3 Words We All Long to Hear
A few years ago, a nationwide poll asked, “What word or phrase would you most like to hear uttered to you, sincerely?”
The third answer might surprise you:
1. “I love you.”
2. “You are forgiven.”
3. “Supper is ready.
Sometimes grace looks a whole lot like supper. At someone else’s table. But before we can sit down, we must first be Acknowledged, Known, and Invited. Not overlooked.
My eldest son, born with intellectual disabilities, has spent a lifetime overlooked by certain people who refuse to see beyond the exterior to the fun, wise, giving, and kind person he is. I wish you could see his ear-to-ear grin when anyone invites him to have a meal with them, whether in their home or at a restaurant.
Invited.
And so my mama’s heart feels deeply when I read in the Bible about Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth. Lame in both feet, this boy spent much of his life in the shadows even though he was the grandson of King Saul. One day God reminded King David of a long-ago promise. “David asked, ‘Is there anyone from Saul’s family still alive that I could show faithful love for Jonathan’s sake?’” (2 Samuel 9:1)
While an unexpected summons frightened young Mephibosheth, David surprised him, “Don’t be afraid . . . because I will certainly show you faithful love for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the fields of your grandfather Saul, and you will eat at my table always” (v. 7).
Mephibosheth could hardly believe that he was being treated like one of the king’s sons. As he grew older, “Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table. He was crippled in both feet” (v. 13).
Recently I experienced what it looks like to be Invited.
God suddenly dropped an unexpected opportunity into my life and instead of overthinking, I merely said Yes and Showed Up. What followed was 3 glorious days of fellowship, restoration, and spiritual “feasting” at a very Long Table of sister messengers.
I’m so grateful they remembered me and called out “Supper is ready!”
Who needs to hear those three words from you today? Reach out, dear friend, to remember, restore, and refresh another’s soul.
“Lord, thank you that your love for us is never wasted. Keep us rooted in your Word, eating at your table, and praying by your Spirit, so that we may remember when we fail that we are part of your family not because we deserve to be but because you want us. Amen.” (Common Prayer)
Every Blessing, Lucinda
I want to share this worship song with you today. All my life God has been Faithful and Good. His Mercies have never failed. I’ve been Held. Why would He stop now? My response: “with every Breath that I am able, I will Sing of the Goodness of God.”
“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength”
©2022 Lucinda Secrest McDowell www.LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” She has authored 16 books including “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” , “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most,” “God’s Purpose for You,” and “The Courage to Write.” (Purchasing my books here benefits me as an Amazon associate.) She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and shares encouraging words weekly at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
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just dropping in to hug you and your beautiful beautiful heart. the mama heart, the whole heart. xoxoxox
Beautiful post. I actually was thinking about Mephibosheth recently. Noticed,invited and welcome. May each guest in our homes feel this way especially during the holidays.
The Holy Spirit nudged you to write this for me (and perhaps others too). Thank you for your faithfulness in providing hope.
I am so thrilled we were together for 3 days with all these beautiful woman, all who have a story of being pursued by Our Father. 😇🙏😍 Your words are ALWAYS so encouraging. I would love to have your son for supper!
Thank you for that wonderful message and song. I so needed that this morning. I look forward to reading your message every Wednesday and I know our Lord will continue to bless you and your ministry.
Cindy, this is so good, so well written, so encouraging! I have always loved Mephibosheths story. And I love picturing your Justin’s smile.
How grateful I am that God has given us friends and families where those three phrases are common. I laughed to hear the 3rd one, but how true it is. Thank you for being Gods blessing to me this morning.
What a wonderful post, Cindy. And what a reminder that we must always provide a seat at the table for others!