It's about strengthening each other

            We all have areas of weakness. Whether it be something we continually do without wanting to, or not doing something because we are afraid or just don't want to, it is something we all struggle with each and every day. Unfortunately, it is hard to expect us to be able to handle these issues on our own; by our own definition, we are too weak. We need help.
            Here is where things get difficult though; just because someone is willing to help you doesn't mean that they can or even should. This comes back to the famous quote by Jesus, "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Just because someone isn't suffering from the same ineptitude does not mean that they are the right person to help us, even if they have the desire to do so. Why? Put simply, one way strengthening won't let them worry about their own areas that need growth; you need to strengthen each other.
            What it comes down to is balance. You can't expect someone who doesn't excel in your weaknesses to be able to help you and vice-versa. Whether its compiling a circle of friends to help the next, or finding your perfect opposite, the only way for real growth is to build on each other without weighing them down. Just how you wouldn't build on a weak foundation, you must fill in each others cracks and be both the foundation and tower together.
            It's not easy accepting your own weaknesses, much less sharing them with others. All of our lives we are taught to deal with our own problems and that, "God helps those who help themselves." What we fail to realize is that God is here for the sick, not the well. It's when we realize we are helpless that He most comforts us, and He doesn't do that alone. He has given us all friends or family to help us overcome what holds us back; all perfectly chosen just for you. Opposites attract for a reason; they are the peanut butter to your jelly, but only together can you be greater than the sum of your parts and become the perfect sandwich.


And I'd like to think God enjoys a good PB&J.  :)

It's not just flowery language

             When we hear the words "flowery language," what most likely goes through our heads is the sweet nothings we all associate with relationships. To the parties involved in the conversation, these words are sweeter then honey and are deeply encouraged in most situations. To parties not involved, however, these words are most revolting thing that could be said. What we all miss though is the importance of such language in everyday situations, not just intimate relationships.
            What we must first realize is what  flowery language really is: embellishing for the sake of emphasis of a specific point (also known as a hyperbole). Something we don't acknowledge though is the abundance of situations that we all use it in and how it helps us to communicate truth to someone, even though embellishing is, at its heart, lying.
            When your good friend is having a bad day, it is not uncommon to tell them that you would do anything for them. Would you really do anything for them? If they told you to jump off a bridge, would you do it? Of course not, but it conveys to them that you really do care. When you tell your significant other that your love burns hotter then a thousand suns, it really doesn't. It's just their way of putting into words something abstract. When your boss says he will give you the boot if your performance doesn't improve, you don't consider ignoring him to get free footwear.    
            Outside of birthday surprises, there aren't many occasions where lying isn't frowned upon but flowery language is definitely one of them. We have all become so accustomed to using it that, until someone else uses it front of us, we tend to be oblivious to it. That doesn't mean we can just not use it however. Sometimes telling your friend that you care or your partner you love them isn't enough; even if it is the truth. Sometimes true words cannot express what we feel. So next time you hear a sweet nothing, never forget that, while maybe not in the same context, you do the same thing too. Sometimes the only way to express what needs to be said is in beautiful lie.
          

It's not about the number

            So many people nowadays put so much emphasis on the numerical representative of someones age. We are all given key ages to get to before we are considered ready for a job, a right, or even personal responsibility. But what do these ages mean? Is it really true that we are not ready to assume our role in society until we fulfill the digital goals we are all given? Yes. And No.
            Many times in our lives we pass points to be accepted into a new category in society. Whether it be teenagers, voters, adults, or senior citizens, we are all placed in categories to describe where we are in life. The problem with this system is that, while it groups us apart to signify we are different, it forgets to unite us in the characteristics we have in common.
            We were all put here for a reason. Whether it's to be teachers, doctors, politicians, mothers, or just friends, we all have a goal and purpose to pursue. No matter the stage in life we are in, we are all working towards being what we are. Yes, the older we get, the more we can do towards our goals, but the goals are still the same.
            What does all this mean? It means age contributes to us and no the other way around. We are free to be who and what we want without the stigma of our birth date. We don't have to let our age or lack-thereof  hinder us from being who we want. The number is there to empower us to move ahead in life and not hold us back. So this year, on your birthday, don't count down towards your goal, count up towards the dreams you've wanted since you were a lowly 1.