The Greatest Advice I’ve Ever Received

 

I was delighted to say “yes” to being on a panel of four women from various backgrounds for the “SHE — Girls Night Out” on Friday night at City Reach Church here in Austin. What a great opportunity to speak from my vantage point about life and the way I have navigated many unchartered waters.

The first question asked of us was: “What is the greatest advice you were ever given?” My response: “To always wear clean underwear! You never know when you’ll be in an accident. Seriously, why wouldn’t we wear clean underwear all the time?” That initial statement brought the house down. I know when comic relief is great for fresh air. But, I went on…..

“No. The greatest advice I was given was not from words she said, but from the actions of my Mom’s faith in action. My dad had a malignant brain tumor that disabled him. I was 8 years old. Mom worked long hours as our sole provider. I was a fearful little girl. Mom was brave heart. She was a hardcore believer in God and His Word. She exuded unwavering peace and faith. She’d sing faith-filled songs throughout our home. I’d hear her praying. At church, she would sing the loudest with her hands raised the highest. She filled up on faith and determination with her church family. Her LIGHT shined so bright. Her example made me a brave heart during my own tough times. Now I purpose to give that advice through my life to those I get to influence.”

I have a lot stored up in my deep “well”. And, I love it when someone wants to draw from that “well”. The truth is sound advice coming from men and women (in faith AND age) can change the trajectory of someone’s life for so much good. I get to be an influencer to younger ones in age and in faith. I love responding to a young mom who messages me “HELP!!! What do I do?” I draw from my well of experiences when I faced similar times. Much of the stuff of life we go through and how we cope and succeed through it all is for others to know that “We survive!” Even my “widow” experiences have helped other widows(ers) become warrior men and women who realize God still has purposes for their lives and they must finish their own assignments strong.

I know you have a well of experience and advice you could pass on to others too! I’ve seen my young granddaughter encourage her younger (in faith) friend. I’ve seen you sweet moms who figured out the ropes of nursing and getting your little ones to sleep through the night pass on your wisdom to those “less traveled” on the “mommy” road. I think about some of you who think what you do doesn’t count because you’re doing it at 2 am in the morning when no one is looking except for your sweet baby who lost his pacifier, AGAIN. Or you think that what you do isn’t important because you think you need a podium for your voice to matter or make a difference.

It is an honor to offer my life, my lessons learned, and failed, to my readers and listeners. We will survive because we know we’re here to grow, mature, train, teach and walk hand in hand — making our world a better place to be because we cared AND shared and mentored those who became leaders worth following!