Coach Kinsey: It Feels Like Home . . .a story for my coaching friends

It Feels Like Home . . .a story for my coaching friends


Leaning against the doorway of the kitchen as my mother washed the dishes, I prattled on about my school day. But mom had no use for third grade anecdotes. She turned her head toward me and with a sneer on her face said, “You talk too much.” 
Bam!  A lump the size of a grapefruit formed in my throat. My chest tightened and tears threatened.  Taking my cue, I left the room.  The serpent took his cue and whispered to my heart, “You’re stupid and uninteresting.” 
Some of my soul withered that day.
At the tender age of 8, I stopped sharing my life with mom, and became guarded about what I shared with others. That pattern continued well into my adult years.
But everyone longs to be heard. Including me. To be heard is to be valued. To be heard is to be validated and esteemed. To be heard is to be loved
And then . . .I found a way to be heard.  Quite by accident. 
In high school, we had a choice between a science project or oration.  I hated science projects (I mean really hated), so I chose to read a poem before the student body.  How hard could that be?  For the first time in my life all eyes were on me, all ears were listening, and . . . they liked it. I won second place.  Whoa! Maybe I wasn't stupid and uninteresting. My  soul expanded a bit.
Some years later I joined Toastmasters (a communication and leadership development club).  I earned every certificate they offered and received their highest honors.  Trophies, ribbons, and plaques adorned my walls.  They all whispered in concert, “We like her, we like what she has to say.” I felt validated, significant, and loved.  My heart dreamed of larger audiences and bigger trophies.
That was fourteen years ago.  Since then, my interest being a great public speaker has disappeared.  
Jesus showed me what my ambitions were really about. They were about a little Kinsey wanting her mother's attention. Wanting her mother to love and value her.  Oh.
Jesus supplanted that terrible lie Satan buried in my heart; the lie I agreed with for so many years.  Jesus spoke truth to me, “Kinsey girl, I’m  interested in you. You are my treasure.  I want to hear all about your day.  Everything about you matters to me.”  He wiped my tears. I leaned back against His chest and exhaled; I was home. I felt valued, significant, and loved.
So dear coaching friends, I want to encourage you to never underestimate the power of listening.  We are Abba's ears.  When we listen well we create a space for people where they they feel valuable, significant, and loved.  We create a space that feels like home.
How cool is that?
What about you, what stories do you have about the power of listening?


18 comments:

  1. This is phenomenal... You are walking in TRUTH! Galations 1:1-10 and seeking the pleasure of your heavenly Father. Inspirational in its honesty, pointing to and glorifying our Father. Amen and Amen! (I may post a link to this from my own blog when we publish "The Moviestar Mentality"...

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  2. I love how you share bits of your life that reflect the Father's heart!

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  3. I LOVE the fact that Jesus listens to me all the time and is interested in every little thing. We are so blessed.

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  4. Way to go Kinsey! Way to overcome Satan and how he uses others to hurt us! Congrats on the honors and certificates at Toastmasters! I, too, will be overcoming a fear of public speaking by attending my first meeting this Tueday at Toastmasters!

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  5. I love this full circle experience Kinsey! Thank you so much for sharing this, it truly inspired me and reminded me to remember to be always present and available for my children.

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  6. I am on the journey of being heard, thank you for accompanying me.

    Mathabo

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    1. I would love to hear your story. Thank you for stopping by!

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  7. Beautiful and uplifting, Kinsey... trading lies for the truth of what we mean to God. Thank you for sharing your story!

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    1. Thank you Diane - for reading and giving your feedback. Looking forward to our next skype.

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  8. Thank you for reminding me that Jesus really is interested in what I have to say. I needed to hear that today.

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by Susan. So glad the message was meaningful to you.

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  9. Sad at the beginning yet beautiful in the end. Isn't that what God does in each of us if we allow Him to? Your writing is anointed. You touched my heart and spirit today. Thank you--I needed that today. May the Lord bless you richly as you continue to surrender to Him and reflect His love for you and others.

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    1. Bless you Kerry. I needed your encouragement about my writing. Thanks!

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  10. We all find our path. It takes time and it takes courage to share it. Thank you!

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  11. Your story, Kinsey, reminded me of myself. And, the picture could have been of me. It brought tears to my eyes.

    How good of Jesus to have parented us up to be the women He has called us to be. Thanks!

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  12. He brings beauty for ashes. He repairs our broken pots. What a good reminder that as coaches, we can be the ears of Jesus. We can bring about that...how did you say it? "My soul expanded a bit." What a beautiful way to express the value of being heard. Thanks for this...

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  13. This is absolutely beautiful, Kinsey. Thank you for the reminders: that Jesus cares and listens all.the.time and that I am His hears to others.

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  14. That was beautiful and spoke to my heart. thank you, Kathi Palmer

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