April 14, 2020
Published and Written by: Jackie Brindle
Does this sound familiar to you, lately?
- No, you are not allowed to be near people --- social distance yourself at all cost.
- No, you can’t go on that trip or have that big event you planned out, for months! .
- No, you will have to work from home or you don't have work.
- No, not allowed back in school.
- No, remember to.... STAY HOME!
- No, no, no…. Oh and your Amazon shipment won’t ship till June, so NO!
The word NO is the worst! It can be overwhelming and frustrating, because what do you do when you are told no?
I am going to speak to this dreaded word, and hopefully encourage you to see "NO" in a different way, than before.
I am reminded of how my children are, when I tell them no. I tell them “No, put on a helmet or you aren’t riding your bike!” You would think the world was going to end when I say this. All I am asking is that they listen because I want to protect their beautiful little heads and save myself a trip to the ER! I tell them, no, to eating in the living room, because honestly they are a mess. And I have a lot to clean up already! These are the “No” moments that happen, on the daily. But sometimes there are those circumstances that are called for a hard “No!” It’s usually when you have their best interest at heart, but you know they won’t see it that way. It’s a total challenge for them to wrestle with those emotions. I get it!
I can totally relate and there are times I did not want to accept, a hard N-O, NO!
No, is a word that lead me from one position to another, in my career.
If I have learned anything from a hard NO, it's surrender. It's bringing all the emotions of what I am feeling, no plan in sight, and giving it to God. If I take on the position of surrender, then my heart doesn't stay hardened. I find hope! and give myself some grace. If Jesus took all my confusion, discouragement, and disappointment, before, then He will do it again!
I picture it, this way. Our children need a hard no sometimes, not only for their own good, but because then when they hear that YES.... it's so much sweeter! No is not forever. It is a season. Look around you today. I see the goodness in others coming together, to take part in making the most of a world, with rules that say NO. When I look around, I am so grateful for my family, friends, and others who STILL encourage me to stay POSITIVE!
Words are powerful. They can lift us up or tear us a part. God taught me through those years that when I struggle with the word no, God does not part from us! He draws even closer. God cares so much about the details of your life that He will go above and beyond to intertwine and connect an incredible tapestry that will be the beautiful picture of your life.
In Matthew 6:25-26 it says,
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life -- whether you have enough food and drink or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? (26) Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?
Come on, YASSS! That’s it! You and I are more valuable to God, than the birds and flowers of spring. We are his kids! If God can give nature what they need, then God is faithful to see you through your pain, your doubt, your loss, your worries, and your unknown future.
Now that I get this incredible chance to look back at that experience, I wouldn’t change it for the world!!! Having had all those opportunities, gave me a safe space to grow as a teacher, mom, wife, and woman of God. I look back at pictures during that time, and I wish I could tell that girl, "Stay positive, because it's all going to work out better than you dreamed it would!
If I could encourage you at all today, God is for you. He has got your tomorrow. Although it may look like there are many downsides to this pandemic we are in, I am encouraged that in a decade I will look back and want to tell, that girl in those pictures, see I told you. I told you that although this was not what you dreamed up, prayers were answered.
And you wouldn’t change it for the world.
I wouldn't change the fact that I get to be around my kids more, who are growing and changing faster than I can blink.
I wouldn't change the fact that I have more time to write, something I have always wanted to do!
I wouldn't change the fact that Grant and I aren't ships passing in the night and schedule focused!
I wouldn't change the fact that I am in leggings day in and day out! It's a dream come true!
Staying positive means, YES, things are not going to always turn out the way you planned, but it's knowing that there is a BETTER plan up ahead!
What words can lift you up today? What words can bring you up and out? What words would you say to yourself 10 years from now? Write them out. Write out your prayers, what you did, and see God’s glory, protection, and blessings over your life.... watch how it blooms!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being a great dad. Thank you for caring for every detail of our lives. Although we cannot see the outcome of the unknown right now, help us to know you have our best interest at heart. Help us to have the courage to keep seeking you, even when it’s hard. Help us to trust that your thoughts and plans are greater than our own. Lord, I pray for our families and friends, that you would wrap your loving arms around us and comfort us through this time. You say come all who are weary and you will give us rest, Give us rest Lord. Let us unpack all our fears, anxieties, and worries that’s heavy on us and give them over to you. Thank you, Jesus for the cross. You are worthy of all praise!
In Jesus name,
Amen
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