You Can Change Lives

Sandra Orchard here to tell you that you have something very significant to offer other people: You!

You don't have to be a published writer to touch lives, or have accomplished some heroic act, or be expert in some field. You've had many experiences in your life--both positive and negative--and others can benefit immensely from that experience...if you're willing.

There are infinite opportunities to come alongside someone and encourage them.
Do you see yourself in any of these roles?

As a young mom, I was blessed to have more experienced moms (and even teens who'd had more babysitting experience than me!!!) offer encouragement and advice and lend a helping hand. And to tell me that yes, it's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed by it all sometimes.

As a home educator, I was blessed by the experience of those who'd navigated through the grades and stages ahead of me and were willing to share their experience, their resources, their triumphs and their frustrations.

Oops! How did that get in there?!

When I lost my parents, I was blessed by those who weren't afraid to cry with me, to bare their hearts, and share their own journeys through grief.

As a new believer, I was blessed by those who'd not only encourage me to go to church, but go out of their way to drive me, by those who'd lead by example, by those who'd hold be accountable, and especially by those who weren't afraid to be real about their struggles.

As a young wife, I was blessed by older women who helped me master cooking a Christmas turkey, building gingerbread houses, navigating a tax return, balancing the many aspects of running a home.

 As a wife at every stage, I've been blessed by women who'd be transparent about the emotional roller coaster marriage can be and who didn't shy away from asking the hard questions or offering advice.

As an aspiring writer, I was blessed by the encouragement of other writers, both published and aspiring. Women who freely shared their knowledge, their experiences, and offered their advice and prayers.

As a published writer, I continue to be blessed by the mentorship of other writers--and not just published ones. I have several critique partners who offer me invaluable advice, and encouragement with every manuscript, and who pray for me. This is a huge time commitment on their part and I am so grateful for them.

 I love being on the other side of the scenarios above, too. The most fulfilling, of course, is coming alongside my own daughter as she raises my granddaughter, and awaits a second. Yee! (Sorry, couldn't help it those squeals just come out uncontrollably sometimes.)

Whatever your vocation, passion, hobby, you have likely been blessed by someone who has taken time to help you grow in it.

And you can do the same for others.

Your Turn: How has someone touched your life? Don't be shy about sharing. You may inspire someone to touch another's life in what you say!