For over a week, I have struggled to come to grips with the death of a close loved one. Known affectionately as Elmore, she was my mentor, prayer partner, spiritual mother and friend. Full of life and wisdom. I’m devastated she is gone.
When I first heard the news, I went numb inside and felt a weight on my chest. The next morning I could feel the blanket of denial being stripped away as I woke up to a world she no longer lives in. Finally, I asked God the question that I’d been avoiding, “Why?” As the words left my lips, I felt the dam in my heart give way. I tried to pull it together but my mind kept seeking understanding and when none came, the tears would fall hot and fresh again.
In the past, finding a quick mental resolution has always helped me move forward. The acceptance of the loss enables me to grieve. But this time, some part of me seems to be demanding an explanation—a reason. But there are none. And even if there were, my soul would still feel this hole. Eventually, I must get back to living… because life goes on, even after we lose.
While I am still searching for the meaning in her death, I’m certain of the significance of her life. She was an encourager. I keep thinking of one morning nearly three years ago, when my spirits were low—ground level. She was the only person I could think to call. For over an hour, she let me pour out my heart and prayed for me. My time with her gave me the strength to carry on.
Unfortunately, too often we don’t realize what we have until we’ve lost it. So this week, join me in being intentional about showing the people we love that they matter. In the name of busyness, we miss the bigger picture and don’t stop to show those we love appreciation.
This week, let’s be intentional about doing the following:
1. Finding What People Need: Four simple words from Dr. Venus Reese meant the world to me. They spoke kindness and service. “How can I help you?” She didn’t rush in with assumptions, just a willingness to listen and be there. Sometimes needs are simple and at others they are complex. But, knowing that someone cares makes every burden lighter.
2. Taking Time Out: One of my first thoughts when I heard of Elmore’s passing was our last conversation. We spoke about a month ago for less than two minutes. I was balancing cooking dinner and meeting a deadline. Knowing what I do now, I would have stopped everything to savor my last moments with her. We don’t know what the future holds. So, whether you take a minute or an hour—show your loved ones value.
3. Small Acts of Kindness: In a time when so many are unemployed, underemployed and facing lack, it can be easy to develop a stingy mentality. But it is up to us to live out of an abundant mindset. When we recognize our blessings, we realize the responsibility we have to share them. One of the greatest things we can share is kindness.
Do Your Work: Let’s choose to intentionally show value to seven people in our lives this week. Let me help you make time for what matters. Schedule a free 20-minute laser coaching session.
Define Your Wealth: Affirm, “I live each day mindful of my blessings and the power I have to strengthen others through love.”
Named the “North America’s Next Greatest Speaker” by eWomenNetwork, Felicia T. Scott is a Certified Empowerment Coach™ who empowers her clients to turn their Worth into Wealth as she partners with them to DISCOVER their WORTH, DO the WORK and DEFINE their WEALTH. Get more insight, download the FREE “8 Choices Winners Must Make” seminar MP3 on her website.