A to Z Challenge: Hang in There

Up to now, I've dealt with a variety of things that happen when we start taking charge of our lives. Obviously, some of them will make the process incredibly difficult. Much more so than I can describe. 

But there's one thing I do want to encourage you to do. If you know that you're on the right track. If you've been hashing things out with God and the road you're on is where He wants you. Then there's only one thing to do. 

Hang in there. 

Sometimes it'll feel like you can't do a single thing more. Or that the people around you are making things too difficult. Or that you're tired of feeling so alone and unsupported. 

The only thing you can do is hang on (I strongly suggest clinging to God in particular). 

The first part of taking charge will be difficult, but it gets better as you settle into your new life. So whatever you do, don't give up. 

Prayer

Lord, 

I'm going through a difficult time right now. Things feel like they're much more challenging than I should be. I don't know how to go on. Without You, Lord, I know I can't. 

So please help me find the strength to continue. And guide me, Lord. Because if You don't want me to do this after all, I need to know so I can change my plans. Your will be done, Lord. Not mine. 

I pray this in Jesus's name. 

Amen. 

A to Z Challenge: Expectations

Sorry for being so late to post today. Been struggling with a migraine all day. In fact, I still have it, but I'm not skipping a post.

So today, I want to prepare you for something you're really never going to expect.

The people closest to you, the ones you trust and love and expected to support you, probably won't.

In fact, they're going to resist the changes you bring about in your life again and again. For months, maybe even years.

It was like that when I decided to seriously follow my heart (and head) and go into the arts. The one person who I thought would support me in my quest to live a happier life, my mother, absolutely refused to support me.

We had constant fights about it, because she thought it was a phase. She didn't get at all that I was dead serious and more importantly, truly motivated for the first time in my life.

I once told my best friend that I wanted to live a life worth living and there's nothing wrong with living a life I want. Her response: Don't worry, you'll grow up soon enough.

Yeah... support... don't count on it. Because the people around you will think you're setting yourself up for failure. They think they're protecting you by trying to stop you from taking charge of your life.

Besides the protective aspect, there are also their expectations to contend with. My mother expected me to get a banking job or something similar. Someone else's husband might expect food on the table every night.

And when we inadvertently mess with the status quo, they put up a fight. Because hey, everyone was comfortable with the way things were before.

Well... cry me a river. No matter what my mother expected, I happen to know I would have blown my brains over my desk a few years after getting to it. And no, Ms Hypothetical, your husband won't starve from making his own meal for once.

I think you get the idea, but there's only one expectation I can guarantee for you. Expect to fight for everything you want to achieve. Sometimes hard.

Because the moment you give in, those people who were supposed to support you become your excuses.

And that will bring you back to A.

Prayer

Lord, 

Thank you for giving me the chance and the ability to take charge of my life. 

There's just one thing, Lord, that's really getting to me. This wall of ambivalence I'm hitting into everywhere. I know that I'm doing the right thing. I know that this is what You want me to do. 

So I pray that you please work in the hearts of the people who are so set against this journey. And if need be, give me the strength to continue without their support. 

In Jesus's name, 

Amen.