Please welcome today’s guest writer Michelle Viscuse from journeypink. Michelle is a dear friend with a unique and real voice…please check out her post below (more about Michelle at the end of this post). I’d love for you to visit her website: JourneyPINK
I pulled up to the drive-thru window, digging into my pocketbook for the bright pink wallet that always hides when I need it. I looked up to hand her my card, and all I could see were her bright orange nails as she handed me my drink.
I felt a nudging in my heart to say, “I like your nails.” As I handed her my card, I smiled and tried make eye contact. She closed the window and I had a quick little mind conversation ~ a really quick chat with myself.
“WHAT? Why would I say I like her nails? THAT IS JUST WEIRD. What if she thinks I am crazy. Who does that? I‘m just here for a Diet Coke…”
Again, the gentle whisper, “tell her you like her nails.”
The window opened and my card and receipt were right there, and as I took them I smiled and awkwardly said, “Hey, by the way I love your nails.” As she was closing the door, she paused and smiled as she said, “thank you.”
As I drove away the cold sip warmed my heart and I was smiling too.
It wasn’t long after that encounter that it happened again at the grocery store. Her chipped nails were a pretty color, and as I walked away I said, “I love that nail color on you.” She smiled.
I smiled, and I stopped feeling awkward about it. I started doing it more often. I started noticing nails, and looking for worn faces and weary eyes. I paid attention and listened for the whisper to interrupt the pace of their day with a smile and a kind word.
I slowed down my rush to pay attention.
In the beginning of my healing journey, I painted my nails pink all the time, all shades, all ways to remind myself that I am PINK. I am His Princess.
I am a Princess In Need of a King.
Sometimes in counseling I would focus on my nails as I processed painful memories and flashbacks. There were times when I would literally feel shame cover me from head to toe, and looking at my pink nails helped. Painted nails made a big difference for me, and eventually I started painting them other colors. I found any color helped me to focus on who God says I am and not who I grew up believing I was.
There is a beautiful lady in our church who hugs me every Sunday. She wears bright colors, gloves, scarves, hats – I just love her! One Sunday, she gave me a hug and then took both of my hands and held them as she talked to me. I looked down at her hands and saw she was rocking bright blue nail polish that matched her fancy hat! I let her know how much I loved the color.
I bought some just like it and painted my nails. During my therapy session, I stared at my blue nails the entire time while squeezing a rock with the word “courage” on it. I came back to work and struggled to hold it together. It was a really hard session. A lady came by towards the end of the day to drop off her business cards and treats, and I smiled with puffy eyes and thanked her. She left and as I headed back to my desk – I heard the door open again. I turned around and it was her. She came back in to say to me, “I really wanted to tell you I love your nail color. I really like it!”
If you are the parent of vardenafil vs viagra a teen, get your teen enrolled in a reputable driving school like Driver Ed Texas, where he or she can get the best preparation for the road. This irritation may result from the side effects of PDE-5 blockers: Unlike other medicine buy tadalafil 20mg , cialis can show adverse reaction on the health of a user. A research indicated that around 40 – 60 % 20mg levitra canada of women have sexual issues and 12 % has reported distressing sexual problems. Pitta viagra for sale mastercard increasing foods and lifestyle cause this variation. I thanked her as she left and then I cried my eyeballs out. I cried because I knew in that moment without a doubt that I was hearing God, His small voice.
He was speaking to me. Notice.
He was whispering, “She is hurting. Look at her. Say a kind word. You know what painted nails do for you? Wonder why she paints her nails? Notice her nails, and the pain in her eyes. Notice her.”
I obeyed and He gave it back to me. He confirmed it for me. He noticed me. He filled me with joy.
God did a major work in my heart that day. He assured me that I am hearing Him, and that my greatest blessing is to be obedient, not just about noticing nail color but about every step he has planned for me ahead. On that day, the voices of doubt and fear were knocked flat. And now, when I hear His still small voice and doubt tries to creep in, I look at my nails and I remember that day. I remember the joy of obedience.
The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.
Deuteronomy 30:10
What about you? Is He whispering to you? What are you learning about His voice?
Michelle writes about her journey at JourneyPINK. Pink has not always been her favorite color, but it is now. It reminds her of Jesus and his extravagant love for his daughters. Because we are ALL Princesses in Need of a King (PINK).
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WOW! Michelle, that was so beautiful and so intense and so, so…moving! I felt the Spirit come and sit with me as I read your words! I have been struggling with some issues with Him in my spirit today and I just can’t shake this feeling that He is saying to me, “I see you. I notice you.” Thank you. (And BTW, I just had my nails painted yesterday. I struggled with the color because it was out of my comfort zone and finally my daughter said, “Just do it.” Now I know why)
Stephanie,
I am so very thankful this blessed you! I have had this as a draft for a while and finished it up to publish here. I have no doubt that God is confirming His unending love for you – His Precious Daughter! He sees you. He notices you. YOU ARE HIS! Keep painting those nails, and give your daughter a hug for me for encouraging you to “just do it”! My heart is filled with joy, and my nails will be painted shortly! Thank you for encouraging me! Blessings ~ Michelle
Oh, Michelle, you have me in tears!!! How beautiful… You are such a gifted, anointed writer. God is using your voice, your hurts, your courage, your listening ear to make a huge difference in this world. Keep going. Much, much love to you sweet friend.
Renee,
You will never imagine how much the Lord has used you to encourage me and I am sure you do it for others too! His work in us and through us is amazing when our hearts are open. Your open heart overflows with His goodness and I am thankful to call you friend! Love you! ~ Michelle
I noticed the title and giggled as I am sitting here trying to catch up and multitask.nailpolish at the ready. mine is a pale coral, I’m so happy it’s Spring!
This really spoke to my heart. I’m always looking to encourage people but the introverted me has a hard time speaking up sometimes for fear of making a fool out of myself. I’m going to step it up and make myself step out of the comfort zone.
PS I have a bit of an obsession with nail polishes myself…
Krista,
Thank you so much for stopping by and I will have to try pale coral – it sounds like a beautiful spring color! I am so thankful this spoke to you, and I am cheering you on as you take steps out of your comfort zone and cheering even more as your heart is encouraged as you see others smile! Happy Spring to you! ~ Michelle
I am so touched. Michelle this post is beautiful. I too notice nails and glasses, maybe i should tell the wearer.thanks for the blessing.
Karen,
You are a blessing to me! I am so thankful this touched you and I pray it will encourage you to go for it! Miss you! ~ Michelle
Tears, Michelle! This is absolutely beautiful! I love the compassionate heart of the Father, who cares so much about the smallest details in our lives, and invites us into an intimate relationship where He truly does speak to us, and pours His love into our hearts. Thank you so much for sharing this today!
Blessings and hugs,
Kamea
Kamea,
Thank you sweet friend for your encouragement. He really does care so much and what a blessing it is to be reminded and to remind others! Your words bless me. Thank you! ~ Michelle
Great post! Biy I really needed this today!!! Thank you Jesus.
Colleen, thank you and yes, thank you Jesus! I am so thankful that He gives us just what we need – just when we need it! What a blessing! ~ Michelle
I love pink too. just like you Jesus taught me to love it.
<3 Pink love!! I love that He opens our eyes to color and opens our hearts to His love! Thank you for stopping by!! ~Michelle
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