Speak the truth in love, even when you aren’t sure anyone hears you.
A couple of months ago I was invited by a friend to speak at a lacrosse event in memory of her son who passed away from his struggle with invisible wounds.
It was a powerful experience to be a part of. Watching my friend take her heart break and use it to speak up and out about the importance of mental health, in hopes to help others, is inspiring.
I was honored to speak to this incredible group of young men about my invisible wounds with my walks with anxiety, depression and cancer. Having been a high school coach myself for a few years, it was a privilege to come beside these guys and encourage them. To be honest though, I was a complete stranger, not their coach, and I wasn’t sure if I the message shared would resonate with them. Yet I was hopeful a seed of truth was planted in their hearts, specifically that if they were ever in need that they know there is hope and help and would reach out for it.
Then yesterday happened.
I received an unexpected call from someone who was there that day. They were reaching out for help🙏
After I hung up with them I was in tears of gratitude that the seed that was planted that day grew enough in their heart to know to reach out for help.
I share this with you today because we all have the ability to speak the truth in love and plant seeds of hope in each other’s hearts. We may think, “why would they listen to me,” “it isn’t my place to say something,” “someone else will say it,” etc.
I invite you to join me to...
Pause. Breathe. Pray.
May we each be willing to speak the truth in love to others, whether we know them, or not.
We may never know if it makes a difference, but the seeds of love we speak into hearts may just be what they need to hear, and will benefit them when the time is right. 💕🙏💕
With love and hope,
Shawn
PS Please keep this person in your prayers on their walk to wellness🙏 Thank you💝
