I’m ashamed to admit I have judgmental tendencies. It’s a familial trait. One I’ve tried to overcome. Sometimes I look at the surface not bothering to look any deeper and then the Lord puts me in my place. Almost without fail if I’ve had a judgmental encounter, I’ll have a rough couple of days. It’s the Lord’s way of telling me Remember the only reason you can get out of bed is because of me, so step it down a notch! Not to say that every time I have a bad day is due to sin, but it’s one of the ways the Almighty gets through to me.
And then the tables turn and I’m the one being judged. Many have said that I am not healed due to a lack of faith. Or that my faith must be shallow since my church attendance is not adequate [in their eyes].
And most members of the church family that say this haven’t dealt with any type of chronic anything. They only see what’s on the surface just as I had done. And then I realized I’ve never shown them what’s beyond the surface. They see what appears to be normal. They see me with my make-up on, my hair done up, my clothes ironed and joyful to be worshiping my Father.
So through the course of the years, I’ve swallowed my vanity and allowed my family members to see me when I’m struggling. Some have seen me at my absolute worst, laying on my deathbed while I nap on their couch and others get just a glimpse of me in my pajamas (yes, I’ve worn my jimjams to church) with no make-up on and the hair disarray. It’s not a pretty sight, believe me. But I think it helps others to see the reality of what I struggle with and makes it real for them as much as it is for me.
My faith in the Lord gives me strength and I have faith enough that the Almighty can heal me. He’s just choosing not to. And as His purpose for me is to bring encouragement to others who are chronically weak then I will accept my illness and find the purpose in it, so that He will be glorified through my weakness.
So heed my warning and please remember the next time you’re inclined to judge realize there is more to the story than meets the eye. Keep your opinions to yourself lest someone’s eye be turned upon you.
This is a great post Nichole. You are an inspiration to me and I can relate in so many ways to what you go through. I recently felt as if my appearance was being judged and felt very humbled by that experience when I remembered just a couple days before thinking to myself how someone looked and assuming they were this or that. And this reminds me of a lady that I always thought was very rude but was really just very quiet, only to find out she was also struggling with breast cancer. We never know what others are going through. And you are right...."there is more to the story than meets the eye." Love you girl!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your positive words Stephanie! I'm glad to know that there are others who feel the same way I do and struggle with the same things. We are called to encourage one another and keep each other accountable and I thank you for both!
ReplyDeleteAgain, you have put us in our place and also encouraged us. I enjoy reading your blog so much and it seems as if every time I go away touched and feel as if I have learned something. God bless you and your family as you go through the daily struggles. It's like the old Indian saying about walking a mile in my shoes before you judge me. It's so true. My husband mentioned someone on our walk this morning and thought they might be a little stuck up and I said to him..."maybe they are just shy". We never really know what is going on in someone elses life unless we get to know them. I think we should take the time to do that more:) Thanks again...keep writing! Love and hugs, Debbie
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words Debbie! As always I appreciate your comments.
ReplyDeleteBoy do we here you about others not understanding where we are coming from due to a disability! Walk a day in my shoes and then tell me about it. You are an inspiration and I love to follow your blog. Keep doing what you do best and do what is best for you and your family. God knows the heart and God alone knows it.
ReplyDeleteSCM~ Thank you so much for your encouragement! This is a subject that I feel very passionate about as it is something that happens quite often but is rarely talked about. It seems you understand as well. Thank you for your support :)
ReplyDelete