Soapbox Part Deux
It's happened again... my opinions have built up and if I don't do
something soon they'll probably start spewing out at completely
inappropriate times. Therefore, I shall again stand upon my soapbox
here, where reading is optional and editing is only a keystroke away. If
you're a glutton for punishment and missed part 1, you can read it here.
Love your neighborhood Pregnant Lady
Pregnancy is beautiful. It is also uncomfortable, tiring, emotional and can be filled with anxiety. It also seems to be an open invitation for people to share their advice, opinions and observations without inhibition. I was waiting in line the other day and a man started small talk with me which eventually led to children and pregnancy. His friendliness suddenly turned very serious and he asked me with raised eye-brows if I was taking my daily vitamins. I tried to crack a joke and said something like, "yeah, on the days my gag reflex is behaving". He got very stern and gave me a 5 minute lecture on the importance of vitamins during pregnancy. *sigh* Really, sir, I am aware. And you are not my doctor, nor do I need your admonishment.
On another note, we pregnant women are COMPLETELY aware of the changes in our appearance. Believe me, we've already obsessed at length over the gained weight, puffy feet, skin changes, size of our tummies and everything in between. You don't need to point it out. And all the jokes... they really aren't as funny as you think. If we laugh, it's because we've gotten really good about doing so out of courtesy. No, I don't need to lay off the beer. No, I haven't just been eating too much. And no, I'm not bloated and in need of gas-x.
That being said, for all the ignorance, there are those that are kind and thoughtful... follow their example! From the co-worker who randomly brought me water in a meeting, to the stranger who offered to help me lift heavy items into the van, to the takeout worker who carried the bags out for me.. your thoughtfulness blessed me and brightened my day.
In summation: If you are tempted to say something to a pregnant woman, pause and ask yourself if it falls under the category of "you look great". If not, close your mouth, smile and nod and keep walking.
Hug a Leader
I have the privilege of serving a pretty incredible team of leaders on an almost daily basis. I get a "fly on the wall" view of their struggles and triumphs, hopes and discouragements. I've seen the tears they've shed over difficult decisions and witnessed countless successes be credited to their teams without thought of themselves. Sometimes it's easy to view the leaders in our lives as just "leaders" and forget that they're people. Believe me, no one questions the decisions they make more than they do. I'm not saying we should never challenge or question a leader, but if you do, do it with a heart to understand and support, realizing that there are likely aspects of situations that you do not know about. Remember that they're people with insecurities, too, and a word of encouragement means as much to them as it does to you. And for pete's sake, if you aren't already, make sure you are praying for them! Our leaders, no matter what capacity they serve in, are under immense pressure and too often pegged as the bad guys. In actuality, they are people who desire to serve and make the world a better place. So, when you see a leader today, whether it be a pastor, teacher, boss or someone in between, speak a word of encouragement. Throw a hug their way and thank them for all they do.
God Told Me
I believe with every fiber of my being that God speaks to us... or wants to if we're willing to listen. I believe that he leads us, guides us and makes our paths straight. He gives us answers to our questions and wisdom when we ask. That being said, if God has spoken to you, may I give a word of advice and suggest that you remain quiet about it for at least a wee bit. If God is leading you to do something... just do it. Prefacing your actions with "God told me..." doesn't increase the chances of it coming to pass, and depending upon your delivery it can be misconstrued as manipulative, particularly where money and jobs are concerned. If God has told you to apply for a new job, do so! But don't tell your prospective new boss that God told you the job is yours. It won't actually help you out. Same goes when you're applying for a loan or for a school or any other type of situation where another person is going to be making a decision that affects you. If God has instructed you to do something, then have the trust that HE will make it come to pass without help from you. I once overheard someone say to someone else, "I'm in a financial pinch, and God told me that you'd give me money." Uh...really? Not a great approach. Put your trust in Him. If He told you He is going to do something, than He will. Don't get in his way.
And so ends soapbox, edition 2. Maybe there won't be a need for edition 3? Highly Unlikely.
Love your neighborhood Pregnant Lady
Pregnancy is beautiful. It is also uncomfortable, tiring, emotional and can be filled with anxiety. It also seems to be an open invitation for people to share their advice, opinions and observations without inhibition. I was waiting in line the other day and a man started small talk with me which eventually led to children and pregnancy. His friendliness suddenly turned very serious and he asked me with raised eye-brows if I was taking my daily vitamins. I tried to crack a joke and said something like, "yeah, on the days my gag reflex is behaving". He got very stern and gave me a 5 minute lecture on the importance of vitamins during pregnancy. *sigh* Really, sir, I am aware. And you are not my doctor, nor do I need your admonishment.
On another note, we pregnant women are COMPLETELY aware of the changes in our appearance. Believe me, we've already obsessed at length over the gained weight, puffy feet, skin changes, size of our tummies and everything in between. You don't need to point it out. And all the jokes... they really aren't as funny as you think. If we laugh, it's because we've gotten really good about doing so out of courtesy. No, I don't need to lay off the beer. No, I haven't just been eating too much. And no, I'm not bloated and in need of gas-x.
That being said, for all the ignorance, there are those that are kind and thoughtful... follow their example! From the co-worker who randomly brought me water in a meeting, to the stranger who offered to help me lift heavy items into the van, to the takeout worker who carried the bags out for me.. your thoughtfulness blessed me and brightened my day.
In summation: If you are tempted to say something to a pregnant woman, pause and ask yourself if it falls under the category of "you look great". If not, close your mouth, smile and nod and keep walking.
Hug a Leader
I have the privilege of serving a pretty incredible team of leaders on an almost daily basis. I get a "fly on the wall" view of their struggles and triumphs, hopes and discouragements. I've seen the tears they've shed over difficult decisions and witnessed countless successes be credited to their teams without thought of themselves. Sometimes it's easy to view the leaders in our lives as just "leaders" and forget that they're people. Believe me, no one questions the decisions they make more than they do. I'm not saying we should never challenge or question a leader, but if you do, do it with a heart to understand and support, realizing that there are likely aspects of situations that you do not know about. Remember that they're people with insecurities, too, and a word of encouragement means as much to them as it does to you. And for pete's sake, if you aren't already, make sure you are praying for them! Our leaders, no matter what capacity they serve in, are under immense pressure and too often pegged as the bad guys. In actuality, they are people who desire to serve and make the world a better place. So, when you see a leader today, whether it be a pastor, teacher, boss or someone in between, speak a word of encouragement. Throw a hug their way and thank them for all they do.
God Told Me
I believe with every fiber of my being that God speaks to us... or wants to if we're willing to listen. I believe that he leads us, guides us and makes our paths straight. He gives us answers to our questions and wisdom when we ask. That being said, if God has spoken to you, may I give a word of advice and suggest that you remain quiet about it for at least a wee bit. If God is leading you to do something... just do it. Prefacing your actions with "God told me..." doesn't increase the chances of it coming to pass, and depending upon your delivery it can be misconstrued as manipulative, particularly where money and jobs are concerned. If God has told you to apply for a new job, do so! But don't tell your prospective new boss that God told you the job is yours. It won't actually help you out. Same goes when you're applying for a loan or for a school or any other type of situation where another person is going to be making a decision that affects you. If God has instructed you to do something, then have the trust that HE will make it come to pass without help from you. I once overheard someone say to someone else, "I'm in a financial pinch, and God told me that you'd give me money." Uh...really? Not a great approach. Put your trust in Him. If He told you He is going to do something, than He will. Don't get in his way.
And so ends soapbox, edition 2. Maybe there won't be a need for edition 3? Highly Unlikely.
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