Whatever we undertake in life, the challenges of walking in someone else’s shoes can be harder than we can imagine. We have no idea what issues or hardships have shaped that person (or dog). We may not realize what loving gesture or “helping sacrifice” may actually make things worst. If we give up there, I propose that we will forfeit our own growth and the opportunity to speak truth for others.

We need to tell others (in word or deed) that they are worthwhile. When we maintain a healthy boundary (yet forgive “snarls” and move on with acceptance), we are open to nurture the relationship again. Little do we understand how little sleep the young mom actually gets in a week. Little do we feel the anguish over not being treated well by those who were supposed to be caregivers. We cannot imagine the dear wife’s distress when her husband becomes a victim of systemic racism.

I just finished watching the movie (based on a true story), “Just Mercy”. It was beautiful to watch the human ability of a young lawyer channeling his grief, over his father’s unjust death, into accomplishing life-changing feats of justice for others. His gifting mixed with love allowed him to do extraordinarily courageous acts.

As I ponder the challenges of my own life, I have to ask- am I pouring love into my “right actions”? God is righteous and the best example of a righteous warrior. Whether our weapon is an argument of logic, backed by evidence or an ability to courageously fight against all odds, we must not grow weary in well- doing. God’s love describes His character and results in our singing thanks!- Teresa #shelteringrace #relationshipsmatter #beHisconduitoflove

Psalm 7: 10-17 (ESV) O righteous God!

10 My shield is with God,
who saves the upright in heart.
11 God is a righteous judge,
and a God who feels indignation every day.
12 If a man[d] does not repent, God[e] will whet his sword;
he has bent and readied his bow;
13 he has prepared for him his deadly weapons,
making his arrows fiery shafts.
14 Behold, the wicked man conceives evil
and is pregnant with mischief
and gives birth to lies.
15 He makes a pit, digging it out,
and falls into the hole that he has made.
16 His mischief returns upon his own head,
and on his own skull his violence descends.
17 I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness,
and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.