F - Fabric

I am a seamstress, a quilter and lover of fabric. I mostly quilt so I am typically using cotton fabric but fabric comes in so many types of fibers and textures like cotton, wool, denim, satin, linen, canvas and polyester, and many more. Each fabric is used for different things from quilts to clothing, to bags of all sorts and even for outdoor use. The fabric one chooses will depend on the need. For instance, there are better fabrics to choose from than using linen for an outdoor canopy or making a summer smock out of wool.

Humans are like fabric. We come in all colors and textures. Not everyone is good at the same things, like the linen for a dress and canvas for a canopy. God made us all in His image so each one is beautiful and has a special purpose. In the area of empathy, I believe we all handle that differently as well. Some are naturally empathetic and know just what to say at just the right time. Some just sit and listen, say nothing but it’s just what is needed at that time. Others are silent but available at the drop of a hat. Some are good about phone calls and checking in, and there are those who never say a word but are fervently making intercession for our needs. And still others are there in way of making a meal or writing a letter or even sending a text.

I love that we’re all different. Our needs aren’t the same all the time. Sometimes we don’t need a meal or a phone call, but opening the mailbox to find a letter of encouragement is just what the doctor ordered. Our friends and family are like that, each with their own special God-given, made in His image talent.

I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way to show empathy, it just depends on what type of fabric you’re made of. The important thing is to just be there for people – even those who don’t seem worthy of it (those are the toughest ones for sure), for we are all human and everyone is in need of a smile, a hug, a note, or an “atta boy” every now and again. Above all, pray. Prayer is the energy behind it all; it’s what binds us as spiritual beings. Remember that we’re all cut from a different cloth and still made in the image of God. We’re like one gigantic, beautiful scrap quilt made with different fabrics lovingly put together by our Creator.

The Lesson: Your purpose is not that same as someone else, so there’s no need to beat yourself up about how to show you care, just show you care.

Pouring hope,
Nen ♥