There is someone missing in your world, and it might be you. Your world may be mothers of children with autism or musicians living in China or athletes who love to read. Your world could be your aging next door neighbor or that group of women at your church or those two babies at your kitchen table. Only you know who is in your world, and if you don’t, I would encourage you to figure it out quick.
Because they are waiting, begging you to show up. They need you passionate, alive, optimistic, engaged, present. They want you to lead them, to inspire them, to see them. You don’t have to be hope for the whole world. But you can bring Hope to your world. You are alive so that you can live. You are loved so that you can love. You are seen so that you can see. What are you waiting for?
Love this photo.
Kelly Sauer´s last [type] ..Photography Couple’s Session – Taylor & Will- Prom 2011
Thanks, Emily. I had no idea what to write today, but I think you’ve helped me figure it out a bit. Hope you had a wonderful Easter!
Shelly W.´s last [type] ..Do You Have Stuff
great post….and photo!
have a great week!
cat moore´s last [type] ..Happy Easter!
Thank you for this gentle nudge to open my eyes and see that I am not fully awake in my little world…with the hustle and bustle, you sometimes forget what you are really here for.
XoXo, Meme
I just saw the movie About A Boy this weekend and your words remind me of this scene http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsQ60rcEUjk
Nester´s last [type] ..Ebooks
I love that movie! We were just talking about it with friends yesterday.
Melissa Brotherton´s last [type] ..Five Minute Friday – Hard Love
We can get so drawn into the little things like -laundry, dishes, and housework, etc etc etc – that we forget that out there people are depending on us, and that we have a big part to play in their lives.
Thank you for this post Emily, your words are beautiful, as always.
Nx
Nics Cahill´s last [type] ..Breathe 4
Love this post today! It’s exactly what I needed to hear! Thanks for sharing!
I don’t know what I am waiting for. Maybe for the fear to subside? For it to be easier? But those things will never happen if I continue to wait.
Thank you for your words.
Leslie Knight´s last [type] ..counting my blessings 51-60
I absolutely needed this today.
If you read my Tweets from this morning, you’d see why. THANK YOU.
Christin´s last [type] ..Writing to Remember Him
Emily,
Thank you so much for these words today. They are so powerful. I am excited to share them with the My Girls group at my house today.
Jennifer´s last [type] ..Daddy’s Girl
So beautifully put… Thank you… I need to show up…
misty´s last [type] ..Presence Unwrapped
This. Is. Divine! L*O*V*E! Opening my eyes to see where I can bring a little hope..
Kristen-Chasing Blue Skies´s last [type] ..Music on a Monday
Good Morning, Emily,
A couple of months ago I attended a homeschool conference. A renowned speaker, author, and college professor made such an interesting comment. She said colleges today are no longer looking for the “well-rounded student.” She said that made for a very well-rounded, boring campus. Today colleges are looking for students that are passionate about something specific, be it drama, dance, politics….. anything. She said that makes for a very diverse, dynamic, interesting campus! Maybe if we parents can figure out our passions, our children will follow suit? Food for thought. Love you, girl.
Finally, schools are figuring out what regular people knew all along…
Nester´s last [type] ..Ebooks
Lovely encouraging words on my first day back to work after a lovely April vacation.
Emily,
I wrote about something similar today. . .love how you pack in the powerful with just a few short paragraphs.
Amy Sullivan´s last [type] ..Paper Lanterns and Waiting for Perfect Conditions
Just found your blog, I’m thankful. I’m a mom with 5 children, all grown, I’m proud of all of them.
To play the wishing game — I wish we had had this type of encouragement 40+ years ago, but now we are so blest,
and I can share with the younger . . . Thank you
Showin’ up….
Mrs.B´s last [type] ..I AM
Well said.
Thanks Emily. I am struggling about my next steps, but your words give me courage a peace that the answer will reveal itself, that I should just keep pushing forward…
Living the Balanced Life´s last [type] ..Is it time to sharpen your saw
Just the word I needed today. I was asked by a friend last Thursday to consider leading a small group. I have not led a small group in over three years. I think the Lord has used your post today to answer the first question (whether or not to do it), now I just need to hear the how and when. Thanks, Emily!
Fonda´s last [type] ..Davin
Good golly, I needed this! I don’t know exactly what my world entails at this point, but I know it is more than I have let in.
Also, thank you so much for the “Love in the morning, Faithfulness at night” posts. They were like water for my spirit.
You know how you look for an opening in basketball to make the planned pass? Your post is a beautiful reminder that sometimes we need to opt out of the plan and step into the opening right in front of us! Love it!
bluecottonmemory´s last [type] ..Pocket Knives and Boys
How relevant! I was reading Radical (by David Platt) about how WE are God’s plan and he has no plan B. I feel very convicted that I haven’t been living my life, but just floating along. Here’s to active living!
Becky W.´s last [type] ..Why Bother
Before you can show up – you must define your world. Where can you make the biggest difference – who needs you most?
Neena´s last [type] ..Writing New Content
Much of the time our world becomes the rooms we live in and the space we occupy. We forget, not purposely, the world that occupies the space outside our own and go about our business without knowing our neighbor’s names, faces, or perhaps without knowing the secrets they bear alone. Good blog.
Nikole Hahn´s last [type] ..Taking Notes Sunday- These Were Real Men
I have this belief sometimes that the world needs my unique gifts and talents, and it makes me feel I’m living a meaningful life. But other times I feel that the world simply doesn’t care at all…everyone seems so preoccupied with his/her own salvation, and happiness, and doesn’t care if his/her fellow man is doing well.
Henway´s last [type] ..iPage Reviews
such a good word, friend. oh, sometimes i wonder…am i showing up at all? i feel so distracted lately, it’s scary to think i might be missing it. Lord, please, help me to see them.
I so agree! So often we as Christians are passive in life..just letting life wash over us and accepting and withdrawing into ‘safe’ company and ‘safe’ occupations. We are here to occupy! Faith asserts, fear fades away…Jesus has set up your success, so you can make a difference. We need to look for ways we can touch others..not wait for them to reach out or touch us!!
Naturally Carol´s last [type] ..Seeing Rabbits in the Sky!
Thanks for the reminder to show up and BE who God made us to be!
love and hugs,
Linsey
LLH Designs´s last [type] ..An Easter Well Always Remember
Encouraged and movtivated. Thankful! With Joy, Carey
Hi Emily,
I stumbled across your blog recently and truly enjoy your posts. This one especially, touched me. Thank you for being such an inspiration.
Marianne´s last [type] ..Happy Easter
Beautiful post. Love the picture!
Barbie´s last [type] ..He Is Risen!
Have you heard this song? I Refuse by Josh Wilson? Talks about refusing to wait to do what we are meant to do – -especially for others.
Living A Bona Fide Life´s last [type] ..Living Life
I didn’t mean to post a video – just the link. Odd. Edit if out if you need to. Sorry!
Living A Bona Fide Life´s last [type] ..Living Life
Great post and I love the photo too…
phil@howtogrowveg´s last [type] ..How to grow shallots
Beautiful blog, Emily! It is so very true.. no matter how limited our resources seem, we always have a sphere of influence, and there is always something in our hands to give.
I need to read this and let it sink in and BELIEVE ! I have been reading your posts and this one struck me-it is for me! I know what God wants me to do- I know what gifts he has given me….I just keep making excuses and fearing man and comparing myself to woman like you who have such a large audience (although, alas!- a starting point!)but the world God has placed me needs me and my gift! I say ” Thank you”
I’m weary of being made to feel inadequate as a person because I might not be vibrant or passionate enough. Why can’t I just be who I am? My feelings run very deep and I am passionate about my children, husband, mother, siblings, and grandchildren and my dogs. I’m just tired of being made to feel like I don’t show it enough–especially from people who don’t know me. Please be careful about the advice you offer because you may be doing the very thing you’ve written the book about–trying harder. Give me a break. I’m almost 65 years old, have been married for 45 years to the same man, didn’t graduate from college, am overweight, diabetic, have an abdominal hernia, cataracts and no energy although, yes, I am “trying hard” to stay on track with my diabetic eating plan and am walking more than I used to–but can’t I simpy use this time in my life to relax and enjoy myself?