Tapping the REAL Power Within
I've been thinking a lot about the power within lately. I think it stems from my recent Chicago visit to hear Iyanla Vanzant speak on the topic. And I thought I had a pretty good handle on the subject. However, just when I thought it was smooth sailing, I had a "moment." You know the kind of moment when everything seems to be going like clockwork and BOOM you get hit with something that shakes you off the path and right down into the pit again.
Today was one of those days and while I'll spare you the ugly details of the situation, I've got to admit my reaction to it wasn't godly. In fact it was so far from being godly, I'm surprised I had any connection to the Spirit within at all. Instead I was mad and hurt and "righteous" about the whole thing. And I threw a good old fashioned fit!! You know the kind you had when you were about 4 years old--throwing yourself on the floor, kicking and screaming to get your way.
Well I wasn't literally kicking and screaming at least on the outside. In fact, most people noticed very little on my outward affect. I'm pretty good at keeping up appearances even when my internal world is going to hell in a hand basket. But I can assure you I WAS being a brat--an ugly, horrible, judgmental, mean-spirited brat to boot!
It was clear to me that my internal dialogue was deteriorating pretty fast. Now, I could have quickly made another decision and stopped that conversation right then and there--in the moment. But of course, I didn't. Still I don't really think that's the core of the problem. Instead the major issue was that I let all that "noise" simply squelch anything the Holy Spirit had to say to me. In other words, I simply didn't listen to that power within.
Why am I telling you all this? Well, confession is good for the soul. Right? More importantly I hope you can learn from my short-lived, temper tantrum. You see, I've since made peace with Christ about the whole thing. Jesus and I are cool! That's the wonderful thing about having a high priest who understands all our shortcomings. He really gets it and is willing to forgive, if and only if we're truly repentant. Oh how I LOVE Him for that!
My hope, no make that my prayer for you this week, is that you can really tap into that internal source of power, because that's exactly what you've got if you have a relationship with Christ. Don't let the noise of the day, the situation, whatever quiet that voice within no matter how soft or distant it may be. And most of all get a good strong hold on the fit-throwing 4-year old. Remember she doesn't get to control things. Leave that up to the Master. Then and only then will you really tap the power within.
Learning, loving, and listening to the one and only Source of power,
~Cheryl
8 comments:
Are we in the same class, or what?!? You know I have really been working on listening for and discerning God's voice versus the din of my oftentimes very loud internal peanut gallery. And ah, your prayer -- As the saying goes, "From your mouth to God's ear!"
New to your Blog...
I had that "moment" more than once but last summer took the cake.
I was on the dock by the water trying to "listen" and God spoke to my heart that to understand what he is really saying,
I needed to be "as quiet as the sound of standing water".
I even drew a picture on my blog.
It's the hardest (and easiest) thing He ever taught me. Thanks for sharing!
Lisa J
Powerful words. Thank you for sharing. I needed these words.
I feel this way all too often! I have learned to surround myself with Christian friends and when I get to those times I am reminded that I am not alone. Thank you for being such a good Christian friend to me. :) Slk.
needed that today... somebody to give me a holy spanking.
thank you
If we only knew just how powerful we were WITH Jesus...it would really blow our minds! And, don't we all continue to listen for that loud booming voice or look for that 'handwriting on the wall' instead of just getting quiet enough to really hear Him? Beautiful post and much needed! I enjoyed reading about your visit to Chicago and hearing Iyanla. That had to be amazing!
I was intrigued by the woman you spoke of and looked on her sight and saw a couple of U Tube videos. I was just curious if she ever mentions Jesus. That puzzled me a bit because she talked about "The Way" being things we "do" but never mentioned "Jesus" being the Way. I have never heard of her before so I was just curious if you had more info since you've heard her speak several times. I am always cautious of good speakers (even those who preach from the Bible) if they leave out the one person that makes it all possible - Jesus. I see from your site (this is my first visit) that you love Jesus, so I thought it was OK to ask. : ) Would love to hear back...
Blessings,
Christina
Hey Christina,
Good question. Yes it's always okay to ask. I just wish my students would do the same!! (hey, I can hope can't I?)
First, I don't consider her a Christian speaker. As a result, I don't expect her to talk about Jesus. My guess is that even though she is an ordained protestant minister that our views on Christ vary drastically, but I could say that for most of the communication scholars I study.
Second, I simply enjoy her raw enthusiasm and practical application of "communication" information. Her no-nonsense approach is refreshing.
And finally, to answer your question from my personal experience (which is limited) I have heard her mention Jesus and quote scripture to boot. Still, as I said in the beginning, she's not a Christian speaker in my book.
So, I hope that answers your questions. Feel free to e-mail me at profbaugh@yahoo.com if you want to talk more.
Much love,
~Cheryl
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