Respect His abilities for your sanity

The other day, I got the very best compliment I have received in a long time. One of my best friends, who is quite frankly a bad ass woman who I respect infinitely, said she thought my outlook on life was the best.

I laughed and explained the serious amount of work I have put into this outlook. It has been a journey. I’ve invested so much time into my mental well-being, it’s like a part-time job. I have read all the self help, motivational books. The ones that made headlines, the ones that did not. I’ve finally allowed myself to accept a few things, like that I couldn’t manage my OCD or anxiety on my own anymore. I write down my feelings down. I make lists. I will literally write down what is reality and what I’ve created in my mind. I have to write down, okay - this is what is actually happening & this is what I have put on myself.

I rejected all labels. I don’t depend on my enneagram number or my Myers-Briggs. I’ve decided those things make me feel boxed in. They are fun but I just think we are more complex than that and when I don’t fit into those categories perfectly, I question my reactions and my place.

One of the very biggest things I’ve learned that I know in this highly politicized environment is a controversial concept but goodness, it has saved me. I don’t apply in a political way, more in a people way.

It is this:

I have learned that it is not my place to decide the worthiness of a person or their decisions. Do I complain to my friends? Oh, for sure. Do I get frustrated with people? Yes, of course. I am human.

I believe deeply in God and his abilities. One of his abilities is to know the heart of a person. To understand the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins. I don’t have to carry that burden.

If someone is a making decisions that I disagree with, I let God have that.

I believe that my place on earth is to give love in his name to ALL people regardless of their beliefs, color of their skin, orientation, past, future, short comings, desires and whatever else comes up.

Full honesty, I don’t like all people. There are people who I don’t respect, there are people who I don’t trust. There are people I just don’t click with. I can accept that while I don’t find them to be good people or want to associate with them, they are just as much worthy of the love of our Father as I am. I can distance myself. I will vent to my friends (basically, counselors). I won’t try to change them, I won’t hold on to the grudge. I won’t let it CHANGE ME.

I fall short sometimes for SURE. I catch myself. I was frustrated today and text my friend asked her to make me stop. I am so so so imperfect. So imperfect.

But when I trust God to handle his people I am not only happier, I’m also under less pressure. I gave God his power back.

I get to just love his people. There is one less thing to worry myself with. So many people are so wonderful. Don’t let your judgement stand in the way. I have not one friend who has my exact belief system. It’s such a gift.

Don’t insult God by passing his judgment for him. Trust his abilities & enjoy your sanity.

Love y’all,

xo Jess ⚡️