Just Be Yourself, Part 1

I wrote this much earlier this year, but I haven't posted it because it was a bit lengthy. I knew I would have to have a holiday weekend in order to write it uninterrupted. However, I think the subject is appropriate considering we're coming upon the first of a new year when many make New Year's resolutions. I personally don't make them because I don't like the pressure, but I do enjoy the fresh start the new year brings.

Some people are comfortable in their own skin and have no trouble experiencing life to the fullest. I always envied those people because for most of my life I was painfully bashful and lacked the self-confidence to do or say the things I really wanted to. It's a painful, self-imposed prison. I still don't understand it. I've been trying to analyze it for years. I have dealt with the public for most of my working life and find that I can be friendly and open with complete strangers; but once I form a closer relationship with someone, I tend to clam up and not be as forthcoming with my thoughts and feelings as I would even a casual acquaintance. It's senseless. The only thing I get from it is that perhaps when I get to know someone I really want to please them, so it would hurt me if they were to become upset with or overly critical of me. After all, it's been said that you hurt the ones who love you most. I certainly hope I don't make any of my friends feel that way. I might get angry from time to time, but I usually last a maximum of 5 minutes and I'm more than ready to hug and make up. I NEVER stop loving someone or stop talking to them because they upset me or made me angry.

Insecurity, bashfulness, and fear are some of Satan's most effective tools. Also, when we act in such a manner, it makes those around us feel insecure and reserved too. Sometimes it comes from self-loathing. When people don't like themselves, it makes it difficult for them to get along with others. When self-worth is lacking, the mind and emotions suffer, as well as one's social and spiritual life. Consider the following:

A. 1 Jno. 4: 18 Perfect love casts out fear.
B. 1 Pet. 3: 11 Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it.
C. Jer. 1: 5 God had big plans for Jeremiah when he was still in utero. Wouldn't
He also have special plans for each of us?
D. Rom. 5: 5 God gives us hope through the Holy Spirit.


(Hold on. Got to try to post this. I think the net booted me. Be right back.)