But if you show favoritism, you sin.
James 2:9
I never liked cliques in high school and have rejected them every since but if I were 100% honest I'd admit my heart is still a tad clique-ish.
It's easier to walk into a room and find a face I already know.
It's less threatening to sit in a meeting by someone who will readily talk to me.
It's fun to chat effortlessly with a good friend instead of making small talk with a stranger.
It's not that I seek to exclude anyone but my attempt to include myself does. But what if my heart prayed like Carynne? What if I lived intentionally to find the one who's lonely at my church, in my neighborhood and in my children's schools?
In looking for that one, I would find the heart of the One who shows favoritism to us all.
Beautiful thoughts and so very true... I related to every word. What a sweet girl you have! Lord, let me find your heart in the lonely too!
ReplyDeleteCarynne has truly been blessed by God with gifts of kindness and compassion. So thankful He me her to remind me of the importance of seeing the lonely!
DeleteI love my sweet Rynne! These words are so true. It is much easier to talk w people we know. Just a smile & a "hi" could brighten a strangers day beyond what we could imagine.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, you are so right. Sometimes it's the smallest act that makes the biggest impact. Today I'm praying for God to open my eyes and see the hurting and lonely around me.
DeleteOut of the mouths of babes comes such wisdom! Thanks for sharing this reminder.
ReplyDeleteDee Dee, I am amazed how much God teaches me each day through my kids. Before I had kids I thought I would be the teacher but in so many ways they are!
DeleteI agree with Dee Dee above.
ReplyDeleteAnd I also agree with you :: I do the same. It's just easier. We really should extend ourselves more often. Get out our comfort zone.
And a little one will lead them...huh? :)
DeleteI definitely needed to be reminded of this today. Thanks Shannon!
ReplyDeleteCourtney, I needed the reminder too! I've thought about this simple prayer almost every day since she prayed it. I'm using it as a simple breath prayer to open my eyes!
DeleteWhat a beautiful simple prayer that we should all pray! Thank God, the Lord doesn't play favorites, huh!?!
ReplyDeleteYou are a blessing!
~Erin
Yes I'm very thankful He doesn't play favorites but if He did...He'd have you at the top of His list! XO
DeleteWhat lovely sentiments. Your daughter sounds lovely. This is a lesson I could use myself!
ReplyDeleteLisa, I get some serious kicks in the rear from my four girls and they don't even know they're doing it. Love seeing God work in their hearts!
DeleteKids shares are so open, honest and beautiful. I enjoyed your post.
ReplyDeleteI know. I'm amazed at the things that come spilling out of their hearts!
DeleteWhat a marvelous motivation to be inclusive! I love your final line: God's favoritism is extended to everyone. What a great example to follow!
ReplyDeleteRonae, thanks for stopping by! Looking for more ways every day to include instead of exclude!
DeleteWow, very true post. I think I am very cliquish even though I don't try to be and I need to work on being much more inclusive just like Jesus is!
ReplyDeleteLet's work on it together!
DeleteWow, I so have to learn to lean on and listen to the Holy Spirit's promptings in order to escape this tendency. Thanks for sharing girl! It's always a blessings to come here. ~ Amy
ReplyDeleteAmy, we can never go wrong listening to Him that's for sure! :)
Deletewonderfully put! I try really hard to not exclude anyone or become "cliqish" but it is hard to step out of my comfort zone and say hi to someone I don't know or be really social to everyone. This gave me motivation to continue working on that. take care!
ReplyDeleteSo thankful, Kathryn. Appreciate you stopping by and love knowing we're working on this together!
DeleteI was reading recently about how a young girl challenged herself every day to strike up a conversation with a stranger to build up her confidence. She believes in making yourself do something uncomfortable to grow and thrive. It does work, you just have to do it;)
ReplyDeleteThat is such a cool idea! And I love the added bonus of our confidence growing as we reach out to others!
DeleteYou've convicted me! I'm so guilty of spending most of my time talking to my dear friends rather than including new women in our tight-knit circle. I pledge to do better with the Lord's help! Thanks, friend.
ReplyDeleteWhat fortunate women those will be to get to know someone like you!
DeleteWhat a beautiful heart your daughter has. Imagine how amazing this world would be if we all reached out to others who are lonely. I have had times where I wanted so badly for someone in a crowd of strangers to just notice me, but I also know that more often than not I need to be that stranger to notice someone else who is lonely.
ReplyDeleteJudy, I know what you mean. It's hard to reach out when we're lonely ourselves but it's also the best cure for our loneliness. :)
DeleteIt's amazing the kids God gifts us with! Each of mine have something so obvious to teach me, and many other attributes I'm still finding. Thanks for the example, and reminder to look to my boys for self-improvement!
ReplyDeleteI have never liked cliques either...cute pic too. I hope yall got rid of that virus...really it was terrible here.
ReplyDeleteHi Shannon - long time no visit, I'm sorry. I've been missing you. Such good words. It is easier to talk with someone with whom conversation is smooth and flowy but sometimes when we make the effort with someone with whom it IS an effort, we are rewarded with precious friends, sometimes. Great reminder to seek someone out today for a greater effort.
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy