Shield

Negativity. It’s everywhere.

I can’t turn on the news without seeing some horrific story, violence, destruction...it’s hardly avoidable. Today though, I’m putting up my shield against it...my heart just can’t take it. I think I need to stay off Facebook today as well, because that is just a gathering place for negativity. Our society feeds off of it. Why lift people up, when you can tear them down? Am I guilty of this? Absolutely, I’m no angel. I have said terrible things about people, but it’s most likely been a reflection of what’s going on inside of me. It’s pretty hard to love others, when it’s a daily struggle just to love yourself.

As I begin to...like myself more, I find my heart can’t take the lack of respect that some people have for each other. Maybe it’s because I’ve finally begun to respect myself. I want to be someone who uplifts, cheers up, reminds people that they’re all so beautiful, and cherished. I’m sure there were people along the way in my life who tried to remind me of such things. But now I know that they’re true.

Today I am grateful for God’s unwavering love for me. That he’s been a proud Father, even at my worst moments. I am grateful for His forgiveness, even when I’ve been unable to forgive myself. I am grateful for the positivity I get when I remind myself that my name is engraven on his hands, that He calls me His own. I am grateful for the friends he has put in my path, with like minds who can be mentors and advisors to me. I am thankful for all they have taught and continue to teach me. I am thankful for the word that has brought me and so many others comfort in times of need. I am thankful that when I feel as if I have nothing else, I can pray and know that I am not alone. I am hopeful that by showing kindness and compassion today, I can outweigh the heaviness on my heart brought on by the constant attack against it.

Matthew 5:14-16

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁴ Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

¹⁵ Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.