I’m winding down April and already marveling at how full the month of May is. One thing is for sure and certain: April did not go according to my plans.
Writing that is almost laughable, considering that’s the thread woven through my novel, Catch a Falling Star, which releases May 7: What do you do when life doesn’t go according to plan?
Sometimes I keep pushing for Plan A. Sometimes I pull Plan B out of my back pocket. And sometimes . . . sometimes I settle.
You know what? None of those responses are the best way to respond to unplanned events (sometimes called “upheaval” in our lives).
Asking God how to handle the upheaval with grace, yes.
Leaning into the prayers of others, yes.
Ultimately acceptance, yes.
One thing that made the craziness — and the quite literal pain — of April easier to take? The words of kindness spoken by family and friends. The words of prayer. The words of hope. The words of reminder that God loves me, God’s “got” this (and he’s “got” me).
Walking in silence through all the unexpected moments this past month would have been . . . lonely. Defeating.
But the kind words of others made all the difference between continuing on or sitting on the side of the road and throwing a woe-is-me-party.
In Your Words: When has a kind word made a difference in your life? Do you have a favorite quote or Scripture that you like to share with someone when they’re hurting?
In Others’ Words: Kind Words Can Make All the Difference Click to Tweet
In Others’ Words: When has a kind word made a difference in your life? Click to Tweet
NEW: FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE FIRST CHAPTER OF CATCH A FALLING STAR! Click to Tweet
Comments 19
I think having someone who I respect tell me I’ve done well will make me work harder at improving what I’ve got. Offering encouragement is like shoring up a heart. The strength comes from the outside, but it serves to both soften and solidify the inside.
I can’t count the number of times a kind word has made a difference in my life. Daily, I think. But there have been some times, usually involving the health of loved ones, where a kind word or prayer–or a hug from a friend gave me the boost I needed to make it through.
Your kind & inspirational words have influenced me (and certainly many others), Beth. Here’s sending you a hug and a prayer for whatever you’re facing.
Author
Anne: Kind words accompanied by a hug are the best. And when people take the time to pray for me — that can turn a day completely around.
Thank you for encouraging me today. It’s been one of those “I thought this was how the day was going to go but I was wrong” kind of days.
And I’m okay with that.
🙂
I think the times kind words have the greatest impact on me is when I am struggling with one of my issues. When I feel like I’m failing or something happens that triggers those lies deep within me, drawing them to the surface, again, and a friend speaks a kind word, a reminder of truth–those are the times when kind words massage deep into my “ow-ies” and bring healing.
Author
Yes — the times when friends speak healing truth are life-changing.
I think one, well technically three, words that have been the kindest to me came from our pastor’s wife: Dream. Believe. Proceed.
Author
I like your pastor’s wife. A lot.
🙂
You are so right, Beth, that words of kindness, prayer, hope and reminders that God loves us make ALL the difference in how we handle tough situations. I’m so excited for you and your upcoming release! Praying words of peace over you now…
Author
Donna – you so effortlessly wove kind words into your comment. So like you!
Hey, Beth! I enjoyed this post a lot. Your kind words over the last several months have been honey to my lips. Prayers from friends and family always help me along in my writing and daily life, as well. I’m so blessed for the people God’s put into my life!
Every day I tutor I have the opportunity to encourage and lift up the children I help… and their parents. I consider it a great honor that God has called me to serve the little children. He always told the disciples to let the children come to Him. Now, He’s brought the children to me. 🙂 It’s always about the kids, isn’t it?
I’m so looking forward to reading Catch a Falling Star. As soon as I finish Kim Sawyer’s Sweet Sanctuary, my nose’ll be stuck in your book!
Hugs,
Andrea
Author
Sending a hug your way too, Andrea.
And yes, ministering to little children is a special opportunity to reflect the love of God to the world.
I so enjoyed Catch A Falling Star. You’re highly talented, but clearly upped your game. I have several “honey” verses but probably the strongest is from Psalm 56 (all good) verse 9: “When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.”
Author
Ps 56:9 — a wonderful “honey” verse, Dee!
Your kind words and encouragement have always lifted me up, Beth. Praying for you and for your book launch. My go-to verse is Isaiah 43:1 “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!” He knows exactly where we are and what we are going through. The next verses tell how He doesn’t always take us out of the fire, but He’s always with us.
I’ve tended towards suffering in silence, but you’re right, it’s lonely and defeating. I don’t like bothering others, but helping others isn’t a bother when we’re friends. Happy I read this post twice. I needed to hear every single word.
S. Kim, asking for prayers when you are suffering is not always easy to do, but you might be surprised at how helpful it is. If people see that as a ‘bother’, they have problems they need to deal with, too. I’d be more than happy to pray for you, which I am doing as I type this! At one time or another, we all need help. Yes, it’s hard to ask. It means we have to admit we can’t do everything on our own. Cool thing is, God didn’t put us on this earth alone. He gave us friends, family, neighbors, whole communities… lots of people to help and be helped by. God is wonderful in His design of things. He’s there for us, no matter what. 🙂
God bless you!
Hugs,
Andrea
How kind and uplifting, Andrea. I love knowing you’re praying. I’m getting better at asking, and some people are easier to ask than others. I bet you’re one of those easier-to-ask people. Thank you.
Oh, I totally agree, Beth! Words make such a difference. They can change our perspective, lift us up and dust us off, and even safe guard against the enemy. It’s such an oldie but goodie… I love this psalm. 23:4. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of dealth, I will fear no evil. FOR THOU ART WITH ME.” No matter what we are going through… even in death, we are not alone. There is so much comfort in His words. He is faithful.
Big hugs!
Author
Thanks for sharing those encouraging words, Amy.