“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet, not one of them is forgotten by God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” 2 Luke 12:6-7 ESV
Recently I traveled two weeks by plane and various ground transportation. Several of my landings were at night, and I marveled at how the large clumps of city lights illuminated the vast darkness. As I got closer to the ground, the lights became more distinct yet the sheer number was overwhelming.
I envisioned every single light as a face with a prayer on her lips.
Airports are the perfect place to people watch and enjoy the different ethnicities and cultures that reflect a variety of clothing, hairstyles, and language. Cultures from every direction on the globe cross paths in an airport.
I’m moved at the universal language of laughter and tears.
Once on the ground, be it Uber, taxi, shuttle, or family member escort, everyone was from somewhere else, and each had their own personal take on life, an original story to share. The details captivated me.
I love how story is a powerful thing that humans create and crave.
NYC is a place where personal space is real estate to be used. While in the city you stay inches from people for the majority of the day. I’ve heard all about how NewYorkers hate tourists, yet every time I’ve ever asked someone for assistance with directions, etc., no one has ever been rude or misdirected me. Of course, you have to know when to ask.
I marvel that out of a sea of faces passing minute by minute, one pleasant exchange highlights the need for and the beauty of people.
Traveling by myself gave me the opportunity to slow down and notice that, even in the vastness of life, God is in the details.
The blur of lights became individual sources of light, such as street and traffic lights, store or billboard lights, and vehicles etc. The landscape of cultures became seamless when laughter and tears crossed boundaries that languages could not. The human desire for story makes the world go round and a kind exchange is a simple yet beautiful gift.
We’re not just millions of pieces and millions of prayers and millions of people moving through life. God sees each of us as His unique creation. He is always present with us, and He cares about what we do and who we are.
We were created for relationship. First and foremost with the One who sees not just the face but knows the name and the heart behind the prayer on her lips. The Author of all the various cultures, ethnicities, and languages broke the barrier, so we would multiply the joy of laughter and share the tears of heartache. The Father who created you with a purpose, who calls you to Himself, and longs to help you write each chapter of your story is the same God who gives us the gift of Himself and each other.
Now LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!
These questions are in no way a substitute for healthcare professionals or any level of professional counseling. I’m an advocate for taking care of oneself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These questions reflect my heart, NOT my profession.
This questionnaire is an opportunity to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can serve as a launching pad on which to evaluate your heart condition as you understand it. My hope is that you will take what you discover and hold it up to the Light to evaluate it against who God says you are.
- What is one thing you can do today to slow down and genuinely engage with someone around you?
- Make time to “people watch” and note the commonalities you see in those around you. In what way are they like you, not like you?
- What sort of people skills do you feel you have?
- List a few things that enables you connect with people and create various relationships?
- Do you feel people are more alike than not? Explain your thoughts.
Use God’s word to take control over traumas in your life. Whenever you feel terrorized by your thoughts, take them captive by replacing them with the truth of God’s promises found in His word.
Print, then cut and carry this Scripture with you and/or post it in places where you will see it often. Ground yourself in God’s truths not Satan’s attacks. Encourage your heart and mind every time you are reminded of His great love for YOU!
Here is what God’s word says to encourage you and to give you an example of His unfailing, relentless, unending love for you:
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 ESV
When you read God’s word say to yourself: Not even a tiny bird can fall to the ground without God’s knowledge. He knows how many hairs are on my head…before I brush as well as after! I am priceless to God!
Now LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!
