Sunday, January 18, 2009

Paying It Forward

It finally happened. No longer will I look wistfully at those awards on other blogs and sigh that my sidebar bears no such honor. I am almost embarassed by how thrilled I am. In theory, I should be past needing recognition from my fellow travelers, but I guess it is good to be human after all!

So I am very grateful to my friend Denise who blessed me with the Emblem of the Helping Hand award. This award, sponsored by Sojourner's Place, is to thank our online mentors and (as in my case) to encourage up and coming bloggers that one deems worthy. Each person who receives the award is asked to "pay it forward" to bloggers who've encouraged us along the way and to newer bloggers that show great promise.

How much fun is that? So without further ado (drum roll please), I want to present the Emblem of the Helping Hand to these amazing women:

Angie: what a precious encouragement she has been to me! She was the first woman who really reached out to me in the blogosphere; my life has been richer for it.

Denise: I don't know if you're supposed to ricochet the award back to the one who gave it to you to start with, but this awesome woman of God means the world to me.

Amrita: From the other side of the globe, she always lifts my spirits and gives me new courage to keep on writing.

Elaine: This is another generous spirit who has taken the time and trouble to stop by my place often, always with just the right dose of cheerleading to spur me on.

Sita: With a passion for all things godly, she keeps me focused on our King. She truly "wears her heart on her sleeve" and to me, that's what blogging is all about.

Liz: Ever meet people out here in Blogland and know instantly they were cut from the same bolt of cloth? That's how I feel about my recently added friend, Liz.

Lidj: Her story of grief and courage gives me goose bumps. She is a shining light, not just in the Philippines but here in the good ol' U.S. of A.

Be sure to visit each of these extraordinary women - I promise they will bless your socks off (how's that for Suuuuuuuuuuthern)!

May you feel His grace today,
Gail W.

The last Word:
Encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you . . . think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because of their work.
1 Thessalonians 5: 11-13, NLT.

8 comments:

Sita said...

Gail,
Wow, what an honor to be included with such women I am in awe of. Your words mean the world to me. You have such an encouraging spirit and my special name for you is "drop of Heavenly dew"...thank you...
Love, Sita

SjP said...

Congratulations on receiving the Emblem. No doubt it is only the first of many that you will receive. Keep up the good work! Congratulations again!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Thank you, Gail, for this award. It is my privilege to stop by here! You are a great writer and always stir my mind and heart toward deeper thought.

Have a great week ahead.

peace~elaine

Amrita said...

Thank you so much Gail. Hugs to you

Crown of Beauty said...

Wow, Gail! This is so special. Thank you for encouraging my heart today!

Denise said...

I love you my sweet blessing friend.

Aunt Angie said...

Dear preSHUS Gail. I fear that I am NOT blessing ANYONE's socks off right now! Been in a HUGE hole of melancholy. BUT am trying with all my soul to climb out.

I thank you for YOUR love and kindess to mention me! Little (not quite little) 'ole (feeling VERY old) me. I love you DEARLY my girl!!! THANK YOU! FOR listening to me carry on at times...and so forth and so on....

Liz said...

Gail, I am so touched! Thank you and I agree...we are cut from the same cloth. I love reading your blog, it always speaks to my heart,and it makes me think a little deeper. Thanks, also for the encouraging words you leave for me, they ALWAYS lift me up!
I am looking forward to much more blog time with you, my friend.