Photo by Nicole Wilcox on Unsplash
I am a Lifetime Weight Watchers member, attending pretty regularly for 10 plus years. I have struggled with my weight for about the last 25 years. Last week was an especially tough week as I was not eating healthy and gained weight for the second week in a row. It was getting me down and I was engaging in a lot of negative self-talk. You know those times when you look at your body in the mirror and groan and turn away as quick as you can. The times when you call yourself stupid or weak or whichever words your mind goes to in those negative times.
The topic of discussion at last week’s Weight Watcher meeting was what do you depend upon to get you through the tough times. I responded that it is my faith that gets me through. I believe that God loves me, even when I don’t feel it in my heart.
About that time, the person who records our weight each week stepped into the meeting and said, “I want to say something about Coe. He just brings peace to my soul whenever I see him.”
Oh my gosh, those kind words brought tears to my eyes right there in the Weight Watcher meeting. They were like God’s reassurance poured directly into my life. I felt God’s love and acceptance through those kind words. It was one of the closest moments to God I have had in awhile.
We never know where God’s love will show up. We never know who will speak a word of encouragement into our life.
Where have you felt God’s love recently?
When was the last time you shed a tear because of an experience of God’s love?
Is there someone with whom you can share a word of encouragement or God’s love? It might make a big difference in their lives. It sure did in mine.
God bless,
Coe
As a mother with children of color, we have been followed while shopping. I wanted to turn to them and say they are only toddlers or something angry. But I just kept shopping. Now I think I would film them and hope that it would discourage them. My heart if heavy for the hate that is happening so fast in our country and in the world. Most of my prayers aside from being prayers of thankfulness, are prayers for acceptance and understanding between races. I feel so helpless. Being new to your blog, I hope to learn and be able to help spread understanding the wrongs being done. Peace
Oh, Linda, how wonderful to hear from you. I am glad you have found the blog. Please feel free to share it with others as well. Yes, you know about this, you have experienced it. It is so hard not to feel helpless. I have been doing lots of reading and talking with folks and, as you will see from the blog, a fair amount of writing about how I believe God may be calling me to be active. It is so good to hear from you. I know your prayers are working even if we can’t immediately see the results. God bless you! Say hi to David.
Dear Coe,
Your words remind me that we’re not alone in this life of struggles and yes, sometimes it just takes a simple affirmation to lift our spirits. For me, it was your post, showing your vulnerability and readiness to share your heart, that brought tears of peace to me. We have lots of years of friendship under our belts, sharing so much of life’s hardest times and joyous times, and your words seemed to bring that all back for me. We are and always will be connected. And our Bible Study group, though in different places in our lives, remains an important part of my grounding. Thank you for your continued posts from your heart. I read all of them and though I don’t post comments, your posts are always feeding my spirits.
Peace be with you, Coe! And hugs to you and Janet!
Thank you, Sue. Your words always mean so much to me. I still have e-mails from you that I have saved from years ago. Blessings to you and family. Hope we can see each other soon.
God bless,
Coe
This was lovely to read. You bring peace to my soul! It’s one of the many reasons my friendship with you is so precious. Every time I am with you I feel more at peace with myself.
May God bless you and keep you today and always,
Elizabeth
Thank you, Elizabeth. I treasure our friendship as well. It is a joy to have someone like you to share this journey with.
God bless,
Coe
A beautiful reflection Coe and I agree you bring peace to my soul too.
Ohh, thank you Christine. So kind.
God bless,
Coe