On being human

 in July 2019 Look Up / Radio Scripts  tagged being human / grace / limitations by

You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God.

Matthew 5:3 (The Message)

I regularly come to the end of myself. The point where I am done. All done. Undone. It may be parenting, work, relationships or self-management. And in those moments (or periods), my idea of perfect lies in tatters. I recognise that I have limits reminding me that I am human and fragile.

Recently I read a quote from Drew Barrymore;

“Beautiful is the way you feel inside. If you’ve reacted or behaved well, I think you’ll feel attractive.”

I loved it. I even posted on Facebook about it. I understood the challenge to follow this truth – but I didn’t even make the next 24 hours. Instead I had a run in with a school crossing guard. The details don’t need to be discussed. But I reacted poorly. Really?

I don’t think I am alone. Well I hope not because here is the advice, I gave myself. Take a good look at yourself Kelley and see your imperfection – it will help you remain kind and empathetic – see the log in your own eye.

And then LOOK UP. You are not alone in your brokenness. And you are not alone in needing help. And the best of help, comes from the God who loves you most. Warts and all.

About Kelley

Kelley is a speaker, author, overseas aid worker and perpetual student. She is passionate about women and gender issues, both in the local and international context, which underpins her enthusiasm for kinwomen and its contribution to women ‘living their finest life’. In 2014 Kelley completed a Masters in International and Community Development before establishing The Foxglove Project. Foxglove is a registered charity focused on supporting international development projects that are sustainable and driven by indigenous leadership. Kelley’s paid work requires her to travel extensively to evaluate and support projects supported by Australian funds. This experience and networking enables Foxglove to partner with outstanding overseas agencies delivering real opportunities for the poor and vulnerable to lead independent self-determined lives. Kelley combines these passions with a love of family and faith. Across more than 30 years of marriage, Kelley and her husband have worked through many of the challenges of building a relationship while raising three sons. Their boys have now finished high school changing the dynamics of family life and relationships. One of her great joys is sharing parenting lessons and learning from good and bad (sometimes disastrous) experiences. She uses humour and common sense to talk about the everyday challenges facing parents in today’s context.