Have you ever had someone say something to you that changed the course of your life? I have many friends who had a teacher speak into their lives and inspired them to become more than they thought they would be. Unfortunately, my experience I’m going to tell you about is just the opposite.
I am normally a closed book until I get to know you and feel that I can trust you enough to be vulnerable and transparent. However, a few years ago I thought I would share how I was really feeling with a coworker. You see, I like everyone to perceive that my life is perfect and I have no issues. First of all, I know that is messed up thinking because no one’s life is perfect and second those who really know me know I struggle with back pain and anxiety on a daily basis. But this day I thought I would share that my anxiety was really hitting me hard and I wanted to ask the two people I was in the meeting with to pray for me. After I shared my feelings with the room. One of my friends that were in the room that day understood my anxiety because a person close to them also has that daily struggle. But the one who was leading that meeting did not understand.
Looking directly at me and completely serious he said “I read this book recently that explains anxiety is just you being selfish” I sat there in shock, not really knowing how to respond in a calm way and I hate confrontation so I didn’t want to respond in a way that would start a bigger conversation. Obviously, he has never dealt with anxiety and he had no idea how those six words would be a dark cloud over my head for the next few years.
Fast forward to a few months ago. I moved into my current position and started writing this blog when I realized how that dark cloud had disappeared and the sun was shining in my life. Gaining the confidence to be open with complete strangers here on the blog and on TikTok has been a game-changer. Also, my co-workers that surround me now are the most supportive and encouraging people I’ve been around. They are the type of people who believe in you even before you believe in yourself and they push you into areas you never thought you would be in. I am very lucky to work in a place like that.
If you have had negative words spoken over you, even if they were not meant to be hurtful, don’t let those words control your life. The vicious cycle of negativity starts when you let those words be at the forefront of your mind. Stop the cycle and focus on Jesus and this scripture “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
I pray that this blog today was an encouragement to you and can help in your daily life. Always know I am available to pray with you or just be someone to talk to when life gets hard. E-mail me at megan@churchanywhere.us if you need prayer!
Talk to you next Monday!