"Do what you feel in your heart to be right.... for you'll be criticized anyway." ~Eleanor Roosevelt Have you ever been punched in the gut? I can honestly say I never have.....not literally anyway.....but I'm pretty sure it feels like you've had the wind knocked out of you, and you want to throw up, and you're totally taken off-guard all in one quick moment, so, in essence (figuratively speaking), I've just been gut-punched. My character has been attacked, and I'm really, REALLY not cool with it at all. "I don't want to be around people anymore that judge or talk about what people do. I want to be around people who dream and support and do things." ~Amy Poehler I'm not really going to get into specifics here. It would serve no purpose (other than for the gut-puncher(s) to recognize themselves and their actions here in this blogpost), so I'll leave that be. Here's the bottom line, so listen up gut-puncher........ What I choose to do, eat, drink, wear, read, sing, quote, photograph (within reason...and quite frankly everything I do, eat, drink, wear, read, sing, quote, and photograph is WELL "within reason"), is MY business. Period. My husband approves of his wife's choices. My children approve of their mother's choices. I am NOT a bad person. Those that think otherwise don't know me. It's just that simple. "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you into something else is the greatest accomplishment." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson I proudly boast of my faith as a Christian every chance I get, and I love my God deeply. So, this afternoon I had to dig really, REALLY deep, and ask Him for direction. How do I handle it, Lord? Where do I go from here? The human side of me wants to lash out.....big time. Make a big stink. Prove my worth. We're talking about my character here, and that is not something I take lightly. However, the Holy Spirit that most definitely resides in me is making it abundantly clear that I have to move on from this or Satan will use it to his full advantage sending me straight back into that terrible pit of darkness where I have been before. That is NOT a place I can afford to go back to! So..... even though I'm extremely hurt, I'm moving on. “Forgive others….not because they deserve forgiveness but because you deserve peace.” ~Jonathan Lockwood Hule Yep, I'm still pursuing peace. I think I deserve it. It's a daily effort, but I have no doubt I'm going to get it one of these days......might not be 'til I'm on the other side with my Lord, but it's coming. So, I'm going to try my best to forgive, but I gotta be honest......forgetting is a little harder task for me to accomplish. I'm going to pray a little harder for that part to happen. In fact, please say a prayer for me if the Holy Spirit brings me to your mind. In the meantime, I'll close with this thought. "Before you start pointing fingers, make sure your hands are clean." ~Bob Marley Are your hands clean??
Until next time, ~Dot
8 Comments
Marilyn Vidmar
7/22/2015 12:10:09 am
Dot, you are just as GREAT a writer as you are photographer!! Sorry this is the topic you had to work with, but... Just remember my motto... Easy Peasy😄
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Carol Becton
7/22/2015 02:52:50 am
Dot, I don't know what has happened but I want to say that I have always and will always admire and love you. I think you are an example of a Godly woman that always is kind and loving to everyone. I will keep you in my prayers and pray that whoever has wronged you will ask for forgiveness and right their wrong. I love you sweetheart and hope you have a blessed day.
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Debi Shaw
7/22/2015 03:02:53 am
You are the living Symphony, Dot. Don't ever forget that. You have a full life, wonderful husband, beautiful children. I am jealous of the life you have, so others must be, too. However, I choose to stand by in wonder, and choose to let our friendship grow. Stand proud, my sister! There is a long line of sisters behind me!!
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Judy Coleman
7/22/2015 04:15:17 pm
My sweet Dot, my "daughter from another Mother:" I wanted to speak with you this morning, but had an early doctor's appointment and could not. Then, I could not connect with you on the telephone. Dear one, I have known you almost since you entered the world and can say unequivocally, that you are the finest and strongest and most moral Christian young woman I have ever known! Your character is beyond reproach. That someone would question that is beyond me. Your faith in your Lord has never wavered, even in some of your darkest hours. I have seen your strength of character shine so many times as you ministered to your family and others. I have heard you pray and call on the forces of Heaven and seen the answers to those prayers. You have been such an inspiration to me! It breaks my heart to know that you have been hurt, but I am committed to pray that you will forgive quickly, so that you will be at peace within yourself. Forgiving does not mean the other person is right, it only says that you are willing to give up the right to punish and leave that in God's hands. I love you, sweet friend, and wish you peace of heart and mind.
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Mary Fernandez
7/23/2015 01:56:17 am
Very well written! You will overcome. Just as you said the Holy Spirit will guide you. Don't allow Satan to use others to persecute you!!! I will keep you in my prayers! Btw, I miss singing with you :)
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Tracey Rousey
7/23/2015 02:52:06 am
Dot I believe you must always be true to yourself. I realize I have opinions that others may not agree with or understand but that is ok with me. I think we all can learn from each other and have respect for differences we have. Life would be so boring if we were all cookie cutters of one anorher. If I let what some people say or think about me I would never leave my house. The people that really matter love and accept you for who you really are, and they understand that you have got to be you...
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Kathy Wood
7/23/2015 11:54:29 am
I have been in the same place as you and had to come to the realization that God has my back. He is my father, and just like any father, he is not happy when others offend his little ones. I will pray for your continued peace as you move forward. I've known you for quite a while, and I admire your work. May the Lord deal with the heart of those who have offended you and help them to make it right.
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Stephanie Brown
7/23/2015 01:29:17 pm
Dot you are a wonderful Christian lady. Your beauty shines to our community through your children and your many different roles. I'm so proud of you for making a difference.
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AuthorHi! I'm Dot. I refuse to succumb to the "empty nest syndrome"! So, this is my journal.....my photo album.....my attempt to enjoy the next chapter of my life as it unfolds. Welcome to The Roomy Nest! Archives
January 2020
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