Permission

October 25, 2019

If you have children, you’ve probably filled out one or twenty of these during their school-aged years: permission slips. And if you have children like mine, they usually come home, bouncing off the walls, waving the slip in front of you pleading, “Mom, can I go please? It’s gonna be so much fun! I need you to sign this RIGHT NOW, so I can turn it in tomorrow P-L-E-A-S-E!” We’ll give the waving sheet a quick glance, figure it’s “all good” because it’s with the school, and hurriedly sign the bottom of the form with one hand while stirring dinner with the other. It’s a no-brain’er, right?

As parents, we should instill within our children the sense to ask “please” before making permission requests. We should have clearly defined expectations of what is “permissible” and what is not. We should nurture them to a point where they are capable of making their own good decisions, so when they are legally an adult, and not longer need our permission, they have a solid foundation to guide them.

However, somewhere along the way, between the “adulting” period and into the “parenting” period, our foundation no longer seems solid. We seek out permission again. “Is it okay for me to stay home?” “Am I a bad person for pursuing my dreams?” “Should I say speak up? ” And these permission requests are usually presented to the wrong people, if even asked at all. Somehow, we no longer feel we are capable let alone confident in our decision making. We look to society and hand over the gavel, allowing our permissions, decisions, and dreams be dictated by “them.”

Let me raise my hand first and admit to you, I have been there! I have allowed what “they” say to absolutely influence my decisions in what I do or don’t do. I have given permission to someone else to play a major role in my decision making process. I have handed over the reigns of my life to steer me as they see fit. I have willfully given misguided permission to DOUBT and FEAR, and they, on more than one occasion, have taken me so far off course, that I found myself in the desert. Left feeling inadequate. Bewildered by my surroundings. Uncertain of the very ground I stood upon. Have you been there too, my friend?

Why do we so readily grasp hold of lies instead of clinging to truth?

Why do we turn over, exposing our bellies, awaiting the sucker punch?

Why do we freely give permission to those who do not have our best interests at heart, who do not know us well, who do not deserve to be within our circle of influence the power to treat us with malice?

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14 NIV).

Our provision comes from whom we’ve given permission to. My dear friend, I urge you to be still, then decide today, here and now, who is best to allow permission in influencing your decisions, permission in directing your steps, and permission in the ultimate provision for your life. Would you rather someone who fights for you or someone you frequent fight against?