Dear God,
I've been reading this book called "You Are Stronger Than You Think" By Joel Osteen.
There's been a few negative opinions of him from a few people who are close to me. For a while I found myself truly enjoying this book yet I felt some sort of shame from it. He is a man of God, who writes really profound words, they move me and inspire me. All because of a few bad opinions I allowed it to alter the way I wanted to feel about him.
Many many people have opinions about different things, and at times I agree or disagree. There have been times where I want to taste the flavors of a certain food, that someone has shared their negative opinion or experience with me. It either keeps me from tasting/experiencing it for myself because, I trust them and or I want to save myself the negative experience (assuming it's going to be negative).
With this book, the author. He like other people in the world have left a sour taste in other's mouths. Thanks to the word of mouth (also known as gossip) well these experiences are shared with others and on and on down the grape vine, it goes. Someone meets, said person and has a totally different experience that they expected... and are left rather confused, at a loss of words. Just because someone doesn't agree with others decisions, makes them feel superior allows space for judgement.
Holding and reading such a powerful book, afraid to share with others because of fear of judgement, from myself and this author. It reminded me of my faith and my relationship with You My Lord. In the beginning I didn't want to share your word or your goodness, because I didn't want others to not agree or accept my faith. I wanted to be in the "cool" crowd. Only to talk and do the "cool" things because I wanted to fill a void. I wanted to fit in.
I am ashamed to admit it, but it's true. The truth will set me free.
Gossiping, will alter so people's perception on anyone and anything. I have experienced bad things, I'm stronger today for them. For the majority of my life Lord you have shown your favor on my life. Yet I was afraid others 'experiences' or opinions of you would take away from how I have seen and experienced you and your love.
You are THE GREAT, I AM.
You are LOVE.
You are LIGHT.
You are GREAT.
You are PATIENT.
Nothing can take away from who you are.
Psalm 103:1-6
Of David. 103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6 The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.
I am grateful for my maturity. For my growth. Thank you Lord for guiding me to correct my ways. I now understand that it doesn't matter what other people think about x,yz. It's about what I think and believe to be good and true. Especially when it comes to what I experience. What others experience doesn't and won't determine mine.
Thank you!
Yours Truly!!
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