A letter to the younger one.......
We believe in the power and beauty of generations of women standing in unity. We believe in laying down a pathway of honour for the generations who have walked before and smoothed the ground for our steps to be lighter & safer. We honour the legacy, the sacrifice and the seen & unseen toil that has given us today.
This week will feature three letters from three different women of experience, life and wisdom who have chosen to pen words of encouragement, love & wisdom especially with you in mind.
Here are is the first of these letters
The first is from Kerri- Mae.
(Spirit led, woman of faith, wife of 40 years,mumma to 5 & grandmumma to 15)
Many years ago I had a dream that left me pondering for months to come ...
I was sitting alone and having what I call reflection time with the Lord and I captured a picture of myself going back in time and speaking to my younger self.
I was just a small child gazing at my reflection in a still pond. I recall the thoughts that this child could only see herself on the surface, but life would eventually plunge her into the deep. A place where undiscovered talent and gifts would emerge amidst the difficulties and challenges she would face. I watched as she stared at the water knowing she wanted to plunge in but holding back out of fear not knowing what lay beneath the surface.
I felt inclined to tell her not to be afraid and to speak.
I wanted to prepare her for the experience she would have, should she dare to leave the surface of life and plunged into the deep.
The things I spoke to her at that time I would love to say to you, in the hope that it may enable you to navigate this gift of life with more intentional living
BE SIGNIFICANT AND LOVED,
First and foremost know that you are loved, significant and that you do matter.
You are the result of Gods finest intention. From the very beginning, he had you in mind and has designed plans and purposes to make your life influential. Your developing years are intended to be full of promise and filled with discovery about who you are and what life's possibilities await you.
BE PARTNERED and NEVER ALONE
This life was given freely but intended to be shared in a partnership with God.
Together He wants you to decide stuff. I've discovered over the years that it's not all sealed and locked in. We don't have to just await our fate and the inevitable to happen. Yes It's purposed in God for sure, but He wants our input in deciding our life's purpose and direction.
Together you talk and communicate desires and plans, and together you agree ( and sometimes disagree) It's not meant to be a sealed deal or a 50/50 arrangement. It's a relationship Father to Child and you're both in 100 percent.
Together, you'll thrive,
Together, you'll champion life.
Together, you'll overcome every obstacle.
Together, you'll be riding every wave big and small, and conquering whatever comes your way.
BE CONFIDENT AND SAFE
Everything you need is within. You're wired a very particular way, unique in every aspect. This life is a beautiful journey of discovery and a school of learning. Along the way, you'll be continually challenged, always finding how you fit into the scheme of things. People and circumstances will pull you in all different directions according to the season of learning your in.
Don't panic if you don't have all the answers. Follow your heart and gut instincts because God has wired you instinctively to follow north. (2 Peter 1:3. He's put within you all you need for life and Godliness) You'll know right from wrong. He's gifted you with abilities beyond your imagination and your infinitely better than you think you are. He trust you and if you will trust yourself more and dig deep down for what you know to be true, you'll be ok
BE INTENTIONAL
Take this incredible mysterious gift we call life and intentionally map out what it should look like 20 years from now. Don't make the mistake of the people my age living in regret. It starts by questioning everything about yourself.
- What you like and dislike,
- What you want changed about yourself or circumstances?
- What direction would you like your life to take?
- What characteristics do you admire in people?
- If you could be anyone, what would that person look like?
- What would you have to learn or develop within yourself for that to be a reality?
Take all of it onboard and disciple yourself ! Pay close attention to the character strengths necessary to achieve your dreams. Disciple your character above all else.
As what is a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul in the process .
BE KIND TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS
I remember an occasion when I was feeling completely isolated and alone, yet actually in a room full of people. Across the room a woman turned, noticed me and gave me the biggest welcoming smile. She didn't know me nor I her but that smile told me I was not alone and that I mattered. I held onto that smile the whole evening.
I'll never forget it! Kindness is a powerful force, healing us of hurts we don't even know we carry.
We need it almost as much as our daily food. So chose to be kind and give people grace.
God is the kindest person I have ever met . He offers us grace, grace and more grace. Take it wholeheartedly and live free of guilt and condemnation. You will make mistakes and stupid ones at that! But give yourself a break and take that kind hand of grace, get back up and go again.
BE ALERT
The biggest enemy you will ever face is not the one in the world or the church, It's the one inside of you!
It rages a war in your mind of unworthiness shame guilt and pity.
It wants to continually capture you and keep you caged BUT there is an abundant life for you to live if you will think on things that are trustworthy and true, not on hear say or gossip.
Look to the possibilities and not the problems look beyond what you can see, knowing there's a God of impossibilities always by your side
BE ONE
Lastly, if I were to choose only one thing to help you navigate life, this is the one thing I would say. Never attempt negotiating this life without the guidance counsel and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Make it your aim to have Him as your best friend. That way, you won't fall into the trap of caring what people, who don't matter, think! (Be sure, your loved one's opinion should always matter to you) However don't allow other people or circumstances or what you do or don't do define you.
As you are unique and greatly loved because of who you be not because of what you do
Lovingly
Keri-Mae xoxo