I've often been sensitive to the approval or disapproval of others. This comes naturally to me and so often find myself inhibited or at least tormented. God's wanting this to change. God has declared me His Beautiful Bride and wants me to dance the dance of joy! He desires for me to embrace the freedom I have from condemnation and judgment of myself and others. This is no easy task! So I'm being forced! Recently, my husband purchased a 2007 mini cooper convertible. Now, you might be thinking how fun and what a great gift! But not me, I didn't drive it for 3 weeks. I was concerned about others, what they might think, what they might say, how they might judge us. We are in the ministry, we're supposed to be . . . . . . (you fill in the blank). For as soon as someone realizes I am the "wife", postures, attitudes, expectations change! It's like I can literally see a person's face be transformed from openness and welcome to something altogether different. It comes with the territory.
But God is saying enough Lori! It doesn't matter what others think! I am the One who matters and I want you to drive in freedom. I want you to enjoy ME! So I timidly took the car out, hoping no one would see me, hoping I wouldn't wreck it and working on enjoying the car. So I'm learning and I truly laughed, cried and rejoiced as I had birds flying right next to me in the openness of a convertible. As I looked overhead and saw misting clouds and breathed in fresh air, I relaxed! I need to learn this, why am I so stubborn in my unbelief? I am thankful that I have a God who is patient with me in my fear and insecurity. I am thankful He will slowly and lovingly teach me the steps of secure love and acceptance. It makes me smile.
May I just say that I love your title and can't wait to read more!
ReplyDeleteI am very excited about your blog and I will be checking in often.
ReplyDeleteI can just see you in your mini cooper, laughing and crying because of God's goodness; a beautiful picture!
ReplyDeleteFreedom in Christ can show itself in different ways. How wonderful to start learning that...in the freedom of a convertible! And expressing it in a new blog!
ReplyDeleteWhen your free from self, you will be free from others and what they think and say and do. Then when you are free, you will be able to love others as Christ does. Our Pastor say's " Don't let it land on you"( what others say or think) You only achieve that as you get alone with Jesus and spend time with Him. We live in a world where so many feel they need to control, or get their two cents in ( good or bad), but we do not need to be moved by those words. It is a lesson we learn in time and time alone with Jesus.
ReplyDeleteI love your title. I dance all the time and it isn't for others that I do this. It is for Jesus who loves to spend time with me and so enjoys it when I dance for Him. You are in a very good place right now Lori! Actually the best place ever!!!! He see's your heart and wants to set you free from others. Even as a Pastors wife and having to have a certain standard set upon you, it has held you back from who God wants you to be. Once you find that freedom(and you will) you will be able to set others free from such bondage.
Dance dance dance girl and worship with such freedom that the angels will dance with you. It is a awesome time spending it alone.
I love how God chose to use your convertible to show you the freedom of letting go. Much like life itself...it is open for others to see, and when they see God in you enjoying that freedom and openness, they will desire that too!
You go girl!!
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