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Yay! It’s Monday! Time to shine a light for Jesus!
I’m sure you bounced out of bed just like I did. (Well… actually, it was more like a gentle thud of my feet hitting the floor in Tigger-like fashion. Not quite a bounce, but it’s the thought, right?)
My spirit says go while my body says just five more minutes of nocturnal bliss.
It’s the time of year where my energy lags.
School’s almost out, but still not yet.
There are end-of-the-year events to attend, next year’s schedule to plan, a teenager to chauffeur—and oh, BTW—I’m chief cook-and-bottle-washer of our little abode and I write.
However…
I’m blessed.
- I work (write) from home.
- My family supports me.
- Friends cheer me on.
AND
- I extend the love of Christ with you through this blog. (Love that!)
Speaking of which—today I wanted to talk about the light we give.
What does that mean?
Well, for me it means not wearing a façade and pretending to be something I’m not.
I’m fallible, folks.
I’ve said it before—I fall short. I make mistakes. I don’t have all the answers.
Now, that’s out of the way, here’s the rest:
I cherish my faith.
My family.
My freedom.
My career path.
YOU.
Because I appreciate you stopping by and sharing a few moments of your time with me, I want to give you something in return. Light.
I strive to be that little glimmer of encouragement throughout your busy day. There are enough Downer Dans and Dismal Debbies waiting in the wings who will try to discourage, tear down, and disrupt your joyous pursuits.
That’s not me or this blog’s mission.
While I may sound like a broken record, it’s important that you know agendas have no place here.
We may have similar or even separate interests. That’s okay!
This is just a little corner of the world where you can come and feel safe.
This isn’t meant to be a literary blog or a fanciful discourse on the ifs, ands, and buts of writing.
Check out my Blogroll (in the sidebar below) for some industry professionals to follow. Add to that Jamie Chavez. She has a heart for writers. She writes, teaches, edits, and blogs. AND tells-it-like-it-is because she cares. Truly.
I realize I often gush about her, but I started following Jamie some time ago and she’s made me a better writer. Visit her blog—she covers it all (and she doesn’t make you feel silly for asking questions.)
If I share something I’ve learned along my writing journey that I feel is motivating or helpful, it’s not to feel self-important. It’s because I’ve been blessed and I want to pass along the blessing!
I’ve felt the sting of rejection and the weight of defeat.
I’ve also languished in the valley marked “not now” season after season.
I know the challenge of waiting, friends. And I understand how precious words of encouragement can turn the tide when there’s the temptation to quit.
Will there always be naysayers?
Unfortunately, yes.
Even when our goals are the most noble, there will still be those who refuse the light.
They will twist, turn, and distort simple encouragement into something far more complex than originally intended.
Why?
Well, I wish I knew.
Perhaps, it’s to give them a wider audience.
Perhaps, it’s to stroke a fragile ego.
Maybe it’s meant as deliberate harm.
While we can’t always know what drives naysayers to act the way they do, we can choose how we react to their darts of discouragement.
Easier said than done because words have power and uttered maliciously, they hurt. But—by taking the high road and disengaging from self-absorption we can combat the intent.
I pray you always know the true motivation of my heart.
And that’s to encourage, shine a light, and offer hope.
***
How do you handle those whose motives are questionable?
In what ways do you give out light?
***
And now… for your daily dose of levity:
10 Things You’d Like to Say at Work But Can’t via Michael Hyatt
PLEASE SHARE
What encouragers know as they pursue their passion:
Some Monday motivation to kick-start your work week:
Blessings Always,
Comments 6
You are a light!
I try to look at naysayers through the context of the prison bars within which they choose to live. They may hurt me, through malice or thoughtlessness, but it’s my choice to pick at the scab.
No mistake, they can cause permanent effects. Something like this resulted in a drastic change of career for me, one that I neither planned nor wanted at the time. They had the wider audience; I had to accept the outcome.
But where I said “effects” in the previous paragraph”, I originally put “damage”. The damage caused by that situation was ultimately perpetuated by…me. By my hate, anger, and bitterness.
I’m not completely past it, by any means, but as I lay aside more of my own negativity, I find that I can appreciate the gifts and opportunities I still have.
Author
Andrew, it’s hard to see past our pain and bitterness when others intentionally wound us. Laying it aside and moving on is even harder.
I will say that when we do move on, it no longer gives naysayers the upper hand. Yes, naturally we’ll dwell on it for a time, but by brushing the dust from our feet and stepping forward, it doesn’t keep them in the spotlight. (And so much of their intent is really more about them than us anyway.)
Cynthia … I try to keep my focus on God … remember what HE says. That helps me keep my perspective, and I hope it also helps light shine from me onto others.
Author
Shelli, you summed it up beautifully. God-focused is the key.
Ohhhhhh, SO WELL SAID!!!
Sure, we’re allowed to feel the damage from harsh words or actions, but it’s up to us to either react by returning a volley of angry vitriol, or a few well placed pew, pew, pew’s from our Barbie-sized dart gun.
Most times, that little pew pew pew from the dart gun? Our attacker cannot comprehend the “don’t do that, please”. He is ready for the seething anger, and implodes at our calm demeanor.
Stand your ground, but don’t stomp it.
Author
Jennifer, so wise and such truth to your words. It saddens me when folks spin things to suit their own agendas. Just think—what if they spent as much time in their own creative pursuits as they did finding fault with others? Imagine the things that could happen! Maybe they’d discover a cure for cancer or create a new invention. The possibilities are endless.