For over 6 months I have been struggling with sharing
something really personal. Since the inception of this blog I promised to
always be truthful and discuss things I know other women are struggling with. The day I decided to finally be obedient and
do what was on my heart for so many years, was the day I realized most of my “so-called
friends” wanted me to fail and not succeed. Today I want to discuss what comes
along with being obedient. This may mean, saying goodbye to someone you thought
was a friend.
My Last 3 Years:
I have always been a people pleaser with dreams that were
placed on the back burner so that those around me could shine. About three
years ago, this all changed as I rocked my 3 month old to sleep and had to find
creative ways to help him sleep. I started singing a song I wrote off the cuff
and my colicky baby calmed down. I thought it was a flook until I did it again
and again for about 3 weeks and got the same results and wrote 3 songs. Secretly,
I always wanted to be a singer but suppressed those feelings. During
those tough months with a colicky baby, God’s presence became known more than
ever. At that point I knew he was calling me to do music, but I ignored his
call for over two years. Why?
- As a new mom, I did not want to be away from my child too much.
- I was not as skilled as other singers. I kept thinking to myself, “who wants to hear me sing?”
As I kept using those two excuses God reminded me of John
10:10:
A
thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real
and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. (MSG)
Tossing and turning one night, I finally gave in to his call,
completed my first EP that can be found at reverbnation and my WORST FEAR CAME
TRUE. My Christian friends, who knew me as a meek, weak, and indecisive
individual, became my worst critics and in some cases, my enemies.
During the last 6 months I have never felt
more alone but alive doing what God called me to do. As I meet with other women and read encouraging blogs from link ups, I realize
that I am not alone and others are facing the same struggles.
There are 2
major things that I notice happens when we are obedient.
- We lose friendships!
Some people are in our lives for a “Season,
reason and life time.” Instead of allowing bitterness or anger to take over, let
us choose to reminisce on the great times we had with former friends and
cherish those times. Without those friendships, we will not be where we are
today. Additionally, we would be unable to appreciate new friendships!
- God Rewards us!
All through the Bible we see that obedience
leads to rewards not only for us by our descendants (Genesis 22:18, Exodus
19:5, Luke 11:28)
Let us reclaim the
life God wants us to have as wives, moms, and business owners and be obedient,
even if it means being alone.
“I find the doing of the will of God
leaves me no time for disputing about His plans.”
~ George Macdonald
Link ups:
Dear Delora
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you followed where you knew your Pappa was leading you! His way is always the best even when it causes a lot of heartache at first.
Blessings on the way forward!
Mia
Thanks so much for stopping by Mia! I love your name. I look forward to staying connected.
DeleteBless you as you work through this lonely period in your life, Delora. I listened to one of your songs on the link, and you have a lovely voice and the words of the song were beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by. I love reading your bible love notes! Thanks also for listening to my music. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteLove the music! :) I can relate to putting God off when He asks us to use our gifts for Him. It's easy to use feelings of inadequacy like Moses did - Lord, let someone better do it! It's a shame your friends were not more supportive, but good for you for being obedient. I feel the same way often about my writing, wondering what purpose God has in it, feeling unworthy and reluctant at times. But I've decided if He wants to make it big, He is able. And if He just wants me to have a small blog that reaches those around me, that's okay, too, because it's all for His glory. Keep obeying! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks SO MUCH! I also stopped by your blog and I am looking forward to reading the next 3 ways to stretch money. Have a blessed day!
ReplyDeleteWe attend a fellowship FULL of like-minded people, but still can feel lonely. I guess it's just something we all have to deal with at times. Bless you.
ReplyDeleteVal, thanks so much for reminding me I am not alone.
DeleteI agree- sometimes obedience leaves us lonely =( I'm sorry you received such a bad reaction from your friends but, I'm happy you are able to stand in the spot you know you need to be in despite it. Thanks for linking up at Thrilling Thursday!
ReplyDelete