Restoring Kindness and Dignity

Family time-Austin, Laura, Collins, Mallory, Rob, Truett and Ellis-me and Stephen

Restoring Kindness and Dignity

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie

Copyright July 2016

Not long ago, I observed someone being condescending to another person and then experienced it myself. True confessions, it made me mad. God always makes us feel valuable and loves to restore our dignity. I am passionate about helping people restore their dignity and value. If there is anything that can make me mad quick, it is to see someone devalue another person. It is never right. None of us have that privilege. If God almighty calls us by name and is kind to us, who are we to not do the same to others?

     Scripture tells us in Psalms 8 that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, therefore, it is imperative that we treat others with respect and kindness. I think it is interesting that the people Jesus rebuked  in the New Testament were the Pharisees because the Pharisees were not interested in people’s hearts, they were just interested in the letter of the law.They were more concerned in how things looked to others instead of how people were treated.

     God always treats people with honor and value because He loves us. So how do you treat others? Do you make them feel less than you? Do you treat ALL  that you come in contact with the same?

      One of my favorite quotes is, “People may forget what you said, they may forget what you know, but they never forget how you made them feel.” This is a good quote to live by.

 I know people that are prejudice and treat those of another race different. Each and every person you and I encounter needs to be treated with respect. Respect is defined as deep admiration for someone. It does not matter if the person is young, old black, or white, each is fearfully and wonderfully made and made in the image of God.

Sunflower field in Uvalde- getting ready for dove season...

     When I was teaching school, one of the things I frequently dealt with was kids putting other kids down. Kids are notorious for making fun of others and pointing out others failures. I would frequently have a child or youth come to me complaining that someone in the class had made fun of them or tried to demean them. I would always talk to the offended and tell them that wounded people always try to wound other people. They have to step on others to make them feel better about themselves. Next  time you encounter someone that is condescending, remember that they are wounded individuals  that have to step on someone to make themselves feel better.

     `Scripture says in I Corinthians 13 that love never fails. Love is kindness in action. Love makes you kind to others. Kindness makes you likable and make others want to be around you. Do other like being around you? Do others feel better or worse after being in your presence? Do you radiate kindness? Do you point out the good in them or are you constantly highlighting their inadequacies?

      Proverbs 3:3 states, “Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; Bind them [securely] around your neck,Write them on the tablet of your heart.” (AMP) We are encouraged to let mercy, kindness and truth define us, just like they define the character of God.

     Everyday we encounter people that are struggling. Often times we don’t realize it because we simply are not aware. What if you are the one that has the opportunity to make someone’s day? Kindness touches people’s hearts and reveals what is in our heart. Actually, kindness is a major part of the character of God. He is always kind. Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. Again, kindness is love in action. And love never fails. 

     I was in the grocery store this past week and there is a man that has worked for the company in management a number of years. I’ve noticed several times that even though he is a supervisor, you see him showing his employees his respect and kindness bagging groceries right there with them. I admire that he is revealing God’s heart to his employees and showing them they are just as valuable as he is.Ephesians 6:9 states, 

Our grand babies

“And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.” In the heart of God, all of us are precious, valuable, and dearly loved; therefore, that is how we should treat one another.

My baby...Price

     It does not matter if it is your boss, your spouse, the garbage collector or the janitor at your place of business, each needs to be treated with respect and with the same dignity. I can only imagine what our community would be like if all people treated each other with honor and respect. This requires honoring others and a desire to be like Jesus and to live as He lived. He lived a life of kindness caring more about people’s hearts than anything. Will you join me in looking for others you can be kind to and be a part of the healing process in their lives? Kerrville would be a better place if we were all made an effort to hang on to kindness and give it away to those we are around. 

Kathleen Maxwell is a native of the Hill Country, a writer and speaker. She is passionate about helping others discover the joy of walking with God and their value. You can contact her at kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com and on her blog www.themaxwellminutes.blogspot.com

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Forgiveness Brings Freedom

Forgiveness Brings Freedom

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie

Copyright July 2016

We live in a country founded on freedom but are you really living free?

I had a conversation not long ago with an old acquaintance I ran into at the grocery store. Our brief visit left me concerned for my friend’s personal freedom.

“It is so good to see you, how have you been?” I asked cheerfully.

“Oh fine, busy with grand babies and my kids,” she replied. 

A few minutes into our dialogue, she began to talk about how mad she was about something that happened years ago between her and someone else we both knew. She was still bitter and went on for a while about incident. 

It made me sad to see her heart and mind hanging on to the offense. As I  left her and in the days since our meeting, I have prayed for her to have the grace to forgive so she can be free.

Freedom in our personal lives is critical to a positive outlook on life and our physical well being.  Life happens and we often encounter those that betray us, are unkind, self centered, take advantage of us or those we love, just to name a few. This can open the door of hurt, bitterness, and unforgiveness. Unless that door is shut, we can lose freedom in our hearts, unless we forgive. 

Forgive means to cancel or pardon a debt, to stop feeing angry or resentful of someone for an offense. Almost 30 years ago, there were several people that betrayed me. The hurt was real and the pain was deep and cut to the core of my being. I had read the Bible and knew I needed to forgive but really did not feel like it. I was mad. It did not seem to matter where I went in my hometown, I ran into my offenders. It did not matter if I went to the grocery store, church, a party or the basketball court, they were there. I remember sitting in my vehicle in tears at the gym because once again, Iran into them  and it pricked the pain that was in my heart. I sat there and asked God, “Why on earth do I keep running into them?” God’s simple answer to me was, “Kathleen, I am giving you the opportunity to forgive.” I sobbed a little more and then realized God loved me and wanted me free from the pain. I could keep pulling the victim card or I could choose to forgive.

Matthew 6:14-15 says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (NIV) Luke 6:37 states, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (NIV)

We forgive because we need forgiveness for our sins. I knew I was not perfect and needed forgiveness from God, however, I was struggling with my feelings. I did not feel like forgiving and kept putting it off until I felt like it. I finally realized that forgiveness is a choice and God in his mercy kept giving me the opportunity and reminder I needed to chose his way, not mine.

I was honest with God and simply prayed, “God, I don’t feel like forgiving but I choose it as an act of my will to forgive  because you said to do it.” That was the beginning of the process of forgiving.

Forgiveness is not a one time event. Often times, it is a process. The greater the hurt or betrayal, the longer the process can take because we have more pain to work through. The key is committing to the process and the good news is God will help us. 

From the day at the basketball court and my surrender to God, each time I would encounter those that caused the hurt or replay the video in my mind, I would chose to forgive again, and eject the video. It took months for me to be fully free, but I can honestly say, the forgiveness was worth it and God healed the hurt. I am free.

Forgiveness aligns us with trust in God. We do it because his word says to do it if we want forgiveness. We forgive for own sake, benefit and freedom. Who do you need to forgive so you can walk in freedom? Choose to do something good for yourself and forgive. 

Kathleen is a native of the Hill Country and is a writer and speaker. She is passionate about helping people discover their value and worth. Contact her at kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com or visit her blog on www.themaxwellminutes.blogspot.com

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