MY BOX
My long time blog friend, Ginger, just republished a post that she first blogged in 2007, titled My Box - Reposted. Please go and read her moving post before you read my comment to her, which I'm posting here.
"Since I've been following your blog since 2007 I've read this 4 times and each time it has stirred me.
It is amazing the way God is opening ALL of us up to so much truth. Yes, we are in our individual towns, churches, families, "boxes" so to speak, but it is HE who has placed us there and it's not the "box" that is wrong - it's not opening up that box and sharing it, and most importantly, our selves with all who our "box" comes in contact with that is wrong.
I desire to share ALL I am with all who choose to look at my box, from afar and hopefully will move closer to really see GOD and His working with me inside that box and pouring out the contents over the side and sometimes dumping it all out. "
As I was writing this comment I knew I just had to post on this subject, too, and told Ginger I planned to do so.
BOXES.....
Come in all sizes: smallest box, small box, normal box, large box, & largest box. The size and beauty, or lack of beauty, of the box is not the important thing. We all know that sometimes the smallest box will contain a priceless diamond or pearl. Sometimes a box with no outward appeal will have a really wonderful surprise in it. What is important is that we don't hide in our box. That we allow others to see inside, climb inside - if they desire to do so, and that we are willing to share every piece of ourselves that are so safety stored, and so often covered up, within our box.
Over the 3+ years I have been blogging one of my consistent goals has been to be real. To not present myself in any way other than what and who I am. I share my joys, and I share my sorrows. Thankfully, lately my life has been filled with more joys than sorrows but that has not always been the case and I have been very open about those parts, too.
One of the blessings that blogging has given me is connecting with so many others who love The Lord and want to share that love with me, and others. One of my favorite Bible scriptures is: Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Ginger's post today, for the 4th time, has sharpened my iron and I am thankful for that.
To all of you the Lord has seen fit to connect me with, either here in blogland, or in real life I want you to know I want to peer into your box. If you will allow me, I even want to climb in that box with you. And, most importantly I want you to be able to literally pour out all the contents your box holds and share YOU and every aspect of your life. We are "lights" we are not to hide our "candlesticks" but set them high to help and shed light to others.
God, I thank you that YOU have made us all different, but all special. I thank you so much for the people you have brought, and those you will yet bring, into my life to teach me and share their hopes, dreams & SELVES with. In Jesus precious, precious name I pray. Amen
12 comments:
Beautifully written Susan!
One thing I have learned since that event all those years ago is that God created all of us with a unique personality. I may have gifts that you do not have. You may have a talent that I do not have. There are churches on every corner and many are allowing the Holy Spirit to enter their walls and allow them to be world changers. Two of my dearest blogging friends are from a totally different church background than I am. They have taught me much about their style of worship, but I have realized we worship the same Lord Jesus and long to reach the same world for Him.
Some boxes are good. It's when the box is closed tightly and taped shut that the enemy wins. When men hold on to their traditions and man made values refusing to let the Holy Spirit move and change hearts.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow that I found the "box cutter". I do not want to be contained in a box. I want freedom from the restrictions of men and freedom to be moved only by the power of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of my life!
Ephesians 3:20-21 (New International Version)
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
The Holy Spirit shines in every word of this post...the depth, the love and the iron!
I thought Gingers post was great and yours added to it. :)
Susan I liked your analogy of the boxes. I have tried to see people and myself in a similar manner. Also, thanks for visiting my blog. I haven't been too active for awhile but hope to do better now.
I have always felt thankful that our paths crossed through blogging and you will never know how much your posts have helped me where God is concerned. For that I thank you. xoxo
Ginger - That's why it's the "Body" of Christ. We as individual churches and individuals within those churches are not all the same. But if we truly worship & trust Christ and His work as Savior we are all part of HID BODY.
I love this Susan!
(your's and Ginger's posts!)
Blessings!
Bobbi
You are right we are absolutely on the same page here! Thank you for sharing this and for your kind encouragment! I want my box to be warm and inviting. I hope it is a place you want to come to again and again and where you ask yourself what's different here, why is it so inviting and captivating. And I hope that when the questions come, I will be able to show them that it is all about His presence and His love. ~Blessings!
That was so interesting, Susan; you hit the nail on the head. If there is any type of person I want to mingle with more than any other, it's someone who is real. I'm growing to love blogging more and more because of being able to reach out and meet real people who live far away but are close in heart.
Love your prayer at the end. Ditto here.
Ginger's post was wonderful. Thank you for the link Susan, and thank you for how you nudge each of us to live outside of the box. We appreciate you!
Blogging has definitely been a blessing in my life. I enjoyed this one.
♥ Joy
great post and blogging has opened so many doors to know so many awesome people. I too just want to be real. Thank you for the reminder we are all beautifully different...
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