day and was just laying there crying, waiting for someone to care.
I was fine today. There was nothing wrong. But that woman double checked anyway. She cared about me -- a complete stranger.
What if next time I'm not okay? What if something is terribly wrong? I hope that woman would walk by. And if not, I hope someone else would take her place. I hope someone would give a care in the world about the well-being of a complete stranger.
This woman's actions convicted me. Would I have done the same thing if I had seen someone and had even the slightest question that they might need help?
I would hope so.
Yes, I would definitely hope so.

The Battle for Me

Sometimes I want to conquer it on my own.

I want to be the David with a sling and stone.

I want to fight my own battles.

I want to conquer the obstacles.

I want to breakdown walls and barriers.

I want to stand in my own strength.

I want to achieve victory!

And I want all the credit.

I want to overcome the struggles.

Fight off the emotions and trials.

I want to find peace and joy.

And I want to do it on my own.

My life is mine.

I want to fight for myself.

"MaryBeth, you can't do it alone. Let me help you."

Love,

Your Fortress

My Heart is Heavy and Light

I need to write a poem

of confusion

and of hope

I need to pour my heart into

this paper-

helps me cope

I surrender again and again

I put it in His hands

Yet everytime I turn around

I'm carrying burdens

It's me who picks them up again

Oh, this life seems like a trap

See-I'm holding onto all this junk

I have to give it back

Why do I think I know the answers

What makes me think I have a chance

When all of my plans continue to fail

Look at Yours, Lord, they always prevail

My heart is heavy

I'm nervous and lost

I need to find confidence

Outside of my box

Even though I've been told

That's this is alright

I know to test all things

Because my life is a fight

I live on a battle field

Between darkness and light

I'll take up my armour

And do what is right

Life is crazy most always

It might feel like I'm dead

But this moment will soon pass

My best days are ahead

You see, I'm not a great poet

I can't figure out how to rhyme

All I can be is honest

These words are deep

And they are mine

Inspired by Jessie

Dear Hurting Heart,
You need to know that there is hope. No matter how ridiculously far you have run from God, it's not too far to turn around. It's not too late to run the opposite way.

You are not alone. This is not the end of your story. Your life MATTERS.

I want to tell you something. Something very important.

Jesus. Died. For. You.

Because he wants you to be free. You don't have to run from him. You don't have to carry burdens and guilt and shame. You don't have to cry so much. You can be happy. You can find real joy. You can be free.

He wants you. He's in love with you. Like seriously. Hardcore. Passionate. IN. LOVE.
So much that he died a bloody, brutal death so that you could live.
Yes, dear heart, it was all for you.

Please stop running. You'll only run straight to death.
It's not too late to turn around.

He's not mad at you. And he's not upset. He won't condemn you if you turn to him.

You. Are. So. Beautiful.
You are lovely. And you are loved.
Don't be satisfied with this life of running away.
Don't be satisfied with these burdens and grief and pains.
Don't be satisfied with life without the One that matters.

There is only one reason for your life here. It is God.

Turn around.
Run to him.
His arms are outstretched.
He wants to hold you.
Do it now.