Comments on: Lent Day 20… If You See Something Special Or Unique In Someone, You Should Tell Them

By: Louise

Louise — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 04:54:48 +0000

“But I wonder if sometimes those important things don’t get said because we waited too long.” Great question. I’ve heard and read way too many eulogies in the past three months. I would like to give my best ones whilst the subject of my praise is still breathing. Thanks for the excellent reflection.

By: Brian Dolleman

Brian Dolleman — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 22:16:50 +0000

Leslie – I love hearing this from you… because I am kinda similar in terms of personality. When you said, “So I decided to do this awkward thing where I just tell people how I feel about them” I totally laughed because I know just how that feels – going out on that limb with all the feelings of awkwardness, and saying those things.

Thank you for your examples – super helpful.

By: ~Karrilee~

~Karrilee~ — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 20:53:54 +0000

So much Yes and Amen!

By: Norm

Norm — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 17:46:09 +0000

A beautiful reminder! How many families could be strengthened -even mended- just by doing this? Often, we take for granted those we spend a lot of time with. Their talents, gifts, kindnesses get overlooked (or not mentioned) because, well, that’s just who we see everyday.

By: Leslie

Leslie — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 17:23:50 +0000

This is such a good reminder for me. I don’t want to wait.
When my grandma passed away a few years ago, I couldn’t speak at her funeral (because I’m mute when I cry) so I wrote something for the pastor to read. Then I was asked to do it again for my grandpa and my great-grandma. As I was writing these eulogys I was thinking how grateful I was that I had already shared these feelings with them while they were alive, but that’s not always how it goes, especially with people who are not family members. We tend to reserve our highest praise of others for when they can no longer hear us. I think nice things about people all the time, but it’s so hard for me to tell them. So I decided to do this awkward thing where I just tell people how I feel about them. If it’s someone I’m not super close to and I write them an emotional card or highlight them on my Facebook page or just say to their face why I think they’re amazing, it always feels kind of weird, but the funny thing is, no one has ever said “wow, that made me super uncomfortable”. And even if it did, I think hearing that you are valuable and important probably makes up for the discomfort. Now, I have this motto in my head when I think something nice about someone I say to myself, “don’t wait until they’re dead, don’t tell everyone else how great they are, tell them!” It’s still a struggle for me, but I’m getting better and this reminder today will revive it in me again.

By: Brian Dolleman

Brian Dolleman — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 14:31:08 +0000

DJ – I’m so proud of you. The fact that you’re aware of this and making a conscious effort to pull people aside and speak words of life to them… well, that is what it’s all about. In my mind, more real ministry is happening there than whatever happens on the stage. You’re a great pastor. I love you.

By: Dj

Dj — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 14:23:20 +0000

I suck at this. Like I just told the team last how I am really good at giving words when I’m really “excited”, and how sometimes I forget to give words in the mundane, consistent times in youth ministry. I’ve been making time to pull individuals aside to give love and praises to who they are and their gifts. I can tell by the teary eyes, eye rolls and hugs that I need/want to do better.

Great post. Hella love you.