we all say we don't care what others think of us — but we're lying
Mick's Mix
The illusory world of social media can lead us to follow carefully curated profiles that are essentially fictional and quite possibly not even human. We slide deeper and deeper into an imaginary realm that most definitely does not have our best interests at heart.
Such a dynamic can cause us to waste inordinate amounts of time ruminating about what others think of us.
We’re all aware of this but we don’t stop. Like all of you, I speak from personal experience. Lately, for example, when I survey my rapidly declining audience and engagement here, I must summon supernatural strength to silence my inner negative monologue.
When I do quiet that voice, I can see and hear this:
In such moments of clarity, I can discern:
The only opinion that matters is what God thinks of me, and that is far simpler to pinpoint. For example:
I am a masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10) — fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) in God’s own image (Genesis 1:27) — the apple of His eye (Deuteronomy 32:10). And I was born for such a time as this (Esther 4:14).
Who wants to join me in developing ways to choose humility over pride-driven fear and to start taking the only steps that matter?
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Mickey Z.
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Early on in my voyage of personal discovery, on which I found myself a couple of years back, I read a book called 'The Four Agreements'.
The book claims to be Toltec Wisdom. There was some spiritual writing in it which I didn't find particularily helpful, but the agreements themselves have been quite helpful.
Assume nothing, Take nothing personally. Be impeccable in language, Always do your best. (These are from memory, so I may not be impeccable in my sharing here!)
Trying not to get inside peoples' heads, has saved me a fair bit of stress and energy!
Personally, I am spending less time on the computer. Trying to regain some pre-lockdown footing. Even my increased writing time is mainly done offline first, and then posted.
Mickey,
I’m in.
We spend way too much time looking out and not looking in.
Humility was shown to us by Our Creator when The Word became flesh. Born in a manger, lived nomadically, didn't have an estate, ran a company, and was murdered for telling the truth. He could have had whatever He wanted.
Thank you for the reminder to look inward and ask the tough questions. Am I following the Gospel? Can I humble myself to recognize my faults and apologize to Him and those He created?
Sounds simple, but it isnt. Minute by minute, day by day with the help of His grace.