I am often overwhelmed by how social and cultural norms have shaped our expectations and behaviors for ourselves and others. Engaging in conversation and critical thinking about what parts of our social or cultural norms are held to secure our comfort zones or belief systems has been a fascinating journey. It is even more powerful when we repent of those beliefs and open our hearts to encourage others to be themselves fully.
I don’t know what this looks like for you. Only you know where God is at work in your heart to love more fully. For me, it often begins when I feel a sense of judgment towards someone. It causes me to step back and ask myself some honest questions. I work to get to an action step asking how I can love more fully, not how someone needs to change.
I want to love generously and encourage others to be themselves fully. I am challenged every day by God’s abundant and generous grace. May I be someone who loves loudly and with full embrace!
I am grateful for those who love me loudly and encourage me to be fully myself. May I offer the same gift to others, even if their whole self does not allign with my whole self. ❤️ trish
