Are you a member of the BALM Squad?

 Touchstones of Love - Everyday Reminders for Living in Love

Are you a member of the Balm Squad?

People are beautiful.  You can judge them if you want.  I know that even if I don’t want to, I do. I remember a workshop where one woman seemed withdrawn and a little strange.  We had an exercise of mapping out our life’s journey and then sharing our stories. As she told us where she had been you couldn’t help but be impressed at what she had come through and how she had gone on to study to become a psychologist.  We need to know their stories.

Another person who has inspired me is Dr. Judith Briles. She is the author of When God Says No. I wrote a review of her book for Amazon and thought I should share it here too.

I met Judith at a National Speakers Association meeting but got to know her better on 9/11. We were both speakers at a large nursing conference in Florida. Since speakers couldn’t fly in and we couldn’t leave, Judith was asked if she would do the closing keynote too. She said yes but also looked around to share the stage that next afternoon. She invited me to do a guided visualization and found another participant who could sing Amazing Grace acapella. That lone voice started singing but other voices started joining in and arms began linking so by the end of that song the entire ballroom was one in sound and body. It eased some pain.

I guess she knows how to ease pain. I read her beautiful book When God Says No and was surprised at all the trauma Judith has overcome in her life.  Her wonderful smile and easy laugh wouldn’t give you a clue about the path she has traveled. And apparently everything she does she does expertly. That close of the conference 9/12 was inspiring. And more recently we reconnected again. Her help with my book marketing (Frazzled to Fantastic! You’re One Thought Away From Feeling Better) garnered me Amazon best seller status in 10 categories on 4 continents. She has authored over 40 books herself, some with big publishing houses or better yet publishing herself.  I don’t know how many other authors she’s helped but I watched her do it for me at warp speed and with joy.  I was amazed at all she was juggling. If you want to write a book, reach out to her at The Book Shepherd.

Reading When God Says No was inspiring. She goes beyond the “no” to find the “yeses.” It shows us the strength of the human spirit with God’s help. I’ve had some hard times in my life and I remember thinking when you’re brought to your knees you might as well pray while you’re down there. She invites you to develop your relationship with God, “trusting in it and having the faith that together you can handle things.” She gives us the lovely vision that “Faith is like the wind, you can’t see it but you can feel it and see its effects.” And her admonition: “If there was ever a time to play, being in the middle of adversity is one of them.” I’ve shared the medical research that proves the importance of laughter and humor, it shows you she’s right. Judith lifts you and invites you to “Dream Big and Reach Beyond.”

Sometimes quiet and reflective and sometimes sparkling with laughter and joy, in person and through her spoken and written words Judith is offering healing, easing pain and bringing peace to those she touches. I will send this book as a gift to those I think who would use this healing balm.

When you encounter a person such as this it makes you want to emulate them. I invite you to look at your attitude and interactions. Note where and how they might be better and make them so and be sure to celebrate when you know you’ve been used to do a little of “Gods work.” Judith has been used. Be intentional. Might you make it a goal of yours to add peace, love and joy to your world? Will you open yourself to be a healer, a member of the Balm Squad? Who knows where it will go? We need it.

Lynn Durham, Author of From Frazzled to Fantastic! You're One Thought Away From Feeling Better smile@lynndurham.com, 603-926-9700