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The other day, I swam in a lake for the first time in years. It’s not because I didn’t want to or was afraid to (maybe, a little scared). It was the fact that I can’t drive my wheelchair to the water’s edge.

At the lake near my house, there are too many bumps, little hills, and sand to safely navigate the terrain. I’m too wobbly on my feet to walk from the parking lot to the water.

Then, once you get in the lake, there are slippery rocks and foot deep drop-offs to challenge my balance and plunge me…

I am inadequate. I’ve known since childhood because my inadequacies were confirmed over and over.

However, I’ve learned that my deficits are a blessing. They are my gift to humanity.

You may think, are you crazy? I don’t want to receive a gift of pain or heartache!

How am I inadequate? I was born that way and so were you The reason being — we are not perfect. We all need help.

Every human being on this planet experiences pain, grief, loss, shame, struggle, and feelings of unworthiness.

It is our purpose on earth to explore our inadequacies and embrace…

Marilyn Flower. Some of you may know her; others may not. But I suspect that is going to change in the next few months.

You see, Marilyn is a prolific writer. Over the past two years, she has written 1,000 articles! To top off her portfolio, she has 3 books in the works.

Can you believe it? I can because I have the honor and privilege of calling Marilyn, my friend.

But I think it goes beyond that term of endearment to that of, sister. She is sister in spirit and in Middle-Pause.

Headdresses

Marilyn is a many-faceted and fascinating woman…

When others are expecting retaliation, offer grace instead. It’ll blow their mind and bless your soul. — Chuck Swindoll

Have you ever felt resentment? I have and I don’t like it. I would rather exchange this terrible thing for something else. Grace, perhaps?

In my experience, I hold resentment in my body. My belly tightens, my heart beats faster, and a hot flush spreads over my face. You may think I’m being overdramatic.

But when I get into an argument with my husband, for instance, I experience those symptoms. Even days later, I’ll catch myself entering this same resentment loop.

…