I would venture to say that I am definitely on the right track with this blog and sharing God’s light, love, and hope.   Why do I say this?  Because in doing so, I have stirred up the enemy.   Remember when I posted previously that he aims to steal, kill, and destroy?  He has reared up his head this past week in places you would not even dream of … like church using “church people” or fellow Christians!   While it is extremely sad, this is no surprise as we have had this happen to us before in churches.   My dad even reminded me this week that the devil is more at work in the churches than one would like to believe.  He is.  People, beware!

Then today I had a “friend” attempt to launch an assault at me as well.   Wow.  If you’re wondering why I chose to word it that way … it is because although she attempted, I did not take it on.   Although she tried to draw me in to her negativity, I did not allow it.  I did not entertain it.  I, instead, chose to continue in peace.  I chose to continue to remain in a calm state.  I chose to not be offended.  I chose to hang on to my joy!

Is it easy when someone comes at us to hold on to our peace, to remain in our happy place, or not to get drawn into negativity?   No, it is the hardest thing it seems at times.  However, it is something that I encourage you to do if at all possible.  Take a deep breath when someone starts in on you.  Pray.  You cannot handle something like this alone.  Turn to God for help.  All it takes is a simple whispered, “I need you, Lord,” and He is already there and working in the situation.  Even if the situation does not change, YOU do not have to take it on.    Choose JOY!   Do not give someone the power to take away your joy and happiness.  They try – boy, oh boy, do they ever try HARD!  Do NOT give them this power!!!

Today on Facebook I shared a quote by Joyce Meyer:

No matter what anybody says to you negatively, you can overturn what they say by speaking positively because you have more power over your life than anybody else does.  ~Joyce Meyer Ministries

Some of the responses that I received was talking about how they wonder if it’s true.  My response was this:

People will try to tear you down with negative things they toss at you. But you do not have to take it on. For every negative they launch at you, speak positives over yourself, your life, those you love. Combat negativity with positives, it makes a great difference!

Others chimed in saying that it was something you have to work at daily, some times hour by hour.  My response to that was:

Or even minute by minute – but it makes a huge difference.  And it is worth it!

Then another precious lady wrote that this was true and that we needed to love them like Jesus does.  AMEN, SISTER!   Absolutely!!  Love them like Jesus does!!!

The “friend” I spoke about earlier, I turned the negative around to positives.  Whether she chose to remain negative on her end was simply up to her, but in my heart, life, and mind, I chose to remain in MY joy!  You can, too!   I still love her, and I will continue to pray for her, but I do NOT give her the power to steal my joy.  I did NOT take on her negativity like I once would.   The sting of her words lingered for a moment until I decided NOT to get offended.  Yes, ladies and gentleman, you CAN choose not to be offended.   While it hurt initially, I took a deep breath and then invited God to resolve the situation.

I share all of this with you today to let you know that in the mist of all of this, I KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that what I am doing here is a good thing!  It is a GOD thing!  I am here to encourage, support, uplift, inspire … you have your very own cheerleader over here, you know that, right?!

So I continue … with my head held high.  I know I am doing this for the glory of God – not that of my own.  Just like with the church situation, I use the talents that the Lord gave to me for HIS honor and HIS glory.  Period.  If my gifts from God are not welcomed, that is between them and the Lord.

Choose JOY, ladies and gentlemen!   Some times it seems like happiness is a full time job.  It can be!  But it is soooo worth it!!!   Don’t give away your power!

Blessings to you and yours!

~Shirley

Light, Love, Hope