My legs swing care-free under the bar-height table, my heart weighs nothing. I eat pizza and drink peach iced tea, laughing like crazy with friends.
I dearly love to laugh, and I don’t mind getting one from a good self-depricating joke. I need to be able to laugh at myself so I don’t take me so seriously. But when I do this, I open myself up to be teased. Sometimes this is okay, the teasing is light and doesn’t linger in my ears. But sometimes Teasing sits down so her mean girl friend Mockery can have some fun. She strikes a fear or insecurity in all of us, so her words linger. They are harder to take with good humor. Sometimes I can laugh her off on the outside, but on the inside I curl up, burning with humiliation.
Mockery can turn the sundress-wearing, care-free me into a buttoned-up, turtleneck-sportin’ gal in no time flat. Wearing a camouflaged armor of protection, I get real quiet as her words spin a dark tale inside. Her kind of teasing gets under my skin.
But then I see this written right here in black and white, and there’s really no arguing with it:
“So, let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:12
Until now, I never thought of light as something protective like armor. So instead of protecting my heart by withdrawing, I protect it with a shield of light. I fight the dark negativity rolling around inside with the fierce light of Truth. This doesn’t mean I don’t practice good sense with people who too-often abuse my trust and my heart. But it does mean I forgive quickly and completely just as Christ does me. I place confidence in no one’s opinion or words about me except His. His light shines through me, so teasing can’t get under my skin.
I look at my wrist, the one Lisa Leonard’s bracelet winds around. Lisa, my (in)courage sister, kindly sent me the “let your light shine” bracelet from her brand spankin’ new DaySpring faith collection. And since I’ve received her gift, I haven’t taken it off. It blesses me time and again, reminding me I can choose to protect my heart by letting my light shine.
And because I love it so much, I want to give this deeply meaningful bracelet to one of you! The hand-molded bracelet is cast in fine pewter, so it’s purdy and sturdy. Its claw clasp with adjustable chain means you can size it to fit perfectly, even if you have bony dainty wrists like me.
To enter, simply leave a comment below. You may also enter by ‘liking’ my facebook page. Just leave an additional comment telling me you did so. And if you would like to purchase another item from her stunning DaySpring collection, you may use the code LLD15 and get 15% until Friday, September 15th.
Have a wonderful week, friends. You are a light to me!
{Giveaway ends Friday, August 31st}
Isnt it amazing how Ms. Mockery always makes an act of appearance even when nobody calls her? I have been at the receiving end of mockery and it can get under my skin bringing out the Puerto Rican in me :). But at some point I always realize that this is the enemy trying to undermine a good day, and so I turn it around and mock him for thinking that he can put a fast one on me for long. I always love the image I light as something good. And your armor of light seems like the perfect imagery I need when mockery comes knocking. 🙂
I just wanted you to know that I am so encouraged by your blog! My husband I and I just started our AF journey 3 years ago and it has been wonderful to see scripture and hope from another AF wife, especially one with more experience. Thanks for sharing your love for God and the real you!
Oh…to let your light shine before men. To step out boldly…take a risk….trust Him. To see growth when you stumble and give praise and not grumble.
Courage…commitment…purpose…God is a Verb.
Blessings to you for filling your surroundings with laughter…God loves a joyful noise!
“I place confidence in no one’s opinion or words about me except His. His light shines through me, so teasing can’t get under my skin.”
What an encouraging word this morning!
~Laura
Such a good challenge to choose to protect our hearts by letting our light shine! Gotta let the light shine, we are a city on a hill!
Thank you for your encouragement. I love seeing when you have a new post in my news feed!
And myself and my blog already follow you on Facebook! 🙂
Oh, this is really, really good. I live in a teasing family. Full blown teasers. “Just kidding.” But we both know how that can hurt and dig deep trenches in our hearts. I love your line, “Tutleneck sportin’ gal.” That’s me, tucked tight inside my turtle shell, lips sealed, hiding in the safe, dark, quiet place. But wow, what a contrast to have a shield of light! Amazing. I will copy this post to re-read and write on my heart. Thank you!
(Oh, and I would love to win the bracelet, too, as a reminder)
I’m definitely going to have to remember this the next time I feel insecure about how I look. I’m so glad you shared this verse!
The bracelet is beautiful 🙂
I also follow you on Facebook, and my blog’s Facebook follows you, as well.
I love this collection! I’ve been eyeing them for a few days now. I really wanted the “It is well with my soul” necklace… almost purchased for myself for my birthday yesterday… but really don’t have the money right now.. :/ I can’t wait to get something! I love them ALL!
If you were the model I thought you had really nice arms not bony wrists…
Another great encouragement Kristen! I am afraid my “I’m sure she meant that with good intentions” shield is feeling a bit flimsy and cracked lately.
Love the image of the buttoned-up turtleneck girl. How ’bout some pursed lips to go along with that outfit! I don’t want to be her…
My how I relate to your words. You have described my actions and my heart. Thank you so much for this, much needed, read.
Ginger
I like your fan page too.
What a fun giveaway! Love her stuff 🙂
I’m now liking you on facebook. What took me so long? I liked you before but now I like you even more!
I have a 12 (almost 13) year old that I would love to gift with this bracelet! She’s a beautiful, compassionate, wonderful girl with some sensory processing issues, and a reminder to let who she is simply shine would be an encouraging reminder for her.
Very true….thanks for this reminder dear girl!
Timely reminder! Thank you!
Kristen,
You always make me see things in a different light. You are an amazing and God loving gal and give me encouragment and faith building more then you could ever know. I will always treasure your words and thoughts as a friend!
Thank you for your words. I can always find some comfort in them.
I am also following you on Facebook
Thanks!
Great story and a great reminder to wear on your wrist.
What a beautiful bracelet and message.
I love this bracelet!
What a beautiful post….I have now started following you on FB….thank you for letting your light shine on me today…I needed it….. 🙂
I love the thought of light being our armor! It is very hard for me to forgive and move on, thank you for this gentle reminder of God’s wishes for our lives.
I also liked you on Facebook. (Jenny Miller)
Thank you for this perspective!
I like you on Facebook and I am so glad that I did!
I absolutely love it!!! I am on my way to like your facebook page now. I love that bracelet. Love it.
I never thought about light being amour. What a GREAT analogy! I would LOVE this bracelet to remind me to Let the Light of my Savior shine through me, especially when I am hurt.
Oh, how I relate to this post. Thank you. My 6-year-old takes after her skinny mom, and the teasing is already beginning at school. Reading this helps. Thank you.
This is something I need to remember. I too have a tendency to withdraw and hide when I feel mocked. I am going to try to practice wearing light like an armor rather than withdrawing from the dark from now on. Thank you for this (and the giveaway).
Love Lisa’s work and her words 🙂
Great reminder!
I liked you on FB! Rebekah Sue Shaver
And I’m a facebook fan!
I am sure that everyone who reads this feels the same way at different times in their lives. I know that I feel this way write often, but recently I have tried to think more positively and try to overcome ms. mockery. It is often tough but very rewarding when I remember to let my light shine.
We all need to let God’s light shine through us! Thanks for your words~
Wow, this really spoke to me. Thank you! Thank you for the chance to win the beautiful bracelet as well.
I love this piece!
I have a 14 year old daughter who has issues with her confidence and tend to always go toward the negative. I always try to tell her to be positive she is beautiful, funny, smart and a joy to be around. I would love to get this bracelet for her so that every time she looked at her wrist she would remember to let her light shine, maybe that would help her attitude and not get her into so much trouble. This quote is definitely go up on her wall! Thank you.
I needed this today…thank you!
I just liked your fb page too!
Oh I love this! Thanks for the chance. I have a couple of Lisa’s pieces and I wear them every day!
This is a story that I will be sharing with my 12 year old daughters.
Liked you on facebook too!
Such powerful words – this post is a blessing! I’ve been meditating on Galatians 5 this week and especially verse 15 ‘ But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.’ The verses preceding and following talk about walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh, about summing up the commandments with one … love one another. I don’t think we always do so well with this. I’m not much for teasing, but the next time I do tease a friend I know these words will come to mind and remind me not to cross over into ‘biting and devouring’ words! Thanks!
Love this. I try to be careful about who I say what about myself as usually wounded people are the ones who come in with the mockery. It’s so good ot be a life giver and I like what you have to say and the importance of words. Thanks much, following you on Facebook as well. Blessings!
I absolutely love what you said. I am so guilty of letting criticism squash my light. No more!!! Thank you!
I liked you on FB too! Thanks again!
Beautiful post – and great encouragement. I do love Lisa’s jewelry – wearing a piece today!
Love this post. Thank you!
We all need that armor, and a reminder that it is there, don’t we?
Loved this post!
I am so very sensitive to teasing. So for this post, I thank you. 🙂
This is very inspiring. Thanks for sharing and giving us the chance to win such a beautiful bracelet!
I do Hospice care and I always try to wear things with the word light on them. I have a you are my sunshine necklace I wear and seems to give them a sense of peace and comfort this would be a great piece to add!!
So beautiful, and so timely.
I love this necklace & would love to win it!
My problem with teasing isn’t with friends, it’s with family. I’m especially sensitive to having my parenting poked at! They keep telling me I need thicker skin, and I think I shouldn’t have to with family. I like the idea that I can have God’s armor shield my sensitive heart. Thank you.
Great point! Something to be more aware of…thank you!
Liked you on Facebook!
This is absolutely beautiful! Ironically, my daughter was taught This Little Light of Mine for the first time this summer and we sing it all the time now!
I liked you on fb
How easy it is to worry what others think, instead of focusing on the One who really matters!
As women we are the most difficult on ourselves, but when someone else points out our flaws, weaknesses, or failures, it can definitely lead to insecurity consuming us. Thanks for encouraging all of us to let our light shine. It’s hard to remember than when the dull grey of insecurity seeps in. Have a great one!
And I liked you on Facebook too. 🙂
Hi there!
I couldn’t believe it when I read this post. I literally just got home from a really awful afternoon. I had my feelings hurt badly, but then I read this and I’m taking it to heart. It’s amazing how God uses the little things. I’d love to win this bracelet; I don’t think I’d ever take it off 🙂
I liked your FB page
Thank you for your encouraging post.
I liked you on Facebook.
Whet a great way to be uplifted Everyday through wearing this beautiful bracelet! Love it!
Makes me smile. 🙂
I just ordered a necklace for a friend and would love to win this bracelet for myself!
I liked your facebook page as well!
Liked you on Facebook~loved your post! 🙂
Great perspective! Thank you for sharing!
Very thoughtful post. Enjoyed your blog very much. Why is it that we women are so hard on ourselves? We need to focus on the good things–we all have them–and stop beating ourselves up over our “imperfections!”
Thank you for this post. So timely and much appreciated. 🙂 🙂
Wonderful post, timely words. Thank you. And a beautiful bracelet too! 🙂
Thanks for sharing! What a great encouragement and reminder! Would love to win the bracelet, thanks for the opportunity!
…And I’m a new ‘like’er of your facebook page!
Thank you for sharing your inspiring thoughts. I am greatful that Lisa passed this link 🙂
What a beautiful bracelet! And, your words are beautiful & so true: Light is armor!
Your post couldn’t have come at a better time. I have one daughetr in College and ne going into 7th grade. This is the perfect bible verse to share to remind them to let their light shine, and it’s oaky to be yourself. So often they struggle with what others think, and hope they learn to live by this verse and remember they’re amazing just the way they are. “So, let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:12 This verse is also very encouraging for me. I have a child with special needs and it’s so important to put aside the deeds of darkness. Our child shines a light on our family daily. I’m always singing to my kids, “Good Morning Sunshine, you are my sunshine” and I that’s one thing I want to instill in them…Let Your Light Shine! I’m so in love with Lisa’s Faith line, and her story hits home. God is good!
I “liked” your Facebook page, and know I’m going to love reading your encouraging words. Thank You!
love that bracelet. i was just looking at them the other day and thinking…i need that!
What a fabulous piece! Thanks for the giveaway!
Thank you for the encouragement, which was much needed.