My daughter has a special knack. She walks in and lights up the room.
She’s been that way since the day she graced this earth. And I’ve loved watching her shine ever since.
There was a time, however, when her shine was nearly snuffed out. The enemy of her soul threw more at her than any young person should ever have to deal with. But even though her shine dimmed for a time, it never burned out.
She kept shining anyway.
shine :: to give forth or glow with light; shed or cast light
You see, she has this bright light overflowing from within her.
light :: an illuminating agent or source, as the sun, a lamp, or a beacon
Not just any light, but the true Light.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
She has the light of life burning bright inside her beautiful soul. She can’t help but shine.
When we have this same Light within us, it’s a forever light. It will never stop glowing. Nothing can extinguish it. And the cool thing is, when we share our light with another, it glows even brighter.
Friend, you are meant to shine.
To shine brightly for you, for others, for God. There’s no one who can shine like you can. Your shine is unique, and special. It’s meant to help others shine in their own way, too.
For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Ephesians 5:8-9
Pure, beautiful, abundant, genuine. Your shine is an extraordinary gift.
Sure, we’ll come across others who will try to dim this light of ours. We’ll also find the enemy of our souls will do what he can to stomp it out, like he did my daughter. And maybe at times we’ll second-guess if our light is even still lit.
We aren’t meant to shine on our own.
When we stay close to Jesus, we’ll remain strengthened, encouraged and blessed to shine brightly. In His power, not ours.
So friend, let your light shine for all to see. Keep doing the good you’re doing. Continue to point others in the right direction by lighting the way for them. Keep blessing, encouraging, loving and giving.
You are the world’s light—a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16
Take a handful of minutes to pause and reflect on your shine as you listen to this song by Natalie Grant. May it ring loud and true in your heart, and may it encourage your soul today.
Thank you for shining brightly in my life, friend!
Much love,
Julie
Here we are on Day 16 of 31 Days #CelebratingWhoYouAre. We’re over half-way on our journey! I pray God is moving in our hearts and souls with His truth as we walk this path together. Thank you for being here today. Your presence is a gift to me! (Linking this post up with Susan Mead and Deb Wolf. Two beautiful hearts and spaces.)
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Beautiful, Julie. You are such an encourager! You’re encouraging me to shine for Jesus today even though I’m a bit tired because I wrote my five minute Friday post last night! 🙂 Praise God that your daughter is shining brightly again.
Have you ever considered writing devotionals for the devotional market? I don’t think anyone makes a lot of money on it, but it might be a good option to explore getting published…You just have a knack for encouraging!
Thank you, Betsy! I’m glad we can still shine, even when we’re tired. I’m feeling a little of the same today. I appreciate your words of encouragement here. I’ll look into that market. Thank you so much! Have a blessed Friday and weekend!
Julie, this is so encouraging. We all have our own unique light to shine, but ultimately, the light that shines through is from the Source of that Light. Thanks for posting a great post today.
Hi Mary! Thank you! Yes, the Source makes all the difference. God bless you this day! Thanks for stopping by.
What a sweet, sweet person your daughter sounds to be, strong in the Lord as she shines brightly. I imagine she has a mom who shines brightly as well because apples don’t fall far from the tree. 😉 And the song? A sweet walk down memory lane…I used to listen to it on walks when we were stationed in Hawaii. Thank you for shining brightly, Julie. #goJesus #CountingMyBlessings
Hi Kristi! I’m glad that song stirred up wonderful memories for you. It’s one of my favorites. So thankful we can shine with His light. Yes, my daughter is a gift, and she sure shines bright. I’m thankful! Thank you for your encouraging and uplifting words and presence here. You are a gift as well!
Hey Julie,
What an encouraging post!
I especially love this line, “When we stay close to Jesus, we’ll remain strengthened, encouraged and blessed to shine brightly. In His power, not ours.”
Found your post today on FaithnFriends, and I was blessed by it!
Hope you have a great day~
Melanie
Hi Melanie! Thank you for coming by and for sharing your words of encouragement and hope. So glad we can connect through blogs like this. Have a great day too!
“Let your light shine before others so they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.” You are meant to shine too friend!
Thank you! I need that reminder as well. Shine on, friend!
BEAUTIFUL!!! The imagery of the city on a hill is so gorgeous it makes me emotional to think about it. Light. That He will be our light someday is a promise I can’t wait to witness. Thank you for your words today Julie!
Thanks, Meg! It is gorgeous, isn’t it? Thankful for the hope we have that we can live in now! Thanks for sharing here. Bless you!