Tag: Permission

Our Dearest Friend

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Our Dearest Friend

I have a daily 9am notification on my Bible app reminding me to be in His Word and pray. Today, the devotional centered around a very familiar verse, Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend,” which brought to light an aspect I’d not thought of before: the Holy Spirit as our dearest friend.

Admittedly, I am a private person, but I am thankful for those who break through, allowing me to feel comfortable in my vulnerability. The ever present Holy Spirit is most intimately privy to all my inner inequities, of which I have many. While I may not think of myself as a masterpiece, He does. In His omnipotence, He sees His completed creation and calls me “very good,” right from the beginning. This is also God’s vision of you, dear friend.

I’ve heard “you and your family have been through so much” more times than I can count…and that’s true. It’s hard for others to understand how I can say “it’s just another ‘is.’” The best way I can describe the easiness of this statement centers around the process. Any diagnoses or struggle is simply the springboard used to dive into the process of healing, and it’s in that place where we are molded, sharpened, purified.

So in my REA/L moment with you today, I encourage you to give yourself permission to be REA/L (Release Each Anxiety/Lie). We are created for communion—with Him and each other. Let’s stop thinking we are a “bother” when we share our burdens, because that’s not at all how God views it. There are times in everyone’s lives when help is needed, even if it’s just a listening ear, during the process of refining us, His masterpiece—especially knowing it sometimes isn’t particularly pleasant. We can, however, more readily accept His grooming practice if we remember who He is…our dearest friend.

Perfectly Permissible

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Perfectly Permissible

It’s Thanksgiving. I’ve sent love and missing you messages to my circle. I’ve watched the parade. We have a roof over our heads. My husband is employed. Our fridge has food.

I am thankful…and sad.

And I believe that’s ok. Because it’s honest. There are no written rules for how I’m “supposed” to feel. I’m allowed to feel more than one thing at the same time.

While this may not be the “traditional” Thanksgiving post and/or message, it’s REAL. Nothing about this year seems traditional! It is different. WE are different. And that’s ok…

To my friends who are also feeling the effects of a non-traditional Thanksgiving, I see you.

It is perfectly permissible to be both thankful AND sad today. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Your feelings are your feelings, and no one gets to dictate them. Period.

So in my REAL moment with you, I am thankful for my many blessings. I also morn all the differences today holds. Because, let’s face it, 2020 has been both kind and cruel. I pray that especially today, we reach out to those whom we know are hurting and validate their feelings. Trust me, they will be thankful for it.

Permission

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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?