THINK about the bills that need to be payed.
THINK...and dream...about her future.
None of these things are on her mind tonight.
Tonight she thinks about the words said to her...or not said to her: in the past and in the present.
A distant memory of a parent telling her that she isn't going to find a man that will want a girlfriend or a wife that isn't thin.
A not so distant memory of a parent saying that she should really lose some weight before any pictures are taken, because those memories are forever.
An even closer memory of someone dear to her heart shattering those hurtful words with words of encouragement. "I love you, exactly the way you are. Got it?"
No recollection of anyone who was supposed to say it many years ago, saying the word "proud" at any point in time when talking to her. And when someone says that word twice in one week, she actually has no idea how to respond..because what are you supposed to do when someone is proud of you? "BE CAREFUL NOT TO MESS IT UP." is what quickly runs through her head.
I have a dear friend who often talks about the fact that we speak blessings and curses...about many things; our children, our friends, our homes, our futures...and the list goes on.
Sometimes the most damage can happen when people think that they are being helpful.
Sometimes, you actually don't mean it "that" way at all.
Speak blessings.
Challenge people to grow closer to Jesus.
Have coffee with loved ones, and make them laugh until their sides hurt...
But don't ever make them feel like they somehow need to live up to your expectations of them, when the only real goal in life should be to live a life full of serving God and serving others.
