OUCH!
I’m working through an online Bible study of the book, “Let. It. Go.” by Karen Ehman. It is so stinkin’ good! I think that’s about the heartiest endorsement of a study that I could ever give. Each time I read another one of her comical examples of trying to over-control her husband, children, or situations, I think, “YES! That is so me!” And then, I sigh rather loudly as I realize that yes, that is indeed so me.
Do you know what I mean?
“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7
That verse used to bring me a large measure of comfort. Especially in my teens, 20’s, 30’s and… well, shoot! Let’s just say it’s been a great comfort for a looong time. While feeling beautiful has always been a struggle for me, I haven’t given two hoots about how I look on the outside, of late. And I mean that in the most positive way possible. True story!
What I have been struggling with, though, is how I look and feel on the inside. Because, recently, I’m snippy and snappy and frazzled and stressed. And all my harsh words make for so much ugliness on the inside. I don’t like it! I don’t like it one bit! Not how it makes me feel; and certainly not how it makes others feel.
I have sorely needed some Divine intervention into All The Harshness. There are things happening around here that are so out of my control that it’s laughable. I’m not sure if it’s more laughable that I still believed I had some semblance of control over these happenings or that I flat out didn’t. Either way, it has become laughable. You know that maniacal laugh that begins deep in the pit of your gut and bubbles it’s way right up outta your mouth? Yeah. That kind of laughable.
I am slowly coming to the earth-shattering conclusion that I really can not control everything. Shocker!
And I’ve tried. Oh, how I’ve tried. Just ask The Nana! She’ll tell you. If ever there was a Plotter and a Planner, it’s me. Or ask Sweetman. Lord knows that he puts up with his fair share, and then some, of All The Harshness. And I can’t imagine that these tendencies of mine will magically disappear anytime soon.
There is hope, however. I’m about half-way through this book, chock full of wisdom for any woman who thinks she’s got the reigns. And I can already see that I’m learning to Let. It. Go. One small step at a time. And it feels so good. And right. It feels… right.
Even better? I’m starting to feel a tad more pretty on the inside, again. Not that my insides will ever be Barbie-ish. We all know that they’ll never be perfect this side of glory, right?
But better. And softer.
This little prayer of mine? It’s getting a lot of airtime this week:
“Lord! Make the words of my mouth softer and gentler. Make the thoughts of my heart kinder and calmer. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”
And each time that I recognize that my words are indeed gentler and softer or kinder and calmer? Well, that is beautiful!
Oh, yes indeedy!
Hi There-Coming here from Domestic Fringe…and oh yes. How badly are insides need just as much care as the outsides! And Ditto the Domestic Fringe’s comment-I need to read that book too!
Love this! Reminds me of what my Nana says–“Lord make my words as sweet as honey, for tomorrow, I might have to eat them.” 😉
Oooh, I love that. I’m tuckin’ that one away for sure! Thank you for sharing it.
You already know I love this post, but I wanted to thank you for linking up to Saturday Night Stars. I hope it’ll catch on! I made a button if you’re interest in displaying it in your sidebar or anywhere else. Just let me know and I’ll email it to you. Thanks again!
~FringeGirl
Thanks, FringeGirl. I hope so too – as it looks like a ton -o-fun! Especially on those slower Saturday nights. NOT that I would ever have them, mind you. 😉
Thank you so much for your post Missy! I love that bible verse. What a great reminder that we should always be looking at our thoughts, emotions and reactions and trying to be more like Jesus.
Blessings
Kristi Seat
(OBS Leadership Team)
Kristi – thanks for the visit. That Bible verse is committed to memory and I’m happy to say that it’s given me LOTS of pause this week. Every. Thought. Captive.
I LOVE your prayer. I’m writing that down to keep w me!
Danice, I’m so glad. Thanks for the visit!
Ooooooh. Thanks fort he recommendation. I’m on it.
Just wait till you do get on it. It’s con-vic-ting! Talk at me as you read it, k?
I think I need to read that book. I’ve never heard of that author, but I know my insides could definitely use some work.
The insides are the muckiest part, aren’t they? Hope you enjoy it! I’ll be happy to pass my copy over to you when I finish – but it’ll be dog-eared. 😉
Echoing your prayer today.
Love you, girl.
I love your blog!
Thank you so much!!!
Missy, I loved your blog today. What a wonderful way to look at this whole idea – beautiful on the inside. Letting the softer, kinder, gentler self come through and out to others. Thank you so much for sharing today.
Jamy – thanks for visiting and for such encouraging words.
I just got that book:) Gotta start it now. And love this post, yes my words be softer, I pray it with you!!
Jenn – let me know your thoughts as you go along. I am finding it incredibly convicting. Ouchy in a LOT of places.
Gaw, I need some Divine Intervention into All the Harshness, too!
I heart your comments, girl! Lots and lots of it needed lately over here, too.
I love this…. I think because you took the words out of my mouth 🙂
So glad! (Hope it wasn’t painful, though.) 😉 Thanks for the visit!
Loved your blog today. Yes indeedy! May we all have softer and kinder words to all those we come in contact with daily as we continue to learn to let it go. Debbie Williams (OBS Leader)
Debbie – thanks so much for the visit. And the encouragement. May it be true of each one of us!