A few years ago I reviewed the book She’s Gonna Blow! by Julia Ann Barnhill. The book was filled with wonderful ideas for anger management. But in the midst of helping mommas learn to stay calm, Julia Ann took a moment to highlight some women who had an impact on her life.
First, Julia Ann shared stories of how the older women in her grandparents’ small church impacted her life. She explained that these women were not high society or stylish divas. They weren’t famous or well educated. What set them apart was their “manner of showing the love of Christ to their family and to those around them.”
Second, Julie Ann shared about her grandma. While the woman did many good deeds throughout the years, it was her “tenderness and the compassion of her Savior Jesus Christ that permeated her daily life.”
Eternal Fingerprints of God
Did you catch what made these women impactful?
These women didn’t leave a legacy of cooking skills and being excellent homemakers – though they maybe were. Upon their death beds, people didn’t care if they dressed well or had finely decorated homes. What mattered were the “eternal fingerprints of God” that these women left on those who came into contact with them.
It was her grandma’s tenderness and the compassion of her Savior Jesus Christ that permeated her daily life. If you read last week’s blog post you know that I like to call this “Loving God.”
It was the church women’s love of Christ to their family and to those around them. I call this “Loving Others.”
What is Setting You Apart?
It is easy to think that legacies are only for those who are “older.” But no matter our age, we are daily leaving fingerprints on those around us.
So I ask…
What makes you different in the checkout line in the grocery store? Do you smile, ask the cashier about her day, or take the time to learn her name?
What makes your stop different when the UPS driver drops off a package? Do you open the door in a huff or greet him with love despite the crazy happening behind you?
What makes you different to the children in your care when you are home or the door is closed to your classroom?
Loving God. Loving Others. That will set you apart.
Thank you to Harvest House Publishing for allowing me to review this helpful book.
