Pamela Taylor's Truth

Not Picasso, But Thank You

I was feeling kinda blah after work on  last Tuesday. Internally, I debated on attending bible study. My energy level was on low and there was not a burst of rejuvenation in the horizon. My cousin called at the 12th hour to ask if I would be going to church. No, was my response. It required too much preparation. After the phone call, I continued to contemplate going. A quick glimpse at the time and with a small surge of energy, my daughter and I got dressed to go.
My pants were wrinkled, my face was oily, and my stomach was rumbling. I didn’t feel like a beauty queen walking out the door. As I sat in church listening to the life changing word being brought forth by Pastor Dio Pouerie, my neighbor across the aisle gave me a note. It said, “You are so pretty” along with a hand drawn picture. The gesture was so unexpected. The action totally made my night.
It’s the small things that make a huge difference in our lives. People just like to be acknowledged, appreciated, and complimented. The drawn picture of a girl and a flower was definitely not the work of Picasso (nor Dr. Suess lol), but it was heartfelt. God knew exactly what I needed. Each day practice greeting, commending, or just smiling at people you encounter throughout the day. You never know how much the expression of caring will benefit that person.

Thank you Elizabeth Brown!

There Is Hope in the Wounds

On my 40th birthday vacation, my husband and I went snorkeling in the beautiful clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. It was an awesome experience. The ocean is home to so many amazing wonders and creatures. While enjoying the breathtaking sights of the underwater life, I scraped my leg across some coral. After about an hour of venturing in the sea, we decided to end our snorkeling expedition. My husband and I walked back to shore. I instantly began to feel the sting from scraping my leg on the coral. The scratch was nothing serious, but the pain caused me to know that there was a break in my skin. When we returned home, I looked at my wound and it made me think of the great time I had in St. Thomas. A few minutes later, I began reminiscing on situations that occurred in my life that caused emotional wounds. Those experiences are definitely nothing I would want to relive. However, they remind me of God’s unfailing love. One of my biggest wounds came from dealing with postpartum depression. That era in my life was so dark and gloomy. At one point, I didn’t like to look at particular pictures or reread entries from my journal because in doing so, it triggered how terrible I felt at that very moment. I can now view those same photographs or writings and only feel a heart of gratitude towards God. He was my strength when I felt weakness and death. “God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (KJV, Psalm 46:1)

Accepting Christ as my savior proved to be one of the most important decisions I have ever made. I’m pretty sure someone reading this post has experienced some type of emotional injury that you try to block out on a daily basis. There is no true peace without God. My wounds are no longer hidden behind a mask. I uncover them for the world to see God’s glory. Jesus showed his nail scarred hands to his disciples after he died on the cross. He wanted them to believe His truth from which He preached. There is healing available for anyone who is suffering with pain from any wound of the past and present. My wounds are now my truth.

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (KJV, Matthew 11:28-29)