Monday, June 30, 2014

Get to Know You Monday (Vol. 5)



Question: What is your greatest superpower and how are you using it to bless others?

I was going to go the route of asking you to describe what superpower you wished you had but then I recalled a post a writing friend wrote a while back and I loved the way she approached the topic of superpowers much better.

Instead of the superpowers we think of from Hollywood movies like Iron Man, Superman, Spiderman and Batman (or even The Incredibles...one of my faves) how about we go the "halo and wings" route, as my friend Shelly would say?

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." ~ Galatians 5:22-23

Those are some mighty superpowers, don't you think?

"The Bible refers to them as the 'fruit of the Spirit,' but I see them as supernatural, superpowerful traits that can change the course of history. When we use these superpowers, what’s meant for evil is turned to good. What’s right triumphs over evil and sin. God gets the glory and He delivers the benefits to His kids."
~ Alison Hector of Embrace the Struggle, Got Superpowers?

Alison added a nine more superpowers to the fruits of the Spirit that I will also add here because they too are mighty powerful traits to possess.
  • Prayer
  • Resilience
  • Flexibility
  • Tolerance
  • Empathy–not pity
  • Compassion
  • Wisdom
  • Encouragement
  • Praise
Because of God's grace, we all have special gifts (aka: superpowers) He has given us to do certain things well (Romans 12:6). What's yours? I know you have at least one you can tell us about. 

Oh, what's mine? Encouragement.

I hope you find encouragement whenever you stop by here for a visit. I'd like to say I use this superpower the most when I come by to visit you though. It's my favorite thing to do. I love coming over to let you know you and your words matter to me. They make a difference so keep on keeping on. 

What about outside of the blogging world? I'm a quiet one, friends. Extending encouragement doesn't come as easily but when I do have the opportunity to connect one-on-one with you (small gatherings are my cup of tea) I do my best to communicate the same: You matter to me. You make a difference so keep on keeping on.

I'm adding kindness as one of my superpowers too and will use the saying "not a mean bone resides in my body." At least I hope not.

Back to YOU. What's your superpower and how are you using it to bless others?


25 comments :

  1. Definitely encouragement for me as well. I find that God will use me to encourage others, even when I feel weak and broken. In my writing, as well as IRL, I strive to always use words that lift up and edify, speaking life and hope. Loving your "get to know you" posts!

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    1. You are an encourager, friend. As I've said many times during your blogging break, you still had a way of encouraging my heart. Love you. xoxo

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  2. Beth,
    This is my second try at posting...I'd say I'm, like you and Barbie, an encourager with a side dish of compassion. I wonder how many writers will turn out to be encouragers???
    Love you friend,
    Bev

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    1. We are a team of encouragers here, Bev. Thank you for sharing. Love you. (((hugs)))

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  3. Encouragement for sure even though I struggle at times with the words to say. And Intercession. I guess that is why I also say I am praying for you!!

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    1. Oh that would be me too, Jenn. I want to encourage but there are time the words don't come. My hope is others always know my heart. Love you. xoxo

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  4. Isn't it kind of neat that so far, we're all knowing that we're encouragers? Don't you love extending that grace in person ... and being able to do it in our online communities as well?

    So cool ...

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    1. So cool, indeed! I love how there are many of us extending His grace throughout the blogosphere. It's a beautiful thing. xoxo

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  5. It looks like we are gaining members to the Encouragers' Team by the answers to your question so far! I would put myself in that category, too. However, recently, I feel like I've had some "Krytonite" in my pocket! LOL I'm praying against the schemes of the enemy to weaken my "super powers". I know God is with me and He is the one who enables me to encourage others. As I refuel myself with Him, through His Word, prayer and quite times away with Him, I am feeling my strength, His gift, return.

    Blessings, Beth! I love your Monday questions!!

    Love you, Joan

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    1. I think you also have the gift of seeing His beauty, Joan. :) Not sure through your blog and your linkup, but it's reflected in all you share. I love that about you. It's a gift indeed. xoxo

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  6. When I did the Strengths Finder 2.0 a few years ago, I was surprised to find that I am a Developer - I am able to see the full potential in others and draw it out in them and empower them towards personal and professional growth. And, yes! I can claim that. For years now I am an awe at how God allows me to see others through His eyes - the beauty within as well as on the outside. I am a Bridge Builder. I love connecting others and introducing people to each other who might have things in common. I love building teams and puling people together with different skills for a common goal or task. Thank you, Beth, for this. Fun to share in this way.

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    1. I love that, Jana. A bridge builder. Makes me think of our Word Warriors group and how you brought us together. Thank you so much for sharing. I did a spiritual gifts survey a while back but need to check out that Strengths Finder 2.0 you mention. xoxo

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  7. Like Jana, I did Strength Finders a couple years ago. Before that I would have said I was an Encourager (I do still find myself encouraging others), but I came out a strong Developer and I think that fits me better. I find myself encouraging others by developing them. I see this in my advocacy for Compassion International (developing other sponsors), as a violin teacher (developing their skills as musicians) and as a homeschooling mom (developing my kids education and skills).

    I also definitely have the superpower of Compassion....specifically when it comes to children living in poverty.

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    1. I still love that you are a violin teacher, Jill. Super cool! Thank you so much for sharing. I'm all smiles on Monday's from the opportunity to get to know all of you better. Thank you too for your heart to be an advocate for Compassion. Blessings. xoxo

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  8. Hi Beth!!! I haven't stopped by in a while and cetainly have been reading your posts but felt "encouraged" to write today!! I think mine is encouragement and compassion....I tend to attract broken people which I have compassion for and love to encourage them at the same time to find their happy <3
    I need to look into strength finder!!

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    1. It's so good to see you here, Veronica. Thank you so for sharing today. I know I appreciated your heart to reach out to me after sharing my struggles with an eating disorder. It was a beautiful reflection of your heart to help others find healing. I appreciate you. I need to look into that Strength Finder too. Much love. xoxo

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  9. How fun! Hmmm, I would have to say Encouragement and Prayer. I think those go hand in hand. I sure do love to pray. Love you, sweet friend! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

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    1. I 100% agree, friend. You are and encourager and a prayer warrior. I love when you appear in my FB messenger with exactly the prayer that is needed. You are a blessing and I love you so much. xoxo

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  10. Well, it's not really on your list, but I'd say mine is Truth...seeing the truth, pointing people to the truth, encouraging people to be accountable to the truth. I can be an encourager too, but truth is where my heart is at! Great question, Beth. Much love to you!

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    1. Holly, that is a wonderful gift. Especially encouraging people to be accountable to the truth. Thank you so much for sharing. xoxo

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  11. I was going to say that I possess all those super powers...including humility! LOL!!

    Actually, it's hard for me to look at myself and acknowledge a gift. I guess I'd have to say encouraging and teaching. And I think the Lord is enabling me to do that through my blog. This is a tough old world, and I certainly hope that I bring people something that makes them feel better, and causes them to turn to the One who is the greatest source of Hope, and the Teacher of all Truth!

    GOD BLESS!

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  12. Your super power is definitely encouragement :) I've really missed reading your posts and am so happy to have more time now to stop by :) I would say my super power is gentleness. Up until a few years ago, I thought it was a weakness... But, after going through a very difficult situation, I realized how happy I was to emerge just as hopeful, trusting and 'naive' as before it happened. I would have been so sad if my heart would have been hardened or if I would have become cynical. I think I use my super power to bless other people by showing them that it is possible to make strong life decisions and go through difficult things with a trusting heart and gentle soul ♥

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  13. First, a confession. I love to encourage others but since I'm quiet and introverted, I do it better through my blog and commenting and connecting via words. I am always humbled when something I write encourages or uplifts someone else. My superpower is actually something I've suffered a lot to gain...empathy. While the past experiences were incredibly painful, I realize how I can use those moments to reach out to others in pain. And I wouldn't trade it for the world :) Terrific question, Beth!!

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  14. Faith. By Christ alone, in Christ alone. I walk it imperfectly but it is my passion to live with eyes of faith because I always get caught up in the circumstances of today. The enemy wants to keep me short-sighted and prevent the beauty for eyes that trust in what He sees above my own.

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Much love to you.