I’m so excited and honored to have Rebecca Lynn Fussell share today’s Girlfriend post! You are going to absolutely love her! Please be sure to read her bio at the end of the post.
Hello Everyone ~
Growing up in my parent’s home, anytime we needed something sharp we had to hunt through a drawer full of knives to find the one knife that might actually cut something. All the others blades were so dull; we couldn’t tell the sharp side from the smooth side. No doubt, somewhere in the world sharp utensils existed, but somehow they had all eluded the Anderstrom house!
When I got married, imagine my surprise the first time I about lost my finger on the razor sharp edge of the new kitchen knife. I guess I assumed every household struggled with inefficient supplies. What a treat to simply chop and slice with ease! The theory was true. Sharp knives did exist! No more grunting and pulling and smashing to get things done. I couldn’t help but wonder why in the world we had suffered so many years with dull knives. It all seemed so unnecessary.
I thought about that this week when God allowed me a chunk of time with some special women. Without realizing it, I had become dull like the drawer full of knives, giving out to others without being vulnerable enough to receive; a common but costless mistake among those who minister. This left my heart emotionally isolated and perfect prey for the Enemy. I desperately needed someone to speak the truth into my life, just as Proverbs 27:10 says, “Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
Making time to be with these friends took effort, and initially it felt like a frivolous use of time. But within minutes, the companionship of these ladies revived my thirsty heart like a withering plant brightens after a summer rain shower. Listening to their Godly wisdom and perspectives on life dispelled some of the lies I had started believing. I noticed my mental vision clearing as I voiced my questions and frustrations to someone other than myself. (Isn’t it amazing how much clearer things become when you’re not the only one listening?) Suddenly my blind spots felt like glowing neon signs and I wondered how long they had gone unnoticed.
The bottom line is simply this: I need you and you need me. Don’t allow yourself to be isolated, no matter who you are. Take it from me, you will survive, but you will be dull. It’s not necessary nor is it wise to live that way. So commit with me to engage with others of like mind with whom you can share and pray and learn! Ask God to give you a mentor or a prayer partner ~ someone with whom you can be honest and unguarded. Let God use this person to bring out the sharpness and the shine in you! Anyone can be in the dull drawer. You, my sister, were made to glisten!
Hope & Glory! to You ~
Love,
Rebecca
REBECCA’S BIO:
I love my God, my husband, my family, TAB & Chocolate…ok, yeah and Hershel Walker, the wonder dog. (Yes, we are big Georgia Bulldog fans) I love creating something out of nothing.
I’ve been an insulin-dependent diabetic for 30 years and just recently took on the task of learning the insulin pump. Everyone says I’m just going to love it, but the jury is still out on that one. My husband, Ronnie, is an elected official, which stimulates interesting dinner conversations. And something I never dreamed I’d be saying but it’s true, I have no children of my own. Ronnie does have a darling son, who I enjoy and love very much.
My greatest delight is sharing the freeing truth of God’s word and watching people become who God meant for them to be. My days are spent teaching, writing, directing and when I’m really fortunate, acting! …Oh, and washing a few loads of laundry and making a meal or two for my family….and cleaning up after all the boys in house…and, well, you get the picture.
Aren’t you glad Rebecca popped in and shared her heart in my little corner of cyberspace? You can find her at tabforthesoul.blogspot.com.
Do you realize that you glisten more when sharpened by others? Do you have a friend that helps you glisten? Do you struggle with staying in the dull drawer?
I would love to share part of each week with you. Click here to subscribe and join me for a journey that may look much like your own.
Thanks for the reminder! Working from home does tend to make one isolated and it takes determination to “get out there”! Be blessed!
Truly enjoyed this post today! I am a firm believer in Godly woman lifting each other… we need each other and God has gifted us with the ability to love, nurture and encourage each other in such a variety of ways.
I love that you realized making time to do this took effort – that is where so many of us fail – we put ourselves last on the priority list… we need to realize that when we put these events on our schedule it is taking care of others as well as ourselves! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing!
Kelly ~Thanks for taking time to comment 🙂 It is so easy to fall into that trap. I have done it myself! I pray God will give you iron women in your life!
Melissa – So true! That's what I have learned recently about the Proverbs 31 woman. In studying the relationships mentioned in that chapter, one of her relationships is with herself! She takes good care of herself according to those scriptures. It's not ungodly to be a good steward of your body, mind and soul 🙂 Thanks for the comment