‘Be a voice, not an echo’
Kaity Holtman
Sometimes we don’t realize how we impact people. It may be the smile someone needs to start their day off right, or kind words to turn their day around.
Even if we are mindful and intentional about how we treat people, we may not always know their story, or understand how one interaction has impacted them. And that can be said about both positive and negative impressions.
My venture to give people “daily inspiration” now goes to 300 people every day, Monday through Friday. I started the project in September of last year, and as far as I know, it is still being received well by those who have signed up.
(To sign up for texts, emails, or app notifications, text @kholtma to 81010 or follow this link: https://www.remind.com/join/kholtma.)
Some of the messages I have sent have been sayings, quotes, or bible verses close to my heart. Others have been requests from friends. Others yet have gone out with specific people in mind, knowing of their struggle and need for encouragement.
I often get responses from people about how I gave them exactly what they needed that day. I’ve had people tell me I’ve helped them get through a struggle or make a big decision that was weighing on them.
I meant for this to help others, but it is now lifting me up, too.
I thought I’d share some of my favorite messages, or some that received a lot of feedback from my recipients.
Maybe one of these will be what you need to hear today.
“You don’t need a reason to help people.”
“No matter how you feel – get up, dress up, show up, and never give up.” (This one will always be one of my favorites.)
“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” – Karim Seddiki
“When worry comes, pause and tell God what you need. Then thank Him for what He’s already done.” – Renee Swope
“God doesn’t love some future version of you. He loves you now.” – Matt Chandler
“I find it really beautiful when someone prays for you without you knowing. I don’t think there’s any form of deeper and purer love.”
“Trust the wait. Embrace the uncertainty. Enjoy the beauty of becoming. When nothing is certain, anything is possible.”
“Be the energy you want to attract.”
“The only time you should look in your neighbor’s bowl is to make sure they have enough. You don’t look in your neighbor’s bowl to see if you have as much as them.” – Louis C.K.
“In Japan, broken objects are often repaired with gold The flaw is seen as a unique piece of the object’s history, which adds to its beauty. Consider this when you feel broken.”
“Be a voice, not an echo.”
“Bitter people: God loves them and so should we. Pray for them. They will find something negative to say about anything positive. They can’t be happy for you because they are disgusted with themselves. Don’t become bitter with them, become better and pray for their growth and maturity.” – Tony Gaskins
“Asking God ‘what can I learn?’ instead of ‘why me?’ is a much better place to park our minds.”
“Serving others is rarely convenient.”
“Abundance grows from the seed of every thank you.” – Mary Davis
“You have permission to rest. You are not responsible for fixing everything that is broken. You do not have to try to make everyone happy. For now, take time for you. It’s time to replenish.”
“Guard your time fiercely. Be generous with it, but be intentional about it.” – David Duchemin
We should always remember that the smallest action can cause a chain reaction. Let’s do everything we can to make that reaction help make the world a better place today.
Kaity Holtman is the Agriculture Editor for the Maryville Daily Forum.
