“I am spent!”
That is what my dear friend said. It took me aback. Where have I heard that recently? Who uses that word?
Have you ever been “pinged” by the Holy Spirit like that? Maybe He has even used you to ping someone else, and you did not even realize it – the way my friend had no idea she had just done.
“When you are performing Shakespeare, you don’t ACT – you BELIEVE the words you are saying”
At a recent Homeschooling Mom’s Night Out, these words were spoken. This mom probably did not think someone else would get so much out of this single statement, but I did. The Holy Spirit uses us in ways we cannot imagine.
Words have power, and when we walk in God’s will, and live our Faith, filled with His life given to us through the Sacraments and Sacramentals, the words that we speak have power too!
Let me explain how powerful these comments were!
A few couples attempt to gather regularly to discuss quotes from the Saints, read a few chapters from Scripture and share with each other. My most recent quote is from St Teresa of Avila that ends,“..it is no hindrance to prayer to SPEND your time well.” Upon meditating on this quote, I wrote in my journal “If what takes up your time is true, beautiful, SPENT well, honoring God…isn’t that prayer. TIME SPENT WELL IS TIRING”. Then, I read from Scripture 2 Corinthians 12:15 “ I will most gladly SPEND and be utterly SPENT for your sakes”
My friend who was just trying to express herself used the same language. She is in another state; she had no idea she was being used to confirm for me my meditations on the quote and Scripture. I love when God does that. Thank You Lord!
Finally, I am not necessarily a Shakespeare fan. I was not exposed to much of it in my youth since I was not in the theater, but the passing comment made by this mom would not get out of my mind. God was speaking to me through her.
Many years ago, I was at a prayer meeting that began with some praise and worship songs. I was singing along, and I could almost hear God ask, “ Do you mean what you are singing, or is this just “lip service”? (A side note- when I sense that still small voice, God speaks the language of Monica to me often because that is what I understand – I am certain God would use better vocabulary when speaking into the hearts of others). Through this mom, He was reminding me that when I pray (especially those prayers that we have memorized or repeat often) that I MUST BELIEVE THE WORDS I AM SAYING. Just like that mom said Shakespeare must be performed.
That mom thought she was talking about Shakespeare ! God had something to say through her, and I am so thankful she allowed Him to use her.
So, keep praying! Keep living the Faith! Keep visiting and sharing with others! You just never know how God will use you to reach others!
Praise You God for Your power! Thank You that Your Word does not return void but accomplishes Your will! All praise and thanksgiving to You!
Author: Monica Hebert
