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When a Note Isn’t Just a Note

I am a fairly cheerful individual. I usually find the good in a situation — sometimes after a little whining session, I’ll admit! (Have I told you how patient my husband, Scott, is?) This last month, however, has been filled with challenges — challenges for LWML, as we continue to deal with restrictions and unknowns for the upcoming convention; challenges within my family; and challenges within our church. I find myself overwhelmed at times and saddened by many
things and situations.

cards

And then I receive a note card or letter in the mail from one of you. A card with a Scripture verse, printed on it or written by the sender, that speaks of God’s mercy and grace. The note in the card is encouraging, and very often I just sit down and cry. These are humble tears of joy. Cleansing tears that revive my soul and remind me that I’m never alone. God has provided me with an army of Christian friends — women and men who support me with prayers and encouragement, just when it’s needed.

I know God is with me always, but as we deal with the sinfulness of this world, He gives us an army of believers to keep us steadfast in our faith and ready to confidently continue “Running the Race … Looking to Jesus.” (This is the theme for the LWML convention in Lexington.)

I have not acknowledged each note card that has been sent to me. I don’t think that the senders expect that of me. I do save and cherish each one because they are not just notes, they are a confirmation from God that He has placed each of us where we are, to do what we can, to His glory.

Recently, inside a card I received, was this prayer: “Oh, God, A new month is upon us — although I don’t know what particulars my friend and LWML President Debbie has on her plate, You do. Please give her wisdom, strength, patience, courage, and love as she goes about the days ahead. In Your Son’s name I pray. Amen.”

Another card said, “When we pour all we have into God’s hands, He sifts us like sand, uncovering the gems of His special gifts and letting our lives reflect the true and lasting beauty of His grace. Dearest Debbie, many prayers!” And the Scripture verse that accompanied that card was We are praying, too, that you will be filled with His mighty, glorious strength so that you can keep going … always full of the joy of the Lord (Colossians 1:11 TLB).

These aren’t just notes to me. They are a life raft in a sea of challenging waves and wind. I read them over and over. Do me a favor, please? Take time today to write a note to someone (not to me!) who God may be telling you needs encouragement. Be a blessing from God to someone today.

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
Debbie

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Winsome Witness


Am I and are you a winsome witness?
Well, first of all, what exactly is a “winsome witness.” Can it be defined exactly? Is it something we want to be?

I went online (of course, because I’m writing this in a hurry. I leave for Guatemala tomorrow morning) and found some qualities or actions of a winsome witness.

  • A winsome witness is unshockable and unflappable.
  • It is accepting and gives people breathing space in which to grow.
  • It comes from a positive attitude and expresses itself in positive words.
  • It is shared in as attractive a manner as possible.
  • It is expressed in a positive life lived with integrity.
  • It can be fun and involve laughter.

Author Lee Strobel says, “If you’re living a boring, lukewarm Christian life of drudgery and rule-keeping, you may be doing more damage to your friends than all the scandals involving the televangelists. You’re sending a message that Christianity is ‘a stiff, uptight, inflexible way of life, colorless and unbending,’ and it certainly was never intended to be that.”

I’ll tell you one way this month that you can give a winsome witness about the love of Christ. Our Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly, Spring edition, has just come out. You should have yours in your church by now. Editor, Nancy Graf Peters and her staff have put together a great issue. Take an extra copy and share it with your neighbor, the woman you walk with, or someone at work. You can do that with a smile on your face and an excitement in your mannerism. This is a super witnessing tool from LWML! There will be at least one thing in there of interest to your non-Lutheran or non-Christian friend. It is a non-threatening approach. You can bring it up later in conversation and discuss certain articles.

The Bible passage I found (online, again) that’s referred to when talking about winsome witnessing is Philippians 2:14-16a (NIV). Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.

Winsomely and with a smile, share a Quarterly with someone Jesus loves.

Patti