Be bold

...even if you sound crazy and look like a wacko.

For many years I have subscribed to if it is in your heart it should come out of your mouth.  Which, let's be honest, can sometimes be called they may think I'm crazy  but what I say may resonate with them. That is a risk I am willing to take!  If I get a 'word' for someone, I usually discern if I am supposed to tell them or keep it in prayer.  That word may be for someone I love or for a stranger.  I have handed my phone number to countless people at the Lord's prompting and some of them have become dear friends.  I usually tell them how much God loves them but sometimes the conversation is detailed and intimate and what they needed to hear.   

Have you ever just known something by looking at a person?  Understood what they have been through or what they need?  It is hard to explain but I think we are all capable of it. Tune in to the Spirit - that intuitive voice inside your heart.  I encourage you to take it one step farther: if it will lift someone up, say it out loud.  Risk awkwardness to love and encourage others - even someone you don't know - you won't regret it. This goes for the everyday things as well.  Don't let pride or fear get in the way of I love you, I'm sorry, I need help...if it is in your heart it must come out of your mouth!

The Clovered In Prayer project has provided many opportunities for me to connect with others through that Spirit-led voice.

#18  I stood at a huge open field and asked God who I should pray for and where I should go.  My beautiful, strong, witty, compassionate friend who is mending a heart broken by disappointment rose to mind. I was overwhelmed with wanting her to have even a moment where she didn't have to have her weapons at the ready.  Lord, be her sanctuary.  Bind up worry in her life and give her peace.  

My beautiful friend (with no wrinkles!), you don't have to be so guarded. Let go and embrace. This will NOT be a stronghold for your son.  Don't spend time on what it looks like because what it is is most important.  (Coincidentally, her clover pressed to look like a three-leaflet clover but it isn't.)  Disappointment can be nearly impossible to navigate. It can harden us. I pray forgiveness seeps down and soothes your stony parts. 

She was working hard to keep a soft heart. I hesitated to overstep by presuming to understand emotions she had not shared with me but I hoped it would encourage her to hear all of this.  Turns out, she was blessed by my boldness. Thank you, Lord, for reminding both of us that we are not alone while we unpack all that life forces us to carry.  

Today I saw a cartoon that showed a sullen man wearing a tall hat walking alone next to a father and son.  The father whispered, "watch this" then shouted, "Awesome hat! You are awesome for wearing it!" to which the hatted man smiled and walked away beaming.  "We all have powers." the dad added. "Cool." the son realized.  Well, if that doesn't just say it all! And, #18 just liked this meme on the friend's page I spotted it on....as I am typing!

Use your power people!  Do not underestimate positivity. Be still and listen then bold enough to connect!

Peace, 

Nicole Astra