This past Saturday looked nothing like my previous post. Actually, I could label this past Saturday as Extreme Casual Saturday, so that kind of fits.
I turned down a quick 24 hour trip to Dallas with a friend, wrote out a long list of things I needed to accomplish and then promptly sat on my couch with my computer propped up on my coffee table and my Bible and journal in my lap and unintentionally joined in on the IF:Gathering all day long from the comfort of my own home. Thank you, Internet. Thank you, Livestream. Although I didn’t plan to do that, it was good, very good in fact, but my to-do list still sits stagnant waiting for me to cross things off my list.
But that’s okay. Sometimes it’s good for me to throw out my list of things to get done and just be. I’m a way better Martha than I am Mary.
The IF:Gathering consisted of a handful of leaders and teachers, all women, who came together despite (I’m sure) their many differences and opinions to encourage women to do what they’ve been called to do. They each brought their own word, their own teaching style, their own wisdom, and their own calling. It was a beautiful picture of what Heaven will look like; each one of us loving and serving Jesus in our own unique ways and encouraging others to do so.
I walked away built up in my faith and with a journal full of notes to look back on in the coming weeks.
But there was one theme that kept pressing in on me. One word.
Strengths.
I don’t think this was any coincidence, because the past few months one thing I’ve really been observing and learning is how our fearless leader points out, speaks to and encourages what strengths she sees in her coworkers. She does so as boss and friend in the gentlest way. It’s not every day and it’s not all the time, but it is very specific and let me tell you, it is life giving, encouraging those strengths. That Beth, what a lady, I’m thankful for her wisdom and kindness.
Especially as social media continues to grow wider and bigger, we as a society, and we as women, do a really great job at pointing out one another’s weaknesses. It’s sad, really. We can go day in and day out and talk all about how this person or that person struggles with this or that when never once mention the strengths the Lord has given them and the good they do. Without the fruit of self-control, our tongues are killing each other one by one and we’re okay to let it slide. If we were brutally honest, we could admit that it’s easier to talk about what one is lacking out of our jealousy, insecurity and pride rather than what one is thriving at. Not only does it make us feel better, but it allows us to keep our distance without getting called out. Ouch.
But can you imagine what unity we might take back if we capitalized on each other’s strengths instead of weaknesses? If we used our tongue to encourage what good we see in others as opposed to blasting what we think could be worked on to our people? We are called to build each other up, not tear one another down. I will be the first to admit that I am guilty of the latter. And I am making myself sick to my stomach.
Last I checked, the Lord’s power is made perfect in our weakness, so it would be wisest for us to leave those weaknesses in His hands and trust Him with that. He will do a far better job of working those out than any of us ever will. He capitalizes on our weaknesses to show Himself powerful and sovereign. It’s our weaknesses He carries. It’s our weaknesses He heals. When we capitalize on each other’s weaknesses it only reveals our pride and lack of honor. Pharisees look for weaknesses while the humble and lowly look for the strengths. If anyone is going to boast about weaknesses, let us boast about our own so that God’s glory might be seen.
I’m not saying there is no room for correction if the Lord has given us that authority, but how about we go back to the rule of if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all, or for heaven’s sake, find something nice to say. Not everyone is your enemy and not everyone is your competitor. And news flash, you are just as sinful as your next-door neighbor! We are all so deeply flawed. Help us, Jesus.
Humbly edify in private and in public and expect nothing in return instead of publicly or privately humiliate. That’s something we could all work on.
I have a new goal that should have been put into practice long before today: To capitalize on people’s strengths instead of their weaknesses and leave those up to Jesus. To see them as Jesus sees them! Imagine the unity! Join me, would you?
Let it be.
Forgive us, Lord, for our pettiness, our slander, our pride and our sin. You are a gracious and merciful Redeemer.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Thank you, Lindsee, well said. This came on a day I really needed it. Just Friday while praying with a friend she said how I needed encouragement. It is true. I think we all do. Barnabas, son of encouragement, sure modeled it well for us in Scripture.
The LORD has me writing a book and the section of personal testimony I have been working on today (and am not yet finished) has caused me to “boast on my weaknesses” in ways that are not easy to do and I have rarely done this to this kind of level,… maybe never. I am admitting my worst areas in a general way and some key specific history or events/experiences to live out Revelation 12:11. It is hard to know how to give a testimony to the GLORY of GOD. I am praying through it and trusting the LORD. I covet any prayers for His Will in it all…. Wow in this process, the weaknesses are real and the vulnerability is huge and the feelings (I know they are feelings and not true): they are strong and can impact and be oppressive at times. Especially the “feeling” of “being uncovered”/naked to the core, ugh, when I know CHRIST’S Blood covers me. So many people need to know the TRUTH of what they can be forgiven for and the Hope and assurance… CHRIST offers to any WILLING to come to Him. The spiritual attacks are stronger than I thought to expect. I am in a war. We are all. Some seasons are more front line attacks than others I suppose.
I think I encourage people often. Actually I believe it is a gift of encouragement the LORD has given me and I enjoy using it. Yet, just to hear how important recognizing others’ strengths are has caused me to see and evaluate how do I give encouragement and if I receive it with grace? I do not feel recognized often and by some not at all. Recognition of my strengths does not happen commonly in my life or if it does I somehow have a wrong filter that causes me not to receive it for what it is. That may be the case. SO I need to pray about that too. I am beginning to see my own value and look at my own strengths based ON THE WORD and not my feelings and yes even boast on my weakness to show God’s strengths. Yet it is nice to have values and strengths confirmed and affirmed by others. Especially now in this season. So right now I pray for the things you have just helped me realize I need in a specific way. So thanks so much. IN CHRIST BY HIS GRACE AND FINISHED WORK, Deb
Dear Deborah,
I am praying for you. Stepping out in faith and obedience often encounters resistance. That is a good sign you are on the right track.
When I wrote my first Bible study the enemy tried to discourage me with extreme fatigue. I literally could not keep my eyes open, but when I walked away from my computer I had plenty of energy. It was such a battle.
There were days I would type with my eyes closed until it lifted. Glory to God, by His Grace and Strength I finished the assignment He gave me and I had the amazing blessing of seeing it used to impact the lives of others.
Oh, and don’t believe the enemy’s lies that everything important has already been written, that you have nothing worth saying, and that it is just pride to try to write something. That was a three year detour I would not recommend!
If God has given you an assignment, there is nothing more worthwhile than completing it. Keep pressing on dear sister! You will remain in my prayers.
In Christ,
Jenni
Amen! Thank you for words I needed to hear!
Lindsee,
Wow, what a post. So timely and so needed.
Thanks!
Thank you so much for this great reminder!!!! I can’t wait to be an encourager and strength-pointer to my friends and family this week.
I was really upset at my husband today…I woke up sulking and angry at all of his weaknesses as I observed him yesterday not reaching out the people at church the way I thought he should have as someone in ministry. It caused an avalanche affect as I thought of all the things he’s not and it made me angry and discouraged, quick to want to just finally point them out to him…
Until I read this….oh boy. A timely word for a very tired, prideful wife whose eyes are not on my Jesus right now.
I thank God for this very clear reminder of where my focus should be and how I should conduct myself in my struggle. Thank you…and if you can pray for this wife, married 18 years and my husband in the ministry, I would welcome that
And yes, I will join you! I will sit now and focus on all of his strengths and ask forgiveness for my unthankful heart, and ask for wisdom on any words that do need to be spoken but in His time and in His love.
Bless you all…
Thank you Lindsee. Your words give great admonition, but also great freedom.
A good word. Thank you.
Lindsee, I am going thru something at work right now that is very difficult. I have been searching and searching for an answer. My heart has been very troubled and heavy. I decided to read your post on the lmp blog before going to work this morning and what did I see? My answer!! I love it when God puts people in our lives at the very moment we need them. Even though we have never met we are still long distance sisters in Christ. Thank you, Lindsee, for this post and the peace and comfort it has bought to my heart! Praise The Lord! Have a very Blessed Day!
Lindsee,
Thank you for the good reminders in this post. It is so much easier to focus on weaknesses – especially with those living right under our own roof. Lord, help us to be a positive influence and a builder of our homes.
God bless your day. Kristi
Well said, Lindsee.
Thank you! This is very timely for me. My dad is in hospice & the family has been gathering. At times it has been tempting to get frustrated with other family member’s weaknesses. The Holy Spirit has been guiding us through this time and I have to let you know that last night, I was led to just love the family members exactly as they are & I was given a few words for each to build them up. This morning, (February 11th) I was lead to pull up the LPM web site. What a beautiful affirmation from the Lord!!! He is beside us and walking through this valley with us & is providing guidance from many sources. Thank you for taking a “slow down” day. I believe your obedience will continue to bless many others as it has blessed me this morning. Please know that your post was a gentle edification & affirmation for me this morning.
I’m thinking that today you worked as the Lord’s staff, (Psalm 23:4 – Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.) Thank you for your obedience & love & willingness to share your insights.
well hello, breath of fresh air! 🙂 i love this, lindsee! heard a great sermon just yesterday in chapel here at Ouachita on Eph 4:29-30 so thanks for driving it home. as you said, help us Jesus.
Lindsee, thank you for your honesty and willing to lay it all bare. This is something that I have been noticing more and more lately in my own life, not that I’m proud of it, but it does seem easier to critize and critique then present people’s strengths. I’m going to start speaking life over people, even when I don’t particullary feel like it. 🙂
Thank you, Lindsee for your encouraging words and insight. You have such a great way of writing and sharing thoughts, feelings and truths that we all have, struggle with or need to hear.
I am going to use my words today to bless others and point out their strengths and not look at weaknesses!!
Just what I needed to hear today… dang it. I was dwelling on someone’s struggle today vs. looking at my own issues. Thanks for the reminder.
Hi Lindsee,
I know exactly what you mean, I just went on the IF:Gathering website, liked them on Facebook and Twitter, and then starting reading how they came together, then I saw the ladies that work there and my first thought was, how come they don’t have any plain looking people, these girls are all gorgeous. It was my first thought, not wow what a great team. I have to re-wire myself to stop thinking that way and you gave me the kick in the butt to start. Thank you for this blog post, I really needed it, even though I didn’t think I did. 🙂
Wow….what a post. I am not one to usually respond with long replies, but bear with me here as I work some thoughts out of my head and onto this post. This was a real thought provoker for me. As I have been up to my eyeballs in family drama. People I am related to doing all kinds of crazy things…flunking out of school, depression from continued negative thought patterns, unwed pregnancies, alcoholism, drug use…I could go on but I won’t. (This family would appreciate prayers 🙂 And I think, “such poor disappointing choices from people who know about Jesus”. And somehow I get all wrapped up and worried and disgusted and high and mighty….and then this post. And then the thought that Jesus does His most miraculous work in complete messes and utter chaos. And He loves us all the same. And He gave those very people who are making bad decisions gifts and strengths and talents. And the thought that I should maybe let them know THAT and stop discussing their bad behavior with other family members. And I should humbly lift them up to the throne of Grace and ask Him to work mightily. This post reminded me that is what I should do….Thanks for letting me ramble.
Cathi,
Thanks for sharing your life lessons with us. Great reminder that we ALL need prayer and love – if we just do our part, God is faithful to do His!!
Oh Lindsee, so beautiful and well said. You spoke to my heart dear and I am most thankful that God led you to write this post. You precious child. God is using you in a mighty way.
This Montana girl had the enormous privilege of being at the IF:Gathering in Austin. I am blown away by the unity displayed there and the ripple effect that God is producing. Thank you so much for this post!
This is so true and such a great post, Lindsee. Your statement about sometimes I have to put away my to-do list and just be was spot on! I feel that every so often.
My friend and I got an offer and jumped on it deciding to launch our internet radio program in January. We put the first show together in a week and I have been running ever since trying get our website built, social media set-up and promote our show – which has all been very effective.
Add to that a Bible study group I joined, a short notice invitation to attend a weekly leadership class at my old church an hour from where we live now and a new opportunity to serve in ministry at our new church and well… I feel like I am singing Mark Schultz’s song, “Running Just To Catch Myself…”
This morning I was supposed to go to our church and work in the office in that new opportunity I mentioned but we are having an ice event in North Texas this morning and so the offices are closed! That is sort of a thank you Jesus moment for me. I am able to stay home and do some of my volunteer work from the comfort of my pajamas and work on several things I need to get in line for our radio show tomorrow. Which would have been divided into a schedule today had the ice storm not hit.
I share the hosting responsibilities with another SIESTA and in the first show we talked about how we came to be Siestas with Mama Beth. 🙂 I mentioned that that title tends to remind me we are supposed to live from a place of rest. I think that is what I heard the Lord saying to me through your post – you wrote a lot more than that, but this is the part that was just for me. Thanks for being obedient and transparent with us. I read often but seem to fail to comment often. Your a treasure, Miss Lindsee, and we are so blessed to have you, Beloved of God. 🙂
Amen & Amen, little sister. The Spirit speaks eloquently of a direct clarity through the purity of your honesty. A humbled, gracious, and convicted, “Thank you.” May The Lord our God bless you and the LPM family.
2 Peter 1:4
“And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are “the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption” caused by “human desires.””
Bless your precious heart.
You have no idea how timely this post is! Thank you for reminding me to celebrate others’ strengths. It is so easy to put others down in order to build ourselves up…but that is not how it works. And it is so freeing to lift others up!
Lindsee,
What a convicting post! I think satan really seduces Christians, myself included, to focus on others’ weaknesses rather than building them up and focusing on their strengths. I sometimes think what drives us crazy about others may be something that we actually need to work on in ourselves but fail to see. I know that is a lesson God seems to be hammering home to me. May God help each of us to see others as He sees them and love them as He does!
Dear sister Lindsee,
Thank you for sharing your heart with us and The great wisdom Jesus is teaching you. I needed to read those words today as I am going through a difficult time with a close family member. I was taught very young to focus on negative and while God is delivering me from this area of my life it is easy to slip back at times. So thank you for the reminder, God knew I needed to be reminded of this truth again.:-)
God bless.
Lindsee,
Sweet sister, your blog came to me this afternoon as confirmation.
The Lord woke me this morning with the realization that I need to be sure to encourage and support my son (we have home schooled for 8 years) and minimize anything that sounds to him like criticism. This info came as the result of prayer. We have just enrolled him in a Charter school for next year, in response to his need for more science and math than I feel qualified to teach, and yesterday my concerns about his adjustment to a classroom setting were coming out throughout the day.. “you won’t be able to speak out in class, or you’ll disturb the others,” “you will need to get to bed earlier next year or you won’t get up early enough to catch the bus,” and “you won’t be able to sit on the floor in class.” Throughout the day I observed him becoming increasingly agitated. I’m sometimes obtuse about such things, so I prayed for wisdom. This morning I heard the answer in my Spirit as “Let him know that whatever changes take place, he is up to the challenge – he is never alone – and he cannot lose if he holds tightly to ME.” That’s how we started the day, and his face visibly relaxed!
That’s my awesome, loving God!! What a blessing to be reminded that I’m up to the challenge – I am never alone – and I cannot lose if I hold tightly to Him!! We all need encouragement and to be noticed when we do something well. Thanks so much for your timely confirmation that God hears our need and is faithful to respond.
Thank you (Lindsee and the entire LPM team) for sharing chuckles, thought-provoking insights, and blessed encouragement throughout the year! God uses you in mighty ways to teach and remind us that He is God and He is GREAT!!
Thank you Lindsee! Spot on ! It is so easy for me to see other peoples imperfections, mine…. not so much :o) What a great reminder for me to focus on their strengths. To encourage! To build up instead of tearing down! Prov. 25:11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Sounds beautiful to me… that my words would bring beauty and encourage those lives I touch each day…. Guard my lips Lord! Let them bring You glory!
Thank you!
Blessings
Sharon
Lindsee,
YES YES YES THANK YOU!!!! I am nodding my head and clapping up her in PA!
It saddens me to see how much people tear each other down, particularly on social media. You captured my sentiments and put my feelings in to word WAY better than I could! Please know, I am not pointing the finger only at others. I’m pointing right back at myself too- its something I certainly need to be more mindful of too! THANK YOU!
Thank you for that reminder!! Very timely.
This really struck a chord with me, Lindsee. Something I need to work on in my thoughts and words. Thank you for sharing.
I was blessed to attend SSMT 2014 and saw such a strength of hospitality in the Living Proof team. You’all are wonderful!
After reading and commenting on your great post last eve, I researched Barnabas. ….son of encouragement…how he believed in Mark and gave him another chance…. Young people need a few adults like Barnabas – father, mother, uncles, aunts, and mentors – who would believe in them no matter what, be with them through the mountains and valleys of life, and stand by them in times of trouble. Their ministry of encouragement will have an enduring effect on the lives of young people.
The word “encouragement” is the same word that describes the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. One of the ministries of the Holy Spirit is to encourage us. In the 2 Corinthians God is called “the God of all comfort,” which literally means, “the God of all encouragement.” Noteworthy quotes. Then I learned something I never knew: 7 “I AM’s OF CHIRST IN THE PSALMS that speak prophetically and sadly of the future sufferings of the incarnate Christ. These are:
“I am a worm, and no man” (Psalm 22:6).
“I am poor and needy” (Psalm 40:17).
“I am . . . a stranger unto my brethren” (Psalm 69:8).
“I am full of heaviness” (Psalm 69:20).
“I am poor and sorrowful” (Psalm 69:29).
“I . . . am as a sparrow alone upon the house top” (Psalm 102:7).
“I am withered like grass” (Psalm 102:11).
These all occur in Messianic psalms (thus referring to Christ)!!! To think CHRIST was this for me!!!!! Not only did infinite God take on finite man’s flesh but He chose to be in these weak states so we could be strong!!!! WOW that caused me to love and admire JESUS TO A NEW LEVEL. I keep thinking about it! Talk about strength and weaknesses. WOW this really impacted me! Thanks for this blog!
Well said, Lindsee!!! Well said!! The wisdom the Lord gives you is powerful. Thanks so much for sharing!
Studying “Gideon, Your Weakness, God’s Strength” by Priscilla Shirer right now. This post is just more confirmation. Oh how I need to remember God’s grace is sufficient!
Beautifully stated and I so needed to hear it. Forgive me, Lord.
Lindsee,
Thank you!! I recently had a very bad experience with having to let a co-worker go. She in turn went on facebook to say some not-so-nice things about me. I am so sad that I was not a better mentor to her, but I judged her attitude and work habits. Forgive me Lord, I thought pointing out her areas to work on were helpful, when I was tearing down her self esteem.
Janice
I was challenged by a friend the other day to keep track of the times that I judged other people. I got distracted by the thought that I could judge people in a positive light instead. I judged one friend to be super loving and another to be a fantastic Jesus follower. It changed my perspective so that even if I thought a negative thought about someone, I had to immediately look for the positive and there were always multiple ones of those!!
BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Oh Lindsee—thank you sooo much for this. I so needed the reminder. I am not a negative person by personality and I confess to resenting negativity in others. I have other sinful struggles to be sure. But this post just reminded me how to ‘do’ human dynamics. It encouraged me. And might I add that when you learn your strengths its okay to share them…I have (this is horrible) spent many years or my whole life very often doing what was to be done not that is was a thing I was good at but because it was mine to do. Some of those things I gave myself to do to ‘prove’ to someone else that I could do it well because if I did that thing, whatever it may be or have been, if I did it well I would earn approval. And in the process I have learned things I was good at. Not because anyone would applaud but because I was was just good at it. Might I learn to step out in those areas where the talent exists but the applause does not. Might you too. :))
I think one of the reasons we struggle to point out strengths in others is because it requires humility and love on our part; two things that are a choice and don’t necessarily come easily. Thank you, Lindsee, for the challenge to live in humility and love in the way I minister and encourage others. And thank you for your honesty.
I just read your post and it spoke very loudly to me. Our son struggled with alcohol addiction the whole of 2013. He has been sober now for over two months, is working at rather stressful job doing something he had very little experience in and is doing well. When it all started ll I saw was his “bad”. Yes, it was really bad, but once I started looking at how it all got started I realized my son wasn’t “bad” he just got off track and fell in the ditch of alcoholism. All of the Al-Anon information I read and heard told me to do the “tough love” thing and to disconnect from him as though I was pulling the life support while he was in a coma. I absolutely REFUSE to do that, because buried within this messed up soul was a strong, loving, tender, man with a heart as big as Texas. In short, I started encouraging him instead of harping at him about his drinking. He says he doesn’t believe in God and but always try to tell him about his wonderful, loving Creator, how he will someday be a mighty warrior in God’s army (his name is Michael) and encourage him with “sunshine” in voice, happiness in my heart, even though sometimes I’m absolutely terrified and struggle daily/hourly with trusting Jesus’ mercy and grace not only for me, but also with my son. Encouragement to others does miracles. I’m watching one!!!! Praise His Holy Name
All I have to say is THANK YOU for this post. I didn’t get to watch live event but I needed this word more than I even knew. I know that because it pierced my heart! God is GOOD!
Lindsee, I’m a little bit older than the demographic for the IF:Gathering. =) I was curious about it, had never heard of it before, and went out today and located the website. Wow. Excellent. I am so pleased to see something like this for the generation coming up. Thanks for bringing this up in your post. I will want to follow this movement and encourage it. Thanks again.
Thank you for your words of honesty and conviction, Lindsee.
Lindsee…amazing how much I needed this. Concentrate on the other person’s positives, and let Jesus deal with the negatives. Let it be. Thx for sharing.
Great message. I plan to use this very thought with the women on the board. God Bless you, sweet thing.
Because of this post, I have experienced a paradigm shift. I am now more intentional in my thoughts & with my words regarding people’s strengths & not their weaknesses. Thank you, thank you. God’s abundant blessings on you & yours.
Lindsee, I am grateful for you, and for this post. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. I hope this past weekend was amazingly awesome in His presence type of weekend, have a blessed week, Lindsee Girl:)
This is so good. I think I spent this entire weekend fixated on one person’s flaws, and I needed the reminder to leave it up to the Lord. Women have such a tendency to compete with each other, even if the competition is only in our minds! Thank you for these good words!
Thank you for reminding us to be encouragers and not criticizers. The power of life or death is in the tongue. We can be the difference in someone’s life by just a few words. Good post!
Can you please put on the blog the Confessions of Faith you spoke at Houston Passion event? Thanks! Great message, Beth – missed you in Atlanta this year : – )
I love this post. I’m a nurse, and as a profession, nurses can be hard on each other, whether through stress, feeling marginalized, or just too many women in one place! But I just had my performance review, and I was moved to tears by the way my supervisor and peer reviewer outlined my strengths. I’m a new nurse and was expecting to get raked over the coals, but they chose instead to list the things I was doing well and focus on goals for the coming year. What power our words have with others!