Part Two - The one with the Facebook 'game'

As promised, this post will complete my experience and thoughts on the 'game' recently circulated around Facebook.  If you have no idea what I am talking about, you obviously missed my previous blog - so - go and check it out and then come back :)

On to part two - the receiving of compliments!

Now, right at the beginning of this post, I need to highlight that this part of the game can seem as though you are just fishing for compliments, and to a certain extent this is true.  However, even if this is the case, is it really such a problem?  If compliments received encourage and build up (not puff up) then there is a place for them in all our lives.

Let's be honest, most of us do like to be complimented.  Right?
And for those people who do not find it easy to receive compliments in person, the fact that the compliments are given with a computer in between somehow makes it easier.  'You are really good at .....' is not immediately met with the 'no, I'm not' type response that is often the case face to face.  These conversations can be awkward, embarrassing, and let's face it - annoying!  If compliments are given honestly and appropriately, there is nothing worse than the recipient continually denying any truth in it.  People - if someone says something nice to you - accept it!  Say 'thank you'.  This isn't big headed or arrogant, but polite.  Anyway ... I digress!

Back to my Facebook experience .....

Having spent quite some time encouraging other people, with a degree of trepidation I inserted my secret number in several inboxes ... and with both curiosity and fear I waited for a response.

In all honesty, the responses were met with a mix of emotions.  I received kind, thoughtful, sweet, loving and encouraging words, for which I am thankful.  However, as I considered the responses I noticed the absence of one particular word - often received in the past during similar 'games'  - and that word was 'cool'. 

Yes, that is right, I used to be 'cool' - at least to some people.  But, it seems that age has finally caught up with me and I no longer fit neatly into the cool compartment.

As I pondered this seemingly depressing revelation, I noticed that in the absence of 'cool' I saw a different word begin to emerge.  A word that even a few years ago I would have ignored for the sake of hearing 'cool'.  The word?

Inspirational.

Upon reflection - I am happy.  If I live my life in such a way that inspires others, (even without being cool!!) then surely this is a good thing?  I guess it depends on the nature of the inspiration.


I hope that I inspire people to see the good in others.

I hope that I inspire people to see the good in themselves.

I hope that I inspire people to become all they were created to be.

I hope that I inspire people to see a good God, who loves unconditionally, and forgives intentionally.

I hope that I inspire people to consider how Jesus can be a part of their own lives.

I hope that I inspire people to continue on in their journey, loving others and serving God.

And I hope that I can now inspire other people to seek to be an inspiration - to be inspirational is a greater achievement and has a more significant impact on others than being 'cool!'

Live and love inspirationally!







You may also like to read the first part in this series :)