"That dang song"

Don't be alarmed........

These are the words I spoke to my friend next to me at church this morning.  When that dang song began.....
(because the waterworks are ON!)

I don't know why, ummmm... let me rephrase that..... I KNOW EXACTLY WHY today's theme turned on the water works, and let's just say that I wasted my time applying makeup this morning.

Today, Love was our theme.  If you have followed me or been my friend in the last 6 years, you know that I "heart" Love.  And we talked about it today!

Leading up to this morning, I had experienced a difficult situation where I was faced with a challenge to love.  I could fire back, get offended... or be still and practice what I knew was best.  Love.  My heart was bruised and yet I chose to stay true to me.  And so, I went to church today with a little bruise on my heart.  And then........ that dang song!  And by "dang song," I mean pretty much any song they play at church because there is something special every week in the music selected.  Every song every Sunday is "that dang song!"


Here is what Love is all about according to Paul in Corinthians:

Love is patient

Love is kind

Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love takes pleasure in the flowering of truth.

Love puts up with anything.                                

Love trusts God always.

Love always looks for the best.

Love never looks back.

Love  keeps going to the end.

Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
(oh this is a toughy)

Love doesn’t strut.                                    

Love doesn’t have a swelled head.                        

Love doesn’t force itself on others                      

Love isn’t always “me first.”                                        

Love doesn’t fly off the handle.                    

Love doesn’t revel when others grovel.            


As I  measure these principles against my own life and actions, I see where I have fallen short.  I also see where I have grown.  I celebrate love for my family and friends.  I relish in NOT getting offended.... EVER. (ahem... PRIDE)   This week, I had an opportunity to become very offended.

In my mind, I had a RIGHT to be offended.   There was mistreatment and misunderstandings against me.  More gossips and meddling from those who expect me to be the "old Shelli"  taunted me.  And the entire time, I chose to NOT break character.  I've learned to BE STILL and know.  I've learned that getting offended doesn't serve me well, and looking for ways to love mercy is far better.  My "situation" did not change, but my heart changes every single time when I choose mercy and grace.

I was told that when I extend grace to certain people in my life, that they see me as weak.
I disagree.  Extending Grace and Mercy requires strength.  It's difficult at times to walk in mercy, extend grace, and be still.  That my friend is strong.  This is love.  And that dang song brought it all back!