The other day I was reflecting and thought about a comment made to me in my mid-forties by a person who knew me during my adolescent and teenage years. At that point in my life, I had given my life to Christ, and had not returned home much since I left at age twenty. During a visit to my home, it seemed this elderly loved one could only comment on how mean I was as a child. While there were many thoughts that ran across my mind, I thank God for maturity because I have learned that not
every thought that comes to my head needs to come out of my mouth.
I asked this loved one why they thought I was mean, and they responded because I was very direct and tended to follow my own mind. I was confused by their response because, to me, that sounded as if they were saying I was mean because I didn’t do what they wanted me to do, but instead wouldn’t hesitate to tell them what I would not do. Interestingly, in a recent conversation with a friend, this label came up again. While in a lighthearted conversation a friend jokingly said I was mean.
I paused and asked them why they thought I was mean and they too stated, I can be very direct although I had not been so with them. To dig a little bit deeper, I asked a close family member their thoughts and they agreed about the directness but stated that was not the problem, instead it was my tone. They commented that my tone comes across as if I am mad sometimes. At that point, I received that feedback and agreed I can sometimes have a strong tone, especially if I perceive someone is trying to force me to do something or accept something I don’t agree with.
People will consciously or subconsciously place labels on you. Sometimes the labels are true, other times they are false. It is important to know who you are throughout the different stages of your life. It is also important to take time to get to know each other as time and experience can cause people to change. I thank God for being a Daddy who sees me and understands my growth process. I can truly say, I am not the same today as I was yesterday, and tomorrow I won’t be the same as I am today. I will continue to grow until I am called home.
The devotional "Blinded By Sight: The Heart Matters" has been incremental in helping myself as well as others grow on the journey of becoming more like Christ.
Some steps I continuously take are:
I have accepted the Lord as my Savior. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved”. Romans 10:9
I must give up thinking that my way is the right way and accept His. “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path”. Proverbs 3:6
I had to acknowledge that I’m not in control and allow God to show me when I try to control situations and help me to change my mind in those moments. “And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God”. Romans 12:2
By doing these things…over time, I’ve been learning how to incorporate Christ into every area of my life.
Below are two books that God has inspired me to write. "The Flip Side" and "Blinded By Sight: The Heart Matters" both available now.
So… what’s this book about?
“The Flip Side” depicts the possible feelings and emotions of lesser-known Biblical characters as they navigated their lives in the shadows of the more popular characters in the Bible. While the Bible gives us snippets of their stories, we are usually left in the dark about their true motives, desires, and thoughts concerning the situations they are in. However, one certainty is that despite how little we know about these characters, they were often the catalysts to pivotal moments in the main characters’ lives.
So… what’s this book about?
Join me on a journey of self-discovery. “Blinded by Sight - The Heart Matters” is a compilation of short biblical devotions. These stories are not conclusive. They are depictions of how God is revealing my heart to me.
My prayer is, Lord, make it real for me, show me your heart, show me my heart, and give me the wisdom to change what hinders my relationship with you. I am learning that my perception is my biggest obstacle it affects my mind, what I think, and how I process my experiences. What I have experienced in my mind is expressed through my feelings and these experiences dictate my choices either consciously or subconsciously.
This devotional will allow you to explore and evaluate your past and present situations that have hindered you from seeing the heart of the matter. Simply put, look at the heart – it does matter. Your future depends on it!
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4
Comments