Friday, September 4, 2009

No More, No Less

When I was in my twenties and pretty new to marriage, I lost a diamond out of my wedding ring. I remember being so sad because it would never be the actual diamond that was put on my finger the day I was married. I am traditional and sentimental that way.

We took the ring to a jeweler a friend recommended who worked in a building in downtown LA. It was a store run by a father and son and I liked the father instantly. He was so old fashioned looking with his white hair, small spectacles on the tip of his nose, crisp white shirt and black pants. His black shoes shined as if they had been polished that morning and a shiny black belt held up the pants on his thin, tall frame. His eyes were bright,kind and wise.


He helped us pick out a stone and took care of the re-setting. We discovered through conversation that he lived near us so he suggested that when it was ready, I could just go by his home to pick it up so as to avoid driving into the city.


As I walked up to his single story home with the perfectly manicured yard, I was excited to put my wedding ring back on my finger. He welcomed me with a smile, we chatted for a moment and he handed me the box. Before I left, he did one more thing. He graciously took my hand, looked into my eyes and said, "May you be the woman God created you to be, no more and no less." I smiled and thanked him and was instantly changed by those words.


Before that point, there was always this feeling inside of me that I needed to be more like this person or that person. In my car, I exclaimed to the Lord in my car- You mean I don't have to be athletic. I don't need to be artistic or even funny. I don't even have to be really great at even one thing! I don't have to be anything more than You created me to be. And I desire to be nothing less than You created me to be.


Now that I am in my late thirties, I don't even remember all of the things I must have been striving to be. There is a certain glorious feeling of being comfortable in your own skin that comes with a little ageing that I wouldn't trade for all the benefits of youth.

This sweet man's words were life giving to me and they have never left me. They have also done more for me than that lost diamond ever could have.


So this is my hope for you Mamasistas-


May you be the woman God created you to be, no more...


and no less!






21 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a fabulous memory to have-- and a great lesson to learn. I am at that exact stage in life (ya know, early twenties and newly married!) and that is one of the things I struggle with constantly. You always have encouraging words. Thank you!

Farmgirl Paints said...

I am seriously sitting here with tears streaming down my face. That spoke directly to me. I am striving trying so hard to fit into the artist mold. What it's supposed to look like...that I'm scared to death to actually create something from my own heart...afraid it won't be good enough.

I sooo needed to hear those words! God has equipped me with everything I need, to be just want He wants me to be. I need to just get out of the way. Love that post Brigetta...thank you!

Sheryl said...

oh what a sweet memory! what powerful words. thanks for sharing them and may i really take them to heart today!!

hope you have a great labor day weekend!!

Leslee said...

WOW!! What an a special story! Totally sitting here with goosebumps!

I hear the message and try daily to be ME, not anyone else...

Thank you Brigetta for sharing this story!

Leslee said...

WOW!! What an a special story! Totally sitting here with goosebumps!

I hear the message and try daily to be ME, not anyone else...

Thank you Brigetta for sharing this story!

Lena said...

Thank you for sharing the wise, beautiful words... very strong and true. I love it.... such inspiration. Also, may the Lord send rain your way to clean away the smoke and dust you had for the past few days...:)

Helen McGinn said...

What a wonderful man for telling you that. The freedom that comes with letting go of false ideas is amazing...it opens up your life and your time to so much more.

I'm so glad you did this post.

Helen x
p.s. care package shall contain a tartan kilt, bagpipes, a copy of Robert Burns poetry (our national poet) and a bag of tablet...enjoy. ;O)

Helen McGinn said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Xazmin said...

What a beautiful, uplifting post! Thank you! I came over from SITS, and I loved reading this post! Going to browse around some more!

Lemonade Makin' Mama said...

well that was about my favorite post you've ever written. So sweet and what words to think about.

Brian the old man said...

It is wonderful to find peace and happiness with who you are and living in His will. For so long I fell into the pits of depression which led to many health problems. Two years ago I was bed ridden. In February I almost died. He then granted me a miracle and gave me a 2nd chance. Now I have lost over 80 pounds and I write to help lead others to a happier and healthier lifestyle. He has granted me the ability to shine my light upon the world as in Matthew 5:14-16. My journey to a happier and healthier lifestyle can be found at http://oldmanblurtsout.today.com/ I also write a column in a local paper and for the quarterly paper for my parish. It makes me feel wonderful to be able to reach out to those that are struggling. I thank God for blessing me to be able to do His work. Take care and God bless.

Foursons said...

What an awesome man God put into your path.

Kasey said...

what a beautiful post!
xo

Kelly said...

Thank you so much for this post. It spoke directly to me. So often I find myself wanting to be like other people, but I have to remember that God made me different...and I should not compare myself to others. Thanks again!!

Zoe said...

I love this! Thanks for sharing...

Jennifer Dawn said...

I found your blog while blog surfing. I love your motto, "This is what life looks like when you have your cake and eat it too." I also appreciated your inspiring post on being the woman GOD wants...nothing more and nothing less. What wise words! Thanks for sharing.

Angie said...

Great story and awesome words to live by...thanks for sharing!

Brigetta's Mom said...

Again...Lucky Me to be your Mother, Mom and most of all Mommy to you my dear daughter!

Lacey said...

Such a beautiful post and a wonderful reminder. Thank you for sharing this!

Unknown said...

I remember this time in your life oh so well... sometimes a complete stranger comes to us and showers us with simple words of wisdom... it's like the lord sends us an angel to help calm our fears and struggles. It's even more special when we are able to receive this gift. Beautifully written as always... I love you!

Fliterary said...

Beautiful post and beautiful words. Thank you.