Saying "no" as an action of being brave.
As I think about what my "no" actions are, I am reminded of a time....
It was several years back, my word of the year was "Brave". For me, it meant being brave enough to say "no" to certain things in my life. For instance, I had to be brave enough to try and do things to take care of myself. So, if I had to say "no" to eating certain foods, then that is what I did.
I also remember blogging about this, at the time (a totally different blog, btw), and someone responded to me saying that that is not how being "Brave" is supposed to work. Hmmm.
It is "Brave" to say "No"
So I just read in Let's All Be Brave about finding your "no". For Annie, a big one was the realization that she should change how she eats for her health.
What is my current "no"?
Like Annie, I work hard to watch what I eat. I have several health issues and I am very sensitive to certain foods, spices, smells, etc. So, to help with my sensitivities, I have said "no" to certain things, like garlic, onions, gluten, dairy, fried foods <--- and that is just a small list.
I have fibromyalgia and I tend to hurt, everywhere, all of the time. One symptom that I have learned that goes along with fibromyalgia is sensory overload . I suffer with sensory overload a lot. If I am out, in a restaurant and there are strong smells, it is overly warm, a child is throwing a fit, lights are blinking, and music is blasting ... oh boy, I start to feel overwhelmed. So, I have had to say "no" to going places that I know are going to trigger my sensory overload issues.
To say "Yes" to something better
I love Jesus. I don't think that I can say that enough. I love being in the Word. I love reading devotionals. I love working through Bible studies. I want to grow closer to the Lord and to be in His will for my life. I work hard (as I am a work in progress) to keep the Lord first and foremost, in my life. So, I have had to say "no" to activities that seem like fun, but in reality they pull me away from God. Activities like watching tv, shopping online, scrolling through fb or pinterest.
Matthew 6:33 NIV
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
So, as you see, taking a step, even a small one, and saying "no" to something in order to say "yes" to something else, is an action of being brave.
In summary, you will see:
I said "no" to certain foods and spices, but I said "yes" to less sensitivities.
I said "no" to places that trigger my sensory overload issues, but "yes" to less triggers.
I said "no" to activities that seem fun but pull me away from God, but "yes" to growing my relationship with God.
Your turn:
Do you look at saying "no" to something as being a "brave" action?
What things have you said "no" to in order to say "yes" to something else?
I challenge you to spend some time thinking about this.
Prayer:
Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. You created the heavens and the earth. I ask, Father, that You will forgive me for not trusting You to guide me through my "no" steps. I have to confess, sometimes it is easier to follow where everyone is going, to follow the world, than it is to say "no". Please help me to always seek Your kingdom and Your righteousness and to know that everything else that I need will be given to me as well (Matthew 6:33). In Jesus' name, Amen.
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