Blessing You with Silence
As a word girl, I thrive on writing, speaking, and these regular connections with you.
In fact, I deliberately chose “Blessing” as my word for 2021 so that I could be proactive in doing my part to be a blessing to each person and situation I encounter.
My deepest desire is to see you, hear your heart, lift your spirits, affirm your gifting, whisper a prayer, meet an immediate need, challenge your hesitancy to live authentic, call out your strength and courage, share a timely word, and remind you of the grace and mercy gifts from our loving God.
I realize the unfolding of this will take both words and action. And since I cannot possibly live as a constant blessing in my own flesh, I’m asking for your forbearance and grace in advance. Only God.
But right now, in these early days of 2021, I am discovering it is taking longer and deeper to process all that is happening without and within.
In order to more clearly focus and respond wisely, I am sensing the call to bless you through my silence. Thus, I will be taking a break from posting my weekly blog and social media for the next few weeks. I’ll be back in early February, Lord willing.
Meanwhile, these words are helpful in my growth and understanding of blessing: “Whenever one person takes another into the care of their heart, they have the power to BLESS. When you bless another, you first gather yourself; you reach below your surface mind and personality, down to the deeper source within you — namely the soul. To bless someone is to offer a beautiful gift… A blessing can signal the start of a journey of transformation. When the gift or need of the individual coincides with the incoming force of the blessing, great change can begin.” (John O’Donohue, “To Bless the Space Between Us”)
I have decided to “first gather myself” and “reach down deep.” Please keep in touch and know I’m praying for you, and for so many, many people and situations in our world today.
This very old gospel hymn from 1909 may seem simplistic, but it is the cry of my heart in these days of 2021…
1. Out in the highways and byways of life, Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife, Making the sorrowing glad.
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing. Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray. Make me a blessing to someone today.
2. Tell the sweet story of Christ and his love, Tell of his pow’r to forgive;
Others will trust him if only you prove True, ev’ry moment you live.
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing. Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray. Make me a blessing to someone today.
3. Give as ’twas given to you in you need, Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed, Unto your mission be true.
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing. Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray. Make me a blessing to someone today. (Ira B. Wilson, 1909)
“You shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.” Zechariah 8.13
under the mercy, Lucinda
“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength”
©2021 Lucinda Secrest McDowell
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 15 books including “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” and “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most.” She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and shares encouraging words at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Cindi I will miss your encouraging words. You are a blessing to me each day. Since the events of last week He has called me to be closer to Him, to be still and know that He is God.
Be blessed Cindi.
i so honor your call to silence, and your draw to go within. i love the idea that it is the silence between the notes that allows us to so clearly hear the notes. someone said that far more eloquently than i just did, but i think the point comes through. bless you. and thank you. let us all make it to the light….
This is a wise choice, Lucinda. I admire you for making it. I look forward to hearing from you after you have had your time to gather yourself as we are all gathering ourselves.
Will be having second cataract Jan 26 then get new reading glasses. Then we begin Soul Strong. Am putting time for it on calendar every Friday. Thanks for your prayers. I will be seeing more clearly See Him working in my life and See more of Him . My word this year is see. One devotional I am reading is God Sees Her. Got it for Christmas before my friend knew See is my word for 2021. Praying for your time of silence and blessing.
Thanks to your example the past four years, I am also taking a January sabbatical from writing and posting, as you know. You expressed the thought behind it so well. And O’Donohue’s words about blessing as well as yours speak to me as well. “When the gift or need of the individual coincides with the incoming force of the blessing, great change can begin.” As God has so blessed us, may we be a blessing to others. Your writing and friendship certainly are to me, and I am most grateful.
A wise idea and one that I think we all could benefit from. Thank you for reminding us of how important this is.
Blessings to you in this time. Lisa
Love this hymn and many others! 😊