“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” John 8:32. And boy, what a freeing statement that is.
All my life, I’ve struggled with getting my feelings hurt. And, many of the supposed hurts are just that–supposed. But whether the person who injured my exposed raw nerve ends meant to or not or whether the whole thing was a figment of my imagination, I hurt! And, when I hurt, I didn’t go tip-toeing in the “Slough of Despond”, I jumped in, whole-heartedly, landing with a big, muddy splash and sinking to the bottom!
It didn’t matter whether it was a harsh word, a hateful look, a cold shoulder, or something else, my sunny day suddenly became cloudy, dark, and very, very cold. Now, why would I let somebody else control my own emotional weather? But I did, until I looked at a verse in the Bible a little differently.
That verse was John 8:32. I believe the Lord was talking about knowing that He is the Lord and that truth would free us from the results of our sin. He is Truth and His Word is Truth. But also…also, dear reader, the truth is people are more concerned with their own lives, their own set of problems, their own victories and advancement than they are with mine. In other words, those scornful or downright mean words and actions were not about me. The perpetrator had other problems going on in his or her life.
Wow! How wonderful to know that. So, instead of curling up in a dark corner and watching the world with fearful eyes, I started to ignore a lot, and pray a lot, and keep on keeping on.
You look the truth in the eyes; you don’t cower and hope to go unnoticed. So yes, sometimes my feelings are hurt, just as yours are and everybody else’s in this world. Only now, I realize that although I may not be control of other’s words or actions, I am in control of mine. I don’t run and hide. And freedom is a wonderful thing.
Flora Tucker’s wise saying of the day: “Even a mud puddle can reflect a rainbow.”
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Well said, Blanche! Amazing how God’s Word is always where we find help when we need it, help that keeps on helping!
I can smell those Lilacs!! : )
Thanks, Fran. Looking forward to being at Nancy’s signing party Thursday 10 to 12, right?
God has wonderful things for you!
Thanks so much, Norma!
Exactly, Blanche! We are only responsible for ourselves. I’ve had to do a lot of praying in the last few years about my tendency to have “silent conversations” with certain people–but I’m slowly getting there. Have realized I wouldn’t have the same conversation aloud–so why bother with even thinking about it?
Good for you, Judy. You have come to an admirable conclusion and a good thought for us all.
Enjoyed your blog today, Blanche. As you can see, I’m late catching up on all my social media today! No matter how hard we try, our tongue can easily say things it shouldn’t! I try to keep Proverbs 12:18 in mind. It is so easy to say something without thinking and hurt someone’s feelings.
Thanks for your comment, Sharon. Yes, it is so easy to hurt someone’s feelings unintentionally. I cringe when I think I may have done that and pray for forgiveness. I’m glad you enjoyed the blog.
Excellent insight.
Thank you, Helen.