Wow, it was tough picking four comments for the “Who has shared wisdom with you” contest for the free 9 Ways God Always Speaks book.
Check out the entire list of comments for some great ideas about wisdom. In the meantime here are the four people that won a free copy of the book. If you made one of the winning comments please email me at [email protected] with your mailing address and “9 ways” in the subject line. Thanks so much for sharing your ideas.
Kristina said…
I was tempted to think of an odd pearl of wisdom that came from working with middle school students (I mean, every now and then, they say something wise, right?), or someone else unlikely, just to be unique…but that would do unjustice to the person who truly has given me such a large amount of wisdom.My youth pastor in high school always had an incredible gift for teaching the truth and wisdom of the Bible. More importantly, he lived and modeled such wisdom himself. Long after I graduated, I went to him with my accomplishments, problems, decisions, and even when I was dumped by some boy. He always had a wealth of Biblical advice, and I soaked it up. I trusted what he said because I had seen him live his life as a man of character, both within his family and the church. He was the person I looked up to the most, and it seemed no matter what the situation was, he knew how to help me find the wise thing to do. I am indebted to him for the way he taught me to examine the world and the decisions I make each day.One day last year, I found myself in the middle of a stupid situation I was pretty sure wasn’t wise. I felt stuck, and had no idea what to do. I asked him what he thought, but for the first time in my life I remember thinking that I genuinely may not have the courage to follow his wisdom, that I was probably going to let him down. He was going to think I was such an idiot, especially considering how much I “knew” to be true.And yet after he gave some advice he shrugged and said, “You know, Kristina, no decision you can make and nothing you could do would ever change the fact that my wife and I are very much FOR you. There is no ‘mess up’ that would make us walk away from your friendship, or lose respect for you”And that was the first time I really learned that should I ever ignore wisdom, the Lord would still be there. And a few friends would be standing there, as well. I will never forget the relief that flooded my heart that day, a feeling that taught me so much in itself…
Jame Jame said…
The best advice I have ever recieved was from a fifteen year old girl. I taught and coached a bunch of ridiculous, rough kids my first year teaching English and coaching soccer(I was 21). I had just finished telling my team how stupid and ridiculous they looked. How they were stooping to the level of trashiness by back talking the other team. I told them that I didn’t coach tramps I coached ladies. I gave the death blow when I said: “I thought you girls were ladies. I guess not.” At this point I knew I was going to lose my job and/or get stabbed, but one girl looked at me and said: “Coach B, that hurts, but thanks. We do look really stupid right now. You speak with love, but no sugar. I like that. I wish more coaches and teachers were like that. We love you, B.” Honesty with purely self-less intentions is the best policy.
Beth said…
My counselor. I was separated and trying to sort things out, and I’d sit on the couch and go yada yada yada and waa waa waa about the past and he did this and she said that…And he would say, “Okay. So what?” And I realized that it was up to me to choose to move forward, regardless of what had been. I learned a lot about grace that way.
Mom2Drew said…
My mom. It was 5 years ago and I was suffering from debilitating morning sickness while pregnant with my son. While moaning to my mom on the phone about how I was going to have to quit my job because I just couldn’t take it any more, she responded with, “Don’t ever make career decisions when your head is in a toilet!” Thankfully, I took her advice, stayed at my job and learned a huge lesson about perseverance. I’ve needed/relied on that wisdom many times while parenting my four-year old (and preparing for his baby sister to arrive in a few months)!
