White & Blue // Being Real

    It's the weekend! And Paige is finally putting up two posts in one week. ;) Today I have an outfit and a devotional to share with you, so scroll on down!

   I got this dress at Target a couple of months ago, and though I wore it, thought it a bit short. The remedy to this situation was a trip to the fabric store and some sewing skills (not mine...). Now the dress has a pretty turquoise band at the bottom to make it longer. Earlier this week, I paired the improved dress with a white cardigan, cinched it with a gray belt, added knee-socks and shod myself with black boots.

Outfit Details: Dress ~ Target; Cardigan ~ Thrift or Consignment Store; Socks ~ ?; Boots ~ Sears

   Do you know people who are real with you? I mean those down-to-earth people that admit their flaws, share their struggles, and tell you that their life isn't perfect. They don't complain or bemoan their past all the time, but they are honest with you. They tell you things to encourage you through your own struggles, or to form a stronger bond. You probably like talking to them.

  There is a passage in the Bible that shows us about using our personal trials as a way to minister to others. The key word in this passage is comfort.  See how it is used in this beautiful bit of scripture.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
II Corinthians 1:3-5 

   Did you see that? God comforts us in our struggles, then He wants us to comfort others. Have you ever been through a trial through which God comforted you? Now you have a tool with which to love and form friendships with others! Here is another verse that talks about comfort, as well as edification.

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
I Thessalonians 5:9-11


  You may love to talk to others about what you've been through, or it may be difficult, especially if you feel that people might think less of you. I would encourage you to be wise and use discretion with what you share and with whom you share. Also be aware of anyone else that may be involved in your story so that you don't hurt or share too much about them.

   At the same time, do not be afraid to be real with others. They will like you all the more for not putting on a "Super Christian" facade. Connecting with another person in this way can deepen your friendship in a bond that goes both ways as you are able to relate to and lean on each other.You may be a source of encouragement to them, and help them feel that they are not alone in their walk of faith. In closing, here is a reminder from scripture for us about how to relate to others:

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others
Philippians 2:3-4