The weekend was busy! Saturday I had the honor of being the guest speaker at Zion Hill Baptist Church's ladies tea in Wesson. The sold out crowd wore hats of all different shapes and sizes, sang songs of worship and we all ate in the fellowship hall after I spoke. I had a fabulous time (thanks, ladies!).
While sitting at the table eating lunch, Janet (one of the organizers and frequent blog reader) asked me a question: do I think the negative, critical emails I receive are so hurtful because I grew up as an unattractive, overweight child? My answer was simple--yes! Most of the negative emails I receive are based on superficial things--my hair, makeup, clothes, etc. As a child, I was always made fun of because of the way I looked. However, I believe God allowed me to go through those years of mockery so I could possibly deal with it alittle easier as an adult in the vocation He has called me to do.
Even more important, I don't think God ever wastes a hurt. I've learned over the years that our greatest ministry will sometimes come from our greatest hurt, if we let God lead us. Look at the story of Paul in the Bible. The man was beaten, abandoned on an island and imprisoned and even given a "thorn in the flesh" to contend with for the rest of his life. He pressed on to minister to thousands in other countries and helped them through their trials in life.
What has God allowed you to experience in you past, or present, that you could use to minister to others? Psalm 30:7 says it best, "By Your favor, O Lord, You have established me as a strong mountain." Be the one who encourages others in their time of need. Don't allow Satan to waste your hurt!
7 comments:
Barbie,
Thanks again for speaking at my church Saturday. I tend to take peoples' negative comments to heart too many times, so your message hit home with me. Your children are so cute and well-behaved.
Barbie, Thank you so much for coming to Zion Hill this past weekend, I was so excited when I heard you were coming to my church. Thank you for the blessing in your message, your smile and your precious children. I know, as you do, that children can be cruel at school. Hopefully those experiences makes us stronger so we can help others who are experiencing the same. God Bless You and your family always and I think you are absolutely beautiful.
Barbie,
Thanks for coming to my church Saturday. I really enjoyed hearing your wonderful message. I hope your message touch others as it touch me. God Bless You and your beautiful family.
It's hard to believe you were ever someone that was teased or made fun of. You really are a beautiful woman - from the inside out.
I used to dismiss you as "that weather girl on channel 3"....Now I don't watch the other news channels at all! =)
Have a good week.
Hi Barbie, Didn't we have a wonderful day in the Lord! Thank you for being a big part of a very special day. No 'howevers' or 'buts' in this message. I think you are beautiful inside and out. May God continue to bless you and use you.
I am so glad that I found your blog! I enjoy you so much on WLBT...since you are "in our home" every night, I feel like you are an old friend...even though we have never met.
I agree with you that God uses our hurts to minister to others...I have seen that over and over again in my own life. He promises to give us beauty for ashes...and you certainly have much beauty to show for the ashes in your life!
Barbie,
Thanks so much for coming Saturday! I think that everyone there was truely blessed. I think that pregnancy looks great on you! People need to realize that their focus needs to be on what is in your body...a true gift from God. Thank you for using your gift of speaking with us. I really enjoyed it, and would love to hear you speak again! Until then, I'll be seeing you on Channel 3!
God Bless you and your family!
~Heather McKenzie~
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