Now, going on with the quicksand idea. Let's say you're in quicksand. Let's say there's a rope connected to a tree, lying well within reach and you could (with some effort, granted) pull yourself out.
What do you do?
Well. Most people I talk to make themselves comfortable and start blaming others for getting them into the quicksand in the first place. Or for not picking them out of it. Or they blame the quicksand for keeping them stuck.
The rope, their way out, goes unnoticed and unwanted. Because, hell, getting out on our own is just too much effort.
Now is it me, or does this way of thinking sound absolutely insane?
I mean, people are so fast to blame God for not giving them the miracle needed to escape. They absolutely refuse to acknowledge that the rope that they can save themselves with is in fact that miracle. Where else would it have come from?
I'm going to share two harsh truths with you that I had to learn a few years ago.
Your circumstances are your choice.
and
No one else is going to save yourself from them.
Right about now, I figure some of you stopped reading. But if you're with me, think about it for a moment.
If you're not happy, but don't do something to address the problem, you made a choice to do nothing. And if that's the method you've been using so far, how has it been working out for you?
Fact is, I know there are some people who are drowning in situations beyond their control. People stuck in the lowest lows of poverty. People with special needs. And even then, there are some who do everything in their power to rise above their circumstances.
And you, wonderful person reading this post, probably have it a LOT easier.
The only person who's to blame for where you are is you. And you're the only one who's going to get you out onto safe ground. And yes, it'll be incredibly hard. I'm not saying it's a walk in the park. But one thing I promise you. Once you start wanting to move, God will help you to move.
So for heaven's sake! Do yourself a favor and do something. Challenge yourself to do something you've always wanted to do, but couldn't whatever reason you had while blaming someone or someone else. That's your rope.
That's going to be how you free yourself from your circumstances.
Prayer
Lord,
I realize now that I've made a serious mistake. I've been blaming everyone and everything around me for not living the life You intended for me. Even You.
Even though (name the person/thing that landed you in this situation, if applicable) brought me into this situation, I now know that I'm responsible for staying here so long. Me. No one else.
Forgive me, Lord, for blaming You.
Please guide me. Help me to recognize what it is You want me to do. And please, Lord, give me the strength to do it.
I pray this in Jesus's name,
Amen.
24 comments:
Quite an unexpected B word!
I agree--people don't take enough upon themselves these days. Excellent post.
Hi Misha! My 'B' is also about blame so how's that for synchronicity! My take is similar though yours is more ... mmmm .. unsure what word to use .. yours is LOVELY is what I want to say firstly and you highlight this issue of blame so well. As well as your heartfelt prayer .. thank you!
You're a few above or below me - unsure for the moment but I'm glad I found you!
Sometimes this is a tricky line to walk. While I may be, indeed to blame for being where I'm at, I made decisions with good intentions and with a heaping dose of naivety. Unfortunately, reversing decisions is like a ripple effect in a pond-- new decisions that benefit me are not without consequences to others. Life is rarely as easy or uncomplicated as we'd like it to be. Blame, however, is rarely worth the emotional energy. Thought-provoking post, Misha.
Thanks for sharing those experiences, Misha!
In response to what you have shared, I have to say that, if people could see/not blind to what they need to see in order not to play the blame game or pull themselves out of the quicksand they probably would.
Lack of sight is grounds for not being able to change and move beyound ones circumstance.
For example there is always a cause that brings about an effect; then change comes. Reading someones post could be the cause that could create the effect of change!
Personally, inorder for Betty to understand she needs a revelation or someone pointing things out to her; a post or a person pointing out her shortcomings, etc.
That is the miracle- when after being in darkness someone brings the light! When there is no light - there's no way, Betty nor anyone else can pull them selves up out of their circumstances.
Priase be to the Lord for light and revelation!! and for those that the Spirit brings the light through!!!
We live in a blame culture, and being able to blame someone else is a really liberating thing. It means we never have to take responsibility for, well, anything, and, if there's one thing people -don't- want, it's responsibility.
I am SO happy I found your blog. It is the uplifting message that I need. You are a beautiful writer. Thanks for the lesson!
www.m5carolin.blogspot.com
As a more senior Bear, I find my life is quite limited, primarily by old injuries (physical and mental). Yet within that context, I choose to be as busy as I can be. And that's good, for me. I suppose I could be busier, but that would have a significant price, which I choose not to pay.
Thank you for sharing your delightful thoughts.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
I live to surprise. ;-)
Thank you!
Loved how you talked about blame. :-)
That's true.
Some decisions I made rippled into quite a few people's lives once I decided to get myself out of the hole I'd found myself in.
It's difficult. I won't deny it. In fact, it's damnably hard. But I really think it's worth it. Even if you only start by making tiny changes at a time.
ANY improvement is good.
I agree with you there. People are so used to they place they're at, that they refuse to realize the cause of their problems. Let alone address it.
Hahaha that's so true. And sad.
I'm glad that my blog posts have meaning for you. Thanks for stopping by again. :-)
Oh I think you're right not to be too busy. That, as you said, has its prices as well.
Thank you for visiting!
Sometimes it's only when you step back that you can truly see where you've gone wrong. Blame is one of the less healthy of reactions.
Nice job Misha--I bet some readers saw themselves in your post and might be moved to action. Glad to have found your blog.
I like to say you are where you are today because of the choices you made yesterday. Great prayer!
Oh yes, I agree with you. It took me months to get far enough from my situation to see the real problem.
Thanks Dot. I hope my posts do help someone. Even if it's just one person.
So true.
Glad you liked my prayer. :-)
BLAME - been lying about myself endlessly - No - it's not just you that thinks it's insane to blame :)
You know, you're right. Blaming others is actually the same as lying to yourself. :-)
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