nurture

been reading a great book called "nurture" by lisa bevere.

it talks about how women were made to give and receive nurture.

"is it possible that we are too busy surviving to assure that the vulnerable among us thrive? are we too guarded, wounded, and afraid to open our lives to the nurture of others?

what can be done to reestablish this language of the feminine heart?

it is time women are healed and empowered."

as i have been reading this book, certain chapters have made me just cry continuously- to the point that i could not read my book in the plane as it started to alarm those around me :)

it was a revelation into something that God has been trying to awaken in me: an insight into this generation's culture (the meeting of MY own needs, without giving anything back, being afraid of giving too much of ourselves, so never truly connecting) and what it means to truly FLOURISH.

i've been too busy trying to survive-to meet my needs according to what culture says, rather than taking the time to do what i've been called and MADE to do. the deepest parts of my soul and spirit knows this well- rather than withhold compassion, i know God has made me to be a life-giving channel of unconditional, sacrifical, strong, not weak; compassion.

we are called to more than need-meeting.

we are called to build lives and relationships.

there is a chapter early in the book where lisa describes having made some divine connections with other daughters and mothers. for some of them, it was just a hug, a wave, a short blessing. for some it was a hurting girl who read her book and connected to lisa in a way that was truly divine.

she realized that she could play a role as a mother- because many mothers (and fathers) are needed to successfully raise the daughters and sons of this generation.

one of my visions for this year is for God to do what He needs to do in my life and heart to truly be a woman who nurtures others.

God, i know sometimes it's scary to think i could give too much of myself away. but You fill my cup! and so let the compassion flow. permeate and overflow! fill me and use me!

sometimes the greatest present we can give to others is a belief in them, in their destiny, in their calling.

there is a great need to speak life, hope, strength into our generation!

but if we're too "busy"...

it's not enough to intercede but to meet the needs of the people God brings into our paths!

when God relates people, it is for increased personal strength, spiritual growth, and kingdom purposes.

may i intercede even more faithfully and boldly this year, but also reach out and nurture the ones around me, and to be one who continually is a vessel of His life-giving breath to others!