We sat in the floor of my small bedroom thumbing through the pages of an old photo album of my past life. Images that showed smiling faces everywhere. Smiles, all smiles. Everything looked like a beautiful life.
As we turned the pages, I pointed out the people he knows, but would not recognize in their earlier ages. He was so interested in learning about them. And then, it was as if the world stopped for both of us.
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It is something we all struggle with at some season of our life. Especially as women, moms and daughters. We hear people say, “Don’t Worry, let it go” many times throughout the day. How is it they can say this? Do they really mean it? I wonder if they have been able to get rid of that tight knot in their stomach. You know what I’m talking about. It makes you want to lay down and sleep forever or run and hide till it goes away. It’s a knot that feels like it will never go away. I’m willing to guess that if you don’t have it now, there has been a point in your life when you have. Probably more than once.
If you used to have it and don’t any longer, what is it that made it go away? I am one of those people who used to have multiple knots and worry as soon as I (more…)
One of the most empowering things I have learned to do is “Let Go” of the control in my life. I have learned to live my life realizing that the best way I can make a difference is to begin with where I need to improve, asking God to help me.
I have also learned there are some people that have not yet learned this lesson. They spend way too much time looking at others and pointing fingers trying to tear their lives down, rather than using words to build one up. These people are unable to look in the mirror and see the error of their ways. Many times it can be because those closest to them do not model a better way. There is a loving way to communicate to a loved one that what they are saying or doing is hurtful, thoughtless and arrogant. On the flip side, be very wise about where you point your finger. Many a person will turn to be your enemy if you point at them. Only those ready to receive constructive criticism accept it and use it to improve. It has also been said that those who point their finger are telling a lot about them selves. Kind of like looking in a mirror. Taking the log our of our own eyes before we try to tell someone about a tiny speck of dirt in theirs is crucial in creating change from love.
The bottom line is that we all have done things we are not proud of and we know it. There is forgiveness readily available. We can self examine, ask God for the strength to help us change and work toward that end. That is where we will begin to see change happen around us. Using the Serenity Prayer can be helpful to us in these times. Thinking on things that are uplifting, look for the good in others and realizing that we have a great influence on others through what we say and how we live our own lives can be an amazing way to effect change without interfering and creating enemies.
I am a praying woman. I pray continuously throughout the day. I pray in my quiet space, when requests are made known, on behalf of people I may pass while driving or in the stores. I pray for forgiveness and for God to take care of my need and the needs of others. I praise him for the gifts he sends my way. Prayer requires discipline and a heart for God. Am I praying as a Child of God??
When I pray for provision financially am I being financially responsible? Am I paying my debts, giving to others? When I work am I giving 110%, being honest, a person of integrity and working as though I am working for the Lord?
Am I praying for kindness, love and gentle hearts from others and yet not giving that very thing to the people I come in contact with?
Do I ask for forgiveness and yet I do not forgive others? Do I have compassion for others or am I a gossip and condemner even though I have perhaps walked the same road in my lifetime?
Am I boastful? I did that, I have this? I, I, I when I am to be thankful and remember that all good things come from the Lord and that the Glory is his, not mine.
Am I complaining but have a problem being around those that complain?
I know that as a Child of God he hears my prayers. Prayer takes discipline. We need to stop and give the Lord our time, our hearts. We should praise him for all the wonderful, colorful ribbons he drops on us. He already knows our every thought but what a joy it is for our Lord when we come to him in prayer! Daily, not only when life is full of trials and turmoil but when we are at peace and joyful also.
I was complaining yesterday and yet I have a problem listening to those who complain – HELLO! I stress over bills forgetting the provision God has given me! He is watching all these struggles to trust.
Do I say, “I will pray for you” and not do it? If you tell someone you will pray for them, pray immediately. Don’t tell someone you will communicate with God on his or her behalf and not follow through.
I need to be with him in quiet when I pray. I need to empty out the world around me. Praise him, ask for forgiveness and forgive others. Pray for his will in my life, to be delivered from evil and to be thankful that Jesus died for me – that I am His child and that he loves me, protects me and covers me. What comfort to know that I can go to Him anytime and he will listen to me and hold my hand. He will walk with me, protect me and never leave me. Make time for God – the answers come from him.
© 2011 Debbie I. Downs