Another Sunday night has arrived, and with it so has the time to reflect upon it…

Previously to Gravity this evening, I found myself helping with a local Prom Project. Through this, we individually helped girls pick out a dress, shoes, jewelry, and makeup all for the hope that they may find Jesus in the process. Every detail had been prayed upon and thought out, every volunteer had a specific place and expectation. Once it began I quickly became aware of just how in need we truly are.

And not just for a dress.

Some girls came in with families, some without. I encountered girls who were alone, afraid, and so broken that I could feel it just from peering into their eyes. There were a few girls that despite the circumstances they found themselves in still had joy, hope, and a fairly supportive family. However, there many that were a far cry from that. Some girls were even worn down by their own family members. A dress would be handed to them, laced, and zipped. The girl’s face would be gleaming with beauty and awe, but a family member whether it be for obliviousness or inconsideration would cut her down with sharp words such as, “You’re too big for that dress.” Or “That style doesn’t look good on you, no.” I understand honesty, but there is a fine line.

When did honesty become paired with harshness? When did beauty become confined to such a small scope of people. How can we expect these girls to take ahold of the positive words being poured in one ear, where as a family member- someone who is supposed to be loving, caring, and compassionate- is speaking sharp, cutting words into the other. When will we wake up and realize it is not about us; our opinion is not as important as we think, especially at the expense of others.

So my proposal is this. Imagine if instead of speaking first we took into account the full situation. In this case, the young girl and her love for the dress. It shouldn’t matter that her mom wanted her in blue, she chose green. It shouldn’t matter that maybe we had to find a size larger, bodies change. Too often, for many girls I found they would begin to have confidence only for it to be taken away by an opinion of someone else. May we sacrifice our opinion for love. Let’s rise up and begin to love without an expectation of receiving anything. Encourage anyone we encounter just because it is so obvious they need it. Let it not matter how you are feeling that day. Feelings get in the way of what God is trying to do for others through you. Let’s begin to pray and ask Jesus to open our eyes to the needs of the broken, hurting people around us clearly searching. And when they find us, may we not give our opinion. But love.