When I was growing up just outside of Memphis, Tennessee a person was considered weak if they were seen as tender hearted or sweet. Our parents, having lived through the depression, World War II and the dust bowl fought for everything they ever had.
Affection and showing love to one another and to the family was not an open thing, not to be seen by the world. But still, my folks, and a lot more folk had tender hearts and sweet spirits when it came to helping others. Having done without so very much, our folks, it seemed, kept silent on many topics and it was not until later on in life we were to learn how much "neighbor helped neighbor" and "family took care of family" in those awful times.
Today we live in a time when we show affection and love. Warmth, generousity and kindness are no longer seen as weakness but as strengths. God help us all to remember that no matter what pain or scars we carry from the past, the Lod is with us. "Do not fear, for I am with you." Isaiah 41:10
Reach out beyond whatever is burdening you today to help someone else. Someone is waiting for a word of kindness,a sweet, unexpected touch of love from you or even just a hug to say, " I care about you."
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