Their Words or His?

Words!

It's amazing the effect they can have on a person.  You've heard the old saying,

              "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never harm me." 

Oh, how we wish that we could really live by that decree. Each of us however, has experienced one time or another a time when words have done more than hurt us. They have defined who we are, who we become and how we live our lives.  We allow them to creep into our hearts and seep into our souls-only to dwell into every heartbeat. Words soon become the definition and outline of our appearance.

Dismal truth-I was once described as someone that appeared to "walk into a dungeon".  Wow!  Not exactly how a woman of God wants to be seen. But, I had allowed rigid words to invade my soul and instead of fight them off-they idled there with  no place to go.  I granted them to linger each day and stab at my heart until they had ripped me apart.  Please don't get me wrong-I prayed, I prayed until tears streamed down like a river.  The problem was that although I prayed- I never let go of the "words" that were said -I always went back to them and held on to them.

I recently found myself in the same situation.  Words were said that seem a little hurtful-my intentions were not in any way to batter any one.  However, sometimes interpretations are not always what they seem.  So, I have a choice-I can allow the "words" to cripple me or I can live by the Words that matter.  Sometimes...let's face it...most of the time...it's the hardest thing to do-to live His way, but His way has promise.  His way will give me peace and lead me to eternal life.  His way brings me joy and provides me with a smile no matter my circumstances.

This can only go one way-HIS WAY!!!!

The Mask

Ever had a time in your month, week or day when before your eyes is the worse version of yourself?  You try to shield the ugliness of your thoughts and bury it beneath the camouflage smile. The mask may hold true to those on the outside, but you soon find yourself feeling defeated by your own convictions. Fatigue soon begins to take control of your every movement.  Your thoughts soon become blurred.  This mask you haul soon becomes more than just a small cover-up.  It becomes a phony veneer-a false representation of who you once were in this life.

Who are you?

In my life there have been times what I considered a small veil-it has become my choke hold.  What I thought would spare others from hurt and pain in turn has caused more suffering than intended.  It has left me feeling defeated and broken.  When I should be turning the pages of my Bible-it has left me staring endlessly into space wondering where I went wrong.  When I should be in prayer-lifting my hands to the One True God that can save me-it has left me beating myself up.

All because I have knowingly implanted a veil to hide the pain.  A mask to stooge others into believing that I have it together or that I'm not easily plagued by matters.  Why do I insist on treating myself this way?  I don't have it all together!!

He did not create me to wear a mask that I intentionally place before any one person.  He designed me just as I am.   He also died to break the veil-not for me or you to wear one each day.

These are hard reminders-I know-I walk this same road today...this very moment.  But, my Savior has saved me many times before and I'm sure He will save me again and again.

Friends, if today you find yourself playing the hero or wearing a mask that you're tired of holding-know that you're not alone.  Know that you are free to let go of the cape, the mask, the veil, the drama, the image...whatever it is you're holding on to today.  He loves you----just you!!!!