I Take off the MASK!

Grief and Healing - Download the eBook

Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7, WEB

When we give only because we expect something in return, it is most likely that people will fail us and not meet our expectations of them. This can happen in big things as well as in the little things. It can happen with total strangers and it can happen with people who are close to us.

Must we continue to feel disappointed and sad because our gifts have not returned for us the fruits we wanted to have? Must our happiness depend upon how others would react towards our generosity?

Let us turn to God to fill all our needs. And when we are fully satisfied, let us then give what we can with a happy heart!

They who are truly rich are those who can joyfully give without expecting anything in return.

You can always plant seeds of love. But you must leave the harvest to God. – Jocelyn Soriano

Let us make it a habit to plant seeds of love and kindness wherever we may go. Let us plant some in our workplace and in our travels. Let us plant some where we meet our neighbors and where we praise and worship God. And let us never forget to plant some in our homes, within our family circle and our friends, and ask God to bless such seeds which only He can help to grow.

We may not see too quickly the fruits of the good we do, but let us continue to believe that we never labor in vain. For true love and charity takes root deep within the heart and changes the soul. It grows unseen until it blossoms from grace known to God alone.

Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. – Galatians 6:9, WEB

The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. – Psalm 34:18, WEB

Just when you think God is so far away, believe, because He is ever near. He is there with you – closer than you could ever think.

For He watches over you and He knows your sorrow, He shares your every hurt. Right where it hurts the most, He is there. Right where it is darkest, He walks with you and gives you strength.

You may not know how you can still heal from all the pain, but hold on! Though you may not know, trust there is One who can make you whole again.

You may not see how life could be bright again, but take heart! There is One who can lift you up from your deepest falls.

He knows what it’s like to be broken, what it’s like to be crushed from within. Had He not been deserted by His closest friends and betrayed by those whom He trusted? Had He not been accused unjustly and scorned by those whom He healed?

We have a friend who is closer to us than we think. He understands our tears more than anyone ever could, and if we could only trust Him, He will do everything to wipe them all away.

Child, speak no more of your misery; it is already forgotten. Listen, My child, to what I desire to tell you. Come close to My wounds and draw from the Fountain of Life whatever your heart desires. -Diary of Divine Mercy

I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university. – Albert Einstein

If we love others, we must learn to accord each one our due respect as well. With respect, we show others how we value their dignity. We also show what we deem important, that we look at a person’s worth not in terms of their wealth or position, but in terms of their image as children of God.

Respect shows what kind of people we are. And it manifests both in our words and in our actions.

Let us treat others in the same way that we want to be treated – with utmost respect, kindness and love.

My brothers, don’t hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory with partiality. For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your synagogue, and a poor man in filthy clothing also comes in, and you pay special attention to him who wears the fine clothing and say, “Sit here in a good place;” and you tell the poor man, “Stand there,” or “Sit by my footstool” haven’t you shown partiality amongst yourselves , and become judges with evil thoughts? – James 2:1-4, WEB

Wonderful things can happen at the least expected time. Blessed are those who wait.

Blessed are those who wait upon the Lord, whose expectations come from Him. They shall not be put to shame, neither shall they be disappointed.

For they have put their trust in Him who alone can be trusted. And they have set their eyes on Him who alone can satisfy.

Despise not the time for waiting. We may not see it with our eyes, but beautiful things happen even while we wait.

“O taste, and see that the Lord is sweet: blessed is the man that hopeth in him.” – Psalm 34:8