Giver, giver, giver

I've recently had a revelation about myself. This is not uncommon but I found this one particularly interesting. I feel like I'm a fairly self aware person and when I have a revelation about myself that seems large it strikes me off guard.

So I come from a community that emphasizes the redemptive gifts (Arthur Burke). I love this largely because the focus is on your birthright. If we know our birthright, as well as the attacks against it we can call each other into the fullness of what the L-rd has made us to be. As well as help each other fight the biggest battles set against us. This being said I feel my redemptive gift is that of a giver.

There is a lot involved in all of the giftings, but yes, it is what is sounds...I like to give. I like to give as much as I can whenever I can. Creative gifts, money gifts, food gifts, time gifts, thoughtful gifts, gifts that will bless the person I'm giving them to, and gifts that bless me to give them.

So I've realized that the 5 love languages (Dr. Gary Chapman) also come into play when analyzing my gift. I have 2 other friends that also claim this giver status. First there's Cassie...she's real good at giving gifts. She will paint your wall, build a kitchen for your daughter, design your business card, or make you a pair of earrings. She's creative, intelligent and thoughtful, she likes to give and receive gifts. Then there's Justin....he's amazing at acts of service. He's always there if you need him, he'll cut your grass, give you a ride, or help you move. He loves it when people do him a favor or help him out, he likes to give and receive acts of service.

Then there's me. If you know me you're probably aware that touch is my number one love language. I've most likely hugged you, touched your arm or your shoulder, played with your hair (if you're a girl) etc. So I thought I like to give and receive touch.

I don't like it when people are hurting. I love it when people are able to step out of their comfort zone and do something challenging. And if you've done something awesome that WAY deserves to be noticed. All of the above win words of affirmation from Jess (and probably a hug as well).

This also means if my encouragement is shot down, it hurts. I feel rejected, like my gift of me wasn't good enough. Wow...I didn't even know that was possible. I didn't know I was giving me, I guess. It makes me realize the power of the tongue and that when I use it, it's for the person I'm speaking to, and for myself as well.

I like to give, I also love people, if I can give myself to people that would be the ultimate gift. I do that through words of encouragement. I don't usually have eloquent words like my friends Jack or Bill. And I'm not amazing at writing or expression like my friends Leah or Susan. But if you're going though a hard time, number one you can almost always count on me to pray for you and give you a hug or a pat on the back, but I will also do my best to give you words of affirmation.

Well, that's all...I thought it was interesting, maybe you did too. If not, I promise, my next post will be way less narcissistic.