i want to be someone's aibileen

after taking a few years off from dance
caroline has asked to return.
she went last night & took ballet, tap & jazz
& LOVED it!!

when i picked her up last night (after 3 hours of class),
she was meeting with the studio owner and one of the teachers back in the office.
they were praising her for being such a natural.

i looked over at caroline....
she was beaming & smiling & sweaty & so very happy.
it was a priceless moment.

 

honestly
in the 5th grade, she sits on the brink of those years
where their little self esteem can truly take a beating.
i really hope ( & plan on telling them) the two ladies
know what a seed they planted in her spirit last night.
how powerful the words we speak over a child.

the last few days i've thought so many times about the now famous words
of aibileen from The Help
"you is kind. you is smart. you is important."
aibileen whispered those words in mae mobley's ears over & over.
usually while she was being neglected by her own mama.

while i probably will never be anyone's hired help
i will have many come & go through my life.
i pray that i seize those fleeting moments when i have a child
or an adult for that matter
sitting in front of me
& like aibileen to mae mobley,
like the dance instructors to caroline
&
plant those priceless words of encouragement in that person's heart. 



the last couple of days i have read some of the most tender comments, notes, emails and responses. so many of you, whether your personal mountain has been a walking through the valley of the shadow of death

or your personal mountain has been one of trying to be all things to all people, 

can relate to wearing a mask.

honestly, i think we all can.

my prayer for each of you

is that you rest in His hand today, His protective hand,

the hand that created you

&

really know Him.

He goes before you

He sees every tear

& He loves you

and longs to give you exceedingly more than you could ever dare to ask or dream.

teresa, miss comment #24

i'd love to send you a copy of Grace for the Good Girl

please link over through my email & send me your address.

Teresa said... I love your blog and especially this post! Thanks for sharing your heart and your amazing photos