Have you heard the saying that you can’t judge anyone until you walk a mile in their shoes? This is so true. Advice is so easily given and judgment quickly rendered on a situation others cannot totally understand. If they would wear my shoes for a day or even a few hours it would be apparent my shoes didn’t feel well at all. At times I cannot totally understand either and my own shoes hurt my feet.
My situation is different yet like so many others’. It is not one I chose. Not many people choose trials or struggles. Do I blame God for it? Absolutely not. He is the Righteous, Perfect One. Will He turn the bad in a situation for good. Every time. There are many like me and perhaps you’re one. Have you ever heard “Well, I know what I’d do if it was me”? Me, too. I hear that a lot. Ironically the majority of my critics and advisors aren’t devout Christians.
If I am going to take counsel, it needs to be credible, Biblically based, and from someone who prays.
I have a lovely daughter with two sons. She taught elementary school and was in her element at a Christian school. When her second son was born, he had a multitude of health issues beginning with his brain, heart, kidney, digestive system, and going on and on. He has many three ring binders full of doctors, procedures, appointments, and anything needing documented. Isaac is the happiest boy I have ever known even though he cannot walk, eat, or talk. My daughter, son-in-law, and elder grandson shower Isaac with love and see to his every need, but still she gets judged. “I wouldn’t stay home if I had a teaching degree.” “I would not send him to therapy or school.”
Before passing judgment or offering unwanted advice, please put yourself in their places. Really put yourself in their day to day shoes. Seek Biblical counsel. Don’t steer them off track. Sometimes the best advice you can offer is none.
A friend that works with special needs children has one herself. Her sweet daughter has sensory issues with clothing and even shoes. Sure there are other things, too. Don’t all kids have issues with something? During a particularly stressful morning her daughter was melting down because she didn’t want to wear anything socks. It was an extremely cold day, and she couldn’t stand a heavy coat either. Dee decided it was more important to give in than let things escalate out of control so after warming her van she drove the kids to school. 
Later all over Facebook she read what a horrible mother she was. There were even requests for clothes donations. More judging without understanding. If they would just switch shoes with her for one day.
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew 7:1-2
That’s what Jesus says about judging. It’s hard to do, but we must show mercy and grace to those who unfairly judge our difficulties. They could try to walk in our shoes for a day, but they wouldn’t last. Our shoes would hurt their feet, but “we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.” Our feet keep going because Jesus helps.
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Often I will be given other to add to my library, like this one. “Devotions for the Hungry Heart” is the first book that I have read by author Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, but I am certain it will not be my last. I fell in love with this 20 week devotional immediately and devoured it within a few days. (I know! I couldn’t help myself.) This sweet 272 page hardcover book is published by Shiloh Press. The padded cover is inviting and feels nice to the touch. There are glossy full color pictures which adorn the center which are beautiful and have yummy recipes. I love recipes in books.
or Sister in Christ over a cup of coffee. One that just gets you. I found the author to be witty, humorous, God glorifying, encouraging, approachable and transparent. She taught me what being hungry for Jesus meant. Dividing that up into six topics: Sharing, Needing, Celebrating, Praying, Surrendering and Being Intentional, the author explained in her sweet Southern style. I have continued pondering them long after finishing her book. Have you ever thought what an example of being hungry for more Jesus liked like? Think about it a minute. Better yet, just get this book.
That’s right, your very own word that offers encouragement or inspiration for the year. Maybe He will give you more than just one. Whatever it is you need, He will give.
Do you have expectations for 2018 or yourself? A new year is wonderful. It’s like getting a blank piece of paper to begin a new chapter in your story. Exciting, isn’t it?!
On it is usually one item that seems greater than any of the others. If you have a prayer list you know the one I mean. It is the one you give over to Jesus to handle and take to the Father. Then later that day you start fretting over it again and try to tell Him how to work it out. (How silly!) You pick it back up and cannot seem to give it away. The problem is so big and seems unsolvable. Oh, but I have great news for you. God is bigger and more powerful than anything. Period. He is also in the business of miracles.
As it is eaten up by flames and disintegrated, I give thanks that the problem is out of my hands and into His. I have totally surrendered it. He is doing what needs done according to His perfect will. Before my prayer ends the paper has turned to ashes, tears stream down my cheeks, and my worry has vanished. I am at peace.
Published by Barbour, this inspirational 160 page book has a vibrant eyecatching cover with a golden sunburst overlaid with four biblical heroes. Inside are stories printed on thick glossy paper of fifty heroes and heroines from the Bible. Each story is three pages long and written for easy understanding. Readers will find a reference where each story is in the Bible, scripture relating to the story, followed by the story or devotional and a prayer, and finishing up with discussion/study questions to help dig deeper into what was just read.
She loved that game. It reminded her of her childhood and holidays at home. Research on this game revealed that it could be done for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It started as a custom that was broadly practiced by families from the southern parts of the United States. My Grandmother (paternal) grew up near Richmond, Kentucky and was definitely a fine Southern lady.
This year just might be the perfect time to start a new Christmas tradition. One that is pleasing to and lead by Jesus. Pray about it, open your heart and mind. Maybe some type of donation or charity would be for your family. Perhaps buying some livestock, chickens or seed for someone makes your heart sing. If you decide on one, I would love to hear about it. “Peace on Earth and goodwill to men.”
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 