Hello friends,
Microsoft has had me in limbo again for the last few days. It’s so frustrating. I almost feel like the enemy doesn’t want this word to be seen. Well let’s get into it. Perception has been on my mind a lot lately. I’m sure you all have been perceived as someone you’re not or even in a bad light. It’s pretty amazing that some can see you as a wonderful, spirited person and others perceive a more negative light. This is frustrating to your mind and soul. Being a past people pleaser this always ended up with me changing into someone else to suit those perceptions formed. In my healing, I’ve learned that you cannot please everyone. Even the best intentions are sometimes viewed negatively. “Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.” Coach Bobbi. Let’s be honest here why do we allow someone’s opinion of us even bother us? Within that context, let’s dig into those words of Coach Bobbi. The way your mind perceives those around you is directly a consequence of what makes you who you are. In other words, we all have a perception that has been formed due to the values, experiences, and thinking that are entirely different from our own. Going a step farther, depending on the other person’s very thought process or experience in that moment you can be perceived in a different light from their immediate circumstances. This means that if they are perceiving you in a negative image they very well may have a negative energy within themselves. This is where your good and true intentions towards people in general will always win. I’ve been told that my smile lights up a room and that my “light” shines through and by others that I’m rude or negative. That’s ok. Sometimes the dark likes to extinguish the light. But if your intentions are pure nothing can extinguish the light.
I’ve said all that to say this, we in recovery, whether it’s codependency, bad marriages, alcohol, narcotics, or whatever it may be you are recovering from may have the best and purest intentions and still be seen in a negative manner. We know where we’ve come from in our struggles, we also know how those trials and struggles have changed our hearts and minds. What’s more important is that God knows. He knows your heart of hearts and knows that the struggles you’ve endured have purified your minds and hearts to be better than the day before, to become filled with passion for Him and His kingdom and to love those in His kingdom. Not everyone will see those battle scars because of their own hurt and pain. Not everyone will see the love and kindness you have for them. Keep showing up and keep loving. Light this dark and negative world up with His light and love and use the gifts He has given you. A song just came to mind. “God Only Knows” by for King and Country. “God only knows what you’ve been through. God only knows what they say about you…But there’s a kind of love that God only knows.”
My healing started when I allowed God control. And that’s the only way it’s continued. I’m not so concerned about the perceptions of others that know nothing about me and this heart of mine. I’m more concerned about what God says and knows about me and about my heart that I ask daily to be filled with Him and for me to not be seen but only Him shine through to those I come into contact with.
No matter your past or battles you’ve endured, you have a light and a testimony to share with those around you. Don’t let negative perceptions stand in your way. Stand up my friends and light this world with His love. As always, I’m so grateful for you with me on this journey. Blessings until the next time.