I have something I wish to share. Perhaps, it will help someone else deal with issues you might be facing that are similar to what I have been dealing with recently. I have been trying very hard to make some major changes in my life lately. I have been reading a lot of self-help books, inspirational books, and scriptures because I do realize I have some changes I need to make, one of which is I actually drive people away because I am so intrusive. Hear me out, please.
I have a HUGE heart for people. Although I mean well, it doesn't necessarily mean I always choose the right path. I have even tried to apologize to people I have wronged, but in some cases, it hasn't been well received. I have also tried to be supportive where it is very obvious to me now that my support wasn't wanted. I will finish my point I am trying to make before the end of this entry.
First, I want to say that I talked to my former daughter-in-law, Jessica, on her 26th birthday (April 26th) and wished her Happy Birthday via texting from my computer to her cell phone. We got things straight between us. I gleaned from that conversation that she is happy in her new life now with her new husband and two children and I have finally realized that I need to let go. She doesn't belong in our lives anymore. It gave me the closure I needed and I do believe I can let go now. With that closure went a lot of the pain I have been living with for the past five years.
I have been reading, "Right people, Right Place, Right Plan-Discerning the Voice of God." Through it, I have learned God wants me to make wise choices about who I let in my life and also that God brings some people in our lives for only a short time. When their purpose is done, He means for us to let them go. By trying to hang on when it is His will to let go, we hinder His will for us and His will for that person.
There is a "Jonah" in my life that God is telling me to cut loose and I need to do it even though it pains me to do so.
I am sure everyone has heard the story of Jonah and the whale from the bible. Because of Jonah's disobedience to God, the whole ship was going to go down with innocent people on it as well. Jonah knew the only way to save them was if they cast him overboard. As soon as they did so, the waters calmed. My point here is we all have Jonahs in our lives. I know I do. This person tears me down unintentionally; but still, he tears me down. He makes me feel worthless. He judges me on my past instead of the present.
For my own well being, I need to surround myself with people who love me and build me up instead of tear me down. I need people around me who make me feel good about myself instead of making me feel worthless; the friends who know my faults, but yet still love me because they know that my strengths far outweigh my weaknesses. The ones who know, for the most part, that my heart is in the right place.
By letting people who are not good for me go, I will be letting them follow the path God has chosen for them and I can follow the one He has chosen for me. I will no longer be hindering His plan for their life or His plan for mine. Then, and only then, will the Holy Spirit be able to come in and heal me as only he can do.
Hope I have helped someone by writing this. It never ceases to amaze me the things God can teach me when I open my heart up to Him and earnestly seek His will for my life.
Have a blessed day!~
Susan
10 comments:
I am glad that you are letting people go in your life that have no place in it anymore. Sometimes that is very hard to do. Blessing be with you Susan. Helen
Amen ... I totally get it. I am struggling with the same issues myself. And, I have found that letting go doesn't mean you can't still love them. -- From a distance.
:)
(((Susan))) It seems like the Lord has been really doing a lot of work in your life because you have allowed him to do so; you've opened the door for him to come in and 'clean house' so to speak. I'm so glad you came to the conclusion that you need to let Jessica go; I know it is painful and I know it will be an old friend that will come and visit from time to time, but the hurt and pain will come less and less often. It is good to move on, to allow the Lord to open up new chapters in your life for the work he wants you to do.
I came to a similar conclusion regarding my son; I have to let him go and allow the Lord to work in his life and I can't cling to those days when he was young; I can mourn them and grieve them, but they are gone; I can wait for the Lord to open new doors for me and new opportunities to serve him
hugs to you
betty
You are a true blessing and a true friend to many. So happy to read you let go...you will feel better in the end. Sounds like a lot of good reading you have been doing...need some of that myself.
Hope you have a beautiful day...hugs and love,
Joyce
I always admire how you know everyone and your heart is so big to include them 'all' in your prayers....
I too have had to let go of a few people who were very negative, I still keep in touch but at a distance....
Have a blessed day!!
Linda :)
Susan, you really were cooperating with the Holy Spirit as you did your reading, studying, and meditating. Thanks for sharing, and being so open in your explanation. I am sure what you have said will make many of us think and take stock of our own lives. Sometimes letting go is the only way to regain our peace. Difficult? You bet--but you already seem to have a calmer spirit with the closure with Jessica. Follow your heart--the Lord certainly seems to be there walking with you. LaVern
Its always so hard to let people go, but a few years ago I had a good look at my life and finally saw a lot of things that I wasn't letting myself see. It was then that I decided to only surround myself with people who make me feel good about myself, people who don't bring me down.
I love your entry
Julie
Susan, we only just met, so to speak, but I am touched by your entry. You don't need to apologize for yourself and your reactions to people who are no good for you. I often say about myself that I like people better than they like me. So what!
As for Jonahs. I recently had to turn away from an entire family because the older members were maligning me. They kept it up for two months inspite of my protests and defenses. A friendship of 20 years was suddenly over. Nothing can interfere with my honest, open hearted love for them. But I no longer can trust, believe nor respect them. I prayed about it, and the answer I got was "You are well out of it."
Best wishes for your Spring house (consciousness) cleaning.
DB
The Vagabond
God lead and bless you with choices that fit His will and honor Him. - Barbara
As you know, i'm trying to catch up on what I missed...I just love this entry. Sorry this "jonah" is making you feel badly about yourself. Hope he's gone now :)
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