The Preciousness of Others

Last week, I answered a question from a reader about breastfeeding in public.  What I wanted to do was to get to the root of a fruit which gives license to disregard the thoughts and feelings of others. I wanted to open a dialogue about the old-fashioned idea of putting others first—and instead, I hit a nerve that tells me we have a very real problem as women—one that’s worth talking about. This is not about breastfeeding. I have breastfed all seven of my sweet babies. I’ve nursed them in public—on trains, planes and in restaurants and libraries. I’m an advocate of breastfeeding—so this is not about that. This is about being considerate of others. Women, a new generation of girls are watching us. Social media is watching. Our daughters and nieces and watching. Teachers, your students are watching. Are we “lording” our rights over others, or are we being examples of beauty and grace?  The ability to bear and nurse babies is a precious gift—just like the precious responsibility of modeling thoughtful behavior to the children we are blessed to call our own. Influence is a gift. And that’s what this is really about. Are we influencing others in such a way that our lives say, “I think you’re precious?”  Human beings are precious to God—therefore—they should be precious to us. Jesus Christ laid down His rights for us—even to the point of going to the cross. He is the example we are called to follow. Today on the podcast, I’ll unpack a little of what happened and explain why I believe this is a conversation that women need to have—in love—and with the heart of Christ.   Scripture References cited Ephesians 4:11-16 Philippians 2:3 More Like This From the Busy Mom Learning to be Wise and Gentle A Spiritual Battle