Every day my family makes its way in this inspired and intentional path of life that we are on. Some people understand our journey and cheer us on along the way. These are the people that truly bless us and make the challenges less rocky and the hard times move-throughable. There are also people that don’t understand, and they judge and disapprove. They send loud and silent, direct and passive messages our way to abort our mission. Do it another way they say…their way.
I’ve always lived a bit differently and following my path is a practice I have gotten used to, but with a family in tow, it becomes even more important to remember the road we are on and Who is our Guide! God has led us this far and we have been blessed.
When people don’t approve of me and what I am doing, I ask God about what He says and I move in that direction.
When people don’t approve of my children and what they do, I ask God about what He says and I move in that direction.
When people don’t approve of how we spend or give our money, I ask God about what He says and I move in that direction.
When people don’t approve of how we spend our time, I ask God about what He says and I move in that direction.
In every circumstance, He reminds me that He is my guide, not the voices of others. That He is my source for security and validation. He is my strength for not bending to each opinion others share with me.
Sometimes, it is hard to separate myself worth from people that I want to approve of me, but I have learned many times, that in matters of worth, there is only One True measure. That is in Christ Himself. When I look at Him to see my choices, my thoughts, my heart, and even my children, He always shows me beauty and Grace. When I let go of pleasing others and being swayed by their approval or disapproval, then I am truly free and I see HOPE everywhere!
Maybe it’s like that for you, too. Maybe you recognize the power others have over your choices, or your way of living, or even your way of being. Maybe you find yourself replaying what people say and see they are trying to steer you on a path that does not feel true in the quiet of your heart. If that’s the case for you, take a breath and release their message. Release the people, or person, who delivered the message. They can have their own opinion, but if it leads you to live in fear or uncertainty, then it is not for you. Listen. Listen and instead of others’ opinions, flood yourself with what fills you and guides you in love. Replace the fear with love.
For example: if someone says, “that’s crazy, you could never do that,” release them, release those words, and after reflecting with God, ask Him what to replace that with. It could be something like, “I believe in the promises the Lord has given me and I know He will help me do this.”
Surround yourself with the people that bless you with their love and support no matter what you are doing, because they have realized that they can’t change others. They have realized that each of us is on our own journey, and we are only here to encourage each other with Love, not with fear.
I hope this space is one in which you will hear encouraging words…more like “me, too,” and less like “you should.”
