Thursday, April 18, 2013

The POP #3




This baffles me.  It floors me every time.  But, it's a reminder I often need.  I've mentioned several times that I feel I grew up in this wonderful, protective bubble.  No, things were not perfect.  Yes, people let me down.  Kids can say ugly things.  However, generally speaking, I grew up wearing rose-colored glasses.

In the past few months, I've learned some pretty yucky stuff about a person I used to have a fair semblance of respect for.  This person has said biting, critical, inexcusable things about my friends, my family, and myself.  I don't know why.  And to be honest, the why doesn't really matter.  What does matter is the way I choose to handle myself.

See, I firmly believe that there is purpose behind each person who walks through the door of your life.  Some walk in for a season and some for a lifetime.  I'm starting to learn that sometimes the most holy and spiritually healthy thing to do is to let go of some of the people that cause you incredible pain and to allow God to purpose your pain.  Should we pray for these people?  Of course.  And if they are lost and don't know Christ, then we should be in sincere prayer before God about how to handle the situation.  One thing I have learned with absolutely certainty is that I cannot "fix" anyone.  I can be an instrument, but that's God's business.  Not mine.

And when the day comes, and I'm sure it will, that you come to the realization that you must let go of an unhealthy relationship, get ready.  God will really do some awesome things, if you let Him.

My daily prayer is that God would make me a "woman of grace."  I pray it every single day.  To be honest, I don't really know what that will look like in my life.  All I know is that I want for my relationship with Christ to be fully evident in my walk.  Beyond words.  I want it to be in my actions.  In my demeanor.  And, most importantly, in how I handle icky situations.

Right now, it's raw.  Friends, words hurt.  Whether they're true or based on someone else's wild imagination, they can be that final dagger.  What I'm trying to hold on to is the reminder that some people are placed in our lives to tenderize our hearts in preparation for better things to come.



The POP!

Join me, along with Ashley and Becca, for this week's POP linkup!

This is a very open-ended linkup.  You can post ANYTHING related to your faith in Christ.  A few examples would include ways God is speaking to you, devotionals you're studying, your favorite scripture, prayer requests/praises, ways God is using you, etc.  Basically, this linkup is just a place for you to be encouraged and to receive encouragement in your walk with Christ.  

I hope you'll consider linking up!  The rules are simple:

1. Grab the linkup button and type up your post.

2. Link up your Blog URL on any of your hosts' blogs.

3. Visit as many blogs in the linkup as you can! This is about getting active and offering encouragement, prayers, and discussion to those who need it!

4. Tweet, Pin, share on Facebook, and help spread the word to make this linkup successful!












6 comments:

  1. I grew up with rose-colored glasses on too and to a large extent still wear them when it comes to people. I can definitely empathize with having them shattered so to speak when it comes to the people in your life. I'm definitely going to have to keep this in mind the next time that happens :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't that such a hard lesson to learn? I think I'm like you in a lot of ways. I'd rather not see certain things in people. I prefer to live in ignorance a lot of the time. It makes dealing with relationships easier. Sometimes, as in this case, they're so in your face that you kind of have to deal with them. Yuck.

      Delete
  2. I totally believe that everything happens for a reason. I also believe that people come into our lives for a reason. Once their purpose has been fulfilled, they move on. Or maybe, we had a purpose for them, and we move on. Either way, try to figure out why this person was in your life. What did you learn? Then move on and cherish the people you are lucky enough to have for a lifetime!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, absolutely! And you're right...I forgot to mention that sometimes WE'RE that person who walks in for a season. It's so important to figure out the "why" behind them being placed in your life (or you being placed in theirs). :)

      Delete
  3. Suzanne, I totally understand how you feel. I follow that reason , season or lifetime with people now. Before it used to hurt me to let relationship go, but God calls us to guard our hearts above all else. We want to remain usable to him at all times. I removed my father and grandmother from my life until I could learn how to deal with them, but I have also removed many friends who were just seasonal. I like you try to extend grace and I am working on doing that more and more in all my relationships, it definitely takes much much prayer. I know that God knows your heart and has shown you the best way to deal with this. And you are right God has a purpose for everything he can work anything out for good...even if it was pain caused by a none believer.

    ReplyDelete
  4. totally agree that people are in our life for either a reason or a season and sometimes it is hard to admit when it is just a reason but easier to do so when their true character is revealed as it seems to be for you. being a woman of grace is what i need to start praying for too thanks for sharing this today

    ReplyDelete