Magnify Strengths
"If you want to know what's really inside a person, listen carefully to the words she speaks... Think about why it hurts so much when other people say or do things that make you feel rejected. Isn't it in part due to the fact they just voiced some vulnerability you've already berated yourself for?" - Lysa TerKeurst
I think this is one of the core reasons why rejection is so hard or has such a stronghold over so many people - including me. Lots of times- probably more often than not- rejection is unintentional. So if it's not intentional, why does it hurt so much? Like Lysa says, it's partly due to the fact that it's revealing a sensitive area/thought/insecurity you've already thought of countless times. Those insecurities that you hope no one sees or notices about yourself. So when there's even a chance of someone voicing those vulnerabilities, that's a terrifying feeling. Especially if it's something you've had to work hard on. Something you've been trying to overcome and someone (intentionally or not) brings it to surface and it takes you back a step, if not several. In some cases it may take you back to square one. So what I'm trying to say, is be careful when speaking to people. There's a saying that I love. "Promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate." You can also relate that to instead of tearing people down, let's lift each other up. If you see someone with an incredible gift call it out of them! Push people to be their best! Loving people through their insecurities and fears is the best you can do for them. And if you know of someone's vulnerabilities don't bash it or magnify it. You do have the power to literally change the way people think of themselves. Just think about how you can change the world with your words. Lets bring the Kingdom come and love people the way Jesus did and still does. People need it more today than ever. You can light a fire in someone or destroy someone. Magnify their strengths and their gifts instead. You'll be amazed at how different they carry themselves. Just a little food for thought today. :)
