This Holiday Season has been a very challenging one for me in a variety of areas with life, love, and family. I felt so unappreciated and I had to make the choice to either stay there or give myself the best gift of all – Peace of mind. I purposed within to shake things off in order to not stay in self-pity, bitterness or becoming resentful…
I am the type of person that likes to make others, “feel special,” by how I treat or care for them. However, I really haven’t been valued much in my own family or personal relationships for various reasons. This molded within me to have a heart to give to others, because I knew what it was not to have it.
Plus, in my family, I am the, “Black Sheep,” because I am the one who says what everybody else is, “thinking.” This has labeled me as being, “too bold, harsh, and cocky.” In reality, because I address things others deny or are willing to confront, it isn’t always appreciate. Yet, I am in good company as I read Scripture.
Jesus really addressed things with those who were, religious, hypocrites or lived in denial. So many times He was labeled, ridiculed, backstabbed, and ultimately crucified, because He said what He meant and meant what He said. Sometimes He said nothing, because He didn’t need to prove himself to anyone. Here, Jesus really tells it like it is…
JOHN 8:43-44 (NIV): “Why is my language not clear to you? Because you aren’t able to hear what I say. You belonged to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, and there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet, because I tell the truth you do not believe me!”
OUCH!!! In reading this passage, along with the Commentary on the whole Chapter, I saw a few things about Jesus’ confidence. No matter what others may have thought, said, and did, Jesus knew who He was and didn’t need the approval of others to validate Himself. I am learning to apply that to my own life daily, especially in what I am called to do.
How about you — are you feeling unappreciated this time of year? Did you go out of your way to buy Christmas gifts, (putting yourself in debt probably), then wrapping all of them, along with decorating the house, making sure that the tree was full, along with cooking meals for gatherings with friends, family or co-workers? Yet, on Christmas Day there is not one gift under tree for you — ahhhh, the joys sacrificial giving!
I just want to encourage you that, although others may fail to love, appreciate, or value who you are, God sees it all and He will reward accordingly…
Take Care of You,
Coach Sandra 💞
