As I was sitting in church last Sunday, the message came to me loud and clear. “Giving of yourself is the most precious gift you can give someone,” the priest spoke those words to the congregation. My mind started to wander (in a good way) to the gift of Communion. Taking the body of Christ meant so much more to me at that moment. Each time that Communion is offered to me, I take it and asked God to enter my mind, body and soul with the Holy Spirit. After hearing those words, it meant more. Christ not only was giving me the Holy Spirit, but He was sharing His life with me. Through scripture, Christ gives me little pieces of His story that I use to change my own path into God’s path. Because of those beautiful witnesses in scripture, I am able to see that I am not alone.

One scripture that stands out in my mind is from Matthew 26:26
While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”

Take, eat is what He says to His disciples. But he is not just talking about eating, he is talking about ingesting it entirely. Take what I tell you, believe it, live it, feel it and share it with all. Take what I am and share eternal life with all who will listen.

Yesterday, I shared with you a story about my youngest daughter, Katie. It isn’t something that I like to share with others (especially strangers) because it opens up a vulnerable part of my life. It allows people to see my family’s imperfections. For some reason in the midst of all the sadness this past week, I felt a strong urge to share the story for those mothers who have experienced the same exhaustion. Well, the priest was right; people do need to hear personal witnesses because the hits on my blog tripled yesterday. I received emails and comments from people who persevere daily with children that have special needs. I imagine there were lots of people that didn’t respond, but knew and recognized my exhaustion because they have been there too.
You see, if I hadn’t opened up my life to readers, then I would be holding back a little piece of me for myself. By not sharing my conquered trials, I would be hoarding my solutions from others who desperately need to hear how to handle a struggle. I know the loneliness that I felt when I had no one to turn to. I know the sadness that I endured because no one could understand or comprehend my struggle. I know the desperation I persevered through (alone) because I was afraid to tell people what was going on in my own home. Looking back, I never want anyone to go through that alone. If I can help by sharing my journey, then I am going to do just that!

During this Christmas Season, share yourself with someone. Be aware of those around you and when you recognize a struggle, step up and share your journey of faith. Don’t be afraid to allow God to work through you to help someone in need.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.