I want to live in such a way that if I have a problem with someone, no one will ever know

Would you say the above statement is bold? A little crazy? Something you could do?

I know it’s something I want to do. I want to live in such a way that even if I’m struggling in a relationship, no one in my inner (or outer) circle will ever know. The way I talk about, talk to, and choose not to talk about that person would be the same as talking about my husband, children, or best friend.

In order to succeed, I need to implement a few rules. I need to make sure the person I go to vent to about the hurts I’m feeling is God … and no one else! He has big shoulders and can handle whatever feelings or emotions I’m experiencing – I do NOT need to ask my best friend or mom for advice on how to handle so and so.

I need to completely forgive whatever grudges I’m holding against that person. I need to make sure in my own mind and spirit I’m not allowing bitterness to grow. We all know how that happens, sometimes more so with women than men because we can’t seem to shut off our minds. We replay whatever happened over and over and over and over … rehashing what was done, our response, their response, how we should have responded, how they did respond, etc.

To that I say “enough!” When those thoughts threaten to overtake my mind and emotions, I choose to sing praise songs, pray, or think about something I enjoy … which eliminates the negativity from taking root.

Lastly, I need to pray blessings and favor over the person I’m struggling with. When you sincerely pray blessings over someone, it’s very hard to treat them negatively because blessings and curses cannot coincide with each other.

When I can successfully put these things into place, then I do live authentically according to the statement above. I live as though I have no problem with someone, because God has taken that hurt and “problem” and replaced it with love. And then the problem is gone.

© Cheri Swalwell 2020