Happy Friday, Everybody!!!

My husband and I experienced a new adventure this week. We, (I say “we” because my husband is the one on front line – LOL), experienced our first glimpse of menopause symptoms this week. My poor husband looked like a deer in headlights. 

In December of last year, I had a hysterectomy, but my doctor left my ovaries in intact. The ovaries are the hormone regulators. Within 10 minutes yesterday, I was sad, crying, then ended it all with laughing. It felt like the invasion of the body snatchers. I have been having the hot flashes and night sweats for a while. I mistakenly thought that the flashes were the totality of menopause. 

My sweet husband, after the initial shock wore off, just gently said, “Now that we know what it is, we can do things to make it easier.” It made me feel loved, appreciated and more than anything, I didn’t feel like I was facing this alone. 

Why am I talking about this for a devotional? First because it is something that almost every woman will have to go through. Secondly, you probably know someone who is going through it or will be going through it soon. Finally, it’s a reminder to be gentle with yourself and with others. 

Gentleness goes a long way. Here is what the bible says about gentleness:

Philippians 4:4-7 

New International Version (NIV)

Final Exhortations

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Go in peace today. Walk in love with boldness for the Lord. Be gentle with others. You never know who may come closer to Christ, because of your gentle actions. 

I love you, 

Minister Marcia Davis