Who Are You??

Recently, I have been taking a much needed journey. This journey to be closer to my Heavenly Father was needed for me during this point in my life for many reasons. People on this earth can let you down and disappoint you; I include myself in that statement. However, I found solace in the ‘good news’ as I have over the years. But something ‘clicked’ this year. I realize that I need to continue to my growth spiritually, professionally and personally.

I think the most profound ‘ah ha’ moment was when I realized I was letting the same ‘type’ of people into my life that were not equally yoked. We did not have the same views on friendship, definitely did not have the same view on God or respect for life. The moment wasn’t realizing that we did not have these things in common. I always knew that. The ‘ah ha’ moment was when my best friend Melanie pointed out that I choose these people to share my life, my bed (if I am going to be completely honest) and my everyday with. They come into my life being who they are and I still chose to date them or be their friend. So how is it their fault when things go sour? It isn’t (85% of the time).  It is my fault.

When referring to friends, I would say to myself “Well, I know they are selfish and only care about them. So knowing that, I will be prepared for whatever happens.” WHAT?? Why would anyone prepare for something they know is going to happen (on that level). What’s wrong with me?? LOL I, personally, don’t have that mentality. I have been walking this earth for 33 years and cannot fathom how you love someone (friend, family or lover) and NOT check on them, make sure they are ok, be there for them in a time of need (emotional and etc.) and/or offer something as simple as an ‘ear’ when they are going through life’s changes. If I allow these people in my life that are the exact opposite, why am I surprised when their actions coincide with their character?

I believe knowing, truly knowing ourselves will help us make the right decisions in life. I have been labeled an ‘emotional’ person that ‘feels deeply’. In my 20’s, I was almost offended by that label. Now, I love it. I love it because it is me. I am made in his image and there is nothing wrong with that. Knowing this about myself, I start making certain choices to be around like-minded people and it has been a great experience.

For example, there are a few people that have passed through my life that want to be Ministers but lack compassion and emotion on so many levels. Aside from the studies of ministry, I believe that you have to have a certain amount of ‘feeling’ for people if you are going to provide spiritual guidance. This would baffle me because I think about Jesus Christ and what I am learning about him more lately. Was he emotionally retarded? Did he only guide people for his own vanity reasons? No. He would understand, feel and relate to the people he came in contact with. He had emotion and understanding for people because, I believe, he knew he had to understand people in order to spiritually guide them. Remove yourself from the equation and think about others if you are going to take on this role. The term (Minister) is taken from Latin minister “servant, attendant”, which itself was derived from minus “less”.

In short, I believe we should take some time to get to know ourselves; not what people think we are or who we are trying to be so that we ‘fit in’ with the crowd. Truly knowing ourselves can help make better decisions in this life. But this is merely my opinion mixed in with my personal experiences. Be blessed in all that you do, my friends.