There are some things in life that we have no control over; such things as genetics and the environment we grew up in (at least to a certain extent). To this list, I want to add ____ please read on and you can fill-in the blanks.
I encouraged my daughters to be free to share and express themselves even though I came from a culture that repressed it. As soon as they were able to mutter words, we had always had a conversation. When I say, “we need to talk,” they know that Momma wants a dialogue or conversation, not a monologue. Yes, there were times I lost my balance in conversations but I quickly regrouped myself to continue. But, now as young adults, they are the ones mostly initiating the dialogues. Here’s a recent one of such worth sharing.
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Daughter: Mom everyone knows you’re a Christian.
Me: Alleluia, praise the Lord. (could have added some break-dancing as well!) That’s a good thing, right? I don’t even know that I look like one.
Daughter: Can you tell a bad person or a racist when you see one?
Me: Not really but I guess I can perceive one by the Spirit of the Lord in me.
Daughter: that’s the point. People know you for who you are.
Me: uhm 🤔 I see your point.
Daughter: certain people feel uncomfortable around folks like you … even without you saying anything.
Me: Baby, I’m sorry that they do; I don’t have control over that. I try to make everyone comfortable around me. Don’t I?
Daughter: yes, you do, but still I can’t bring some of my friends around you because I don’t want you judging them cos they might not look like those you approve of. (I’ve also encouraged them to bring their friends home; I mentioned this in one of my posts.)
Me: Again, I’m sorry you feel that way but I don’t judge your friends or anyone. I leave judging to God. I’m more concerned that you feel that way. Why do you? If your friends feel so, I expect you to be the one to defend your Momma. Even when I sense anything, it’s God’s way of highlighting the person to say “pray for him/her.” It could also be that God is warning you through me. I can see how that makes them uncomfortable – light is being shed unto certain areas …
Daughter: you’re getting too deep for me now
Me: The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, … (Deuteronomy 29:29). Also, “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings (you & I) is to search out a matter.” (Proverbs 25:2)
And finally, at least for today, wisdom is the principal thing; in thy getting, get understanding. Love you baby. God is watching over you!
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Thanks for reading. If you will, please comment and add to the list of things that we have no control over.
ThinkTalk 