Encouraging Truth Your Heart Needs to Hear Especially on the Hard Days
Oh friends, I am so delighted to share just a snippet from my friend Holley Gerth’s latest book. Holley is one of my favorite writers. She’s got a beautiful way with words that strike the heart and is absolutely the quintessential encourager. In addition to sharing these gifts, Holley uses her training and insights as a life coach and psychologist in You’re Going to Be Okay.
Put it all together and you’ve got an excellent inspiring book that provides understanding into what makes us tick, practical steps and applications to make life changes, and an enthralling and powerful weaving of God’s Word and a revelation of His love for us throughout. Yes, I love this book! And I believe you will too.
So read Holley’s excerpt, then enter our contest below and you could WIN a copy for yourself.
The Secret to Living Well
A little over a year ago, my grandpa had a ninetieth birthday party. I had the privilege of being there and serving punch. That put me in a position to do a lot of listening. Over fifty people packed into his house, and each one came with a story.
“I was in your grandpa’s Sunday school class forty years ago.”
“I used to shop in your grandpa’s bookstore, and he always encouraged me.”
“I’m in the Gideons with your grandpa. We’ve been friends for decades!”
“I go to your grandpa’s church, and he hugs me every Sunday.”
“I’m your grandpa’s neighbor, and he makes me laugh whenever I see him.”
On and on the stories went of how my grandpa has spent his life loving well, in little and big ways. I nodded my head in agreement because I’ve experienced the same. For over fifteen years now, my grandpa has taken me out on breakfast dates to ask me how I’m doing and encourage me in my faith.
My grandpa never went to Hollywood. He’s not a CEO of a big corporation or a high-position politician. He’s a regular guy in a small town who simply says yes when God asks to use him.
It turns out that doing so is not only a blessing to those around him; it’s also probably one of the reasons he’s lived so long.
Research has shown that those who have strong relationships and serve others tend to live healthier, more joyful lives. << Click to Tweet
When we go through stress, it’s easy to hunker down and withdraw from others. I certainly tend to respond that way. If I’m having a hard day, I’m more likely to sit on the corner of the couch with some chocolate for a private pity party than to reach out to those around me. I’m slowly learning that choice isn’t beneficial.
We are made to connect with others. << Click to Tweet
Daniel Goleman, author of Social Intelligence, says, “Our brain has been preset for kindness.”
When we’re stressed, we need to shift our internal state, and serving others can be one of the most effective ways to do so.
Ironically, when we need it most is often when we’re likely to do this least. That can be due to lower energy (and sometimes what we really do need is simply rest). But I think it can also be because of a lie that we believe: “I have to have it all together before I can help someone else.”
Have you ever felt this way? I have. But it’s simply not true. Throughout Scripture God uses messy, broken people right in the middle of their greatest challenges. We don’t need to have it all together. Wherever we are today, we can serve in some way. Even if it’s just offering a smile to the nurse in our hospital room. Or making our toddler giggle when we’re almost at the end of our patience. Or listening to a friend at church on Sunday morning when we’d really like to get home to our house and the couch instead.
What I’ve seen through my grandpa’s life is that true service isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about a series of small choices. << Click to Tweet
Most of them unseen. Many we won’t know the impact of this side of heaven. All of which add up to a lifetime of resilience and loving well.
XOXO
Holley Gerth is a bestselling writer, certified life coach, and speaker. She loves connecting with the hearts of women through her popular blog and books like You're Already Amazing, You're Made for a God-Sized Dream, and Opening the Door to Your God-Sized Dream. She's also cofounder of (in)courage and a partner with DaySpring. Holley lives with her husband, Mark, in the South. Hang out with her at www.holleygerth.com, where you’ll find lots of encouragement, books, and some pretty cool freebies too. You’ll also find Holley on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest .