I Will Stand

22“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!  Mathew 6:22-23 NKJV

So, one way that I naturally connect with others is through empathy.

And I know that I tend to self-sabotage, so I often find myself examining my own motives, even when my intentions feel sincere.

When someone shares a struggle, I often respond, sharing a challenge of my own, thinking that I am letting them know that they are not alone. While that desire to connect can come from a genuine place, instead of allowing them to vent, I join.

I sometimes wonder that if in the process, I'm unintentionally focusing more on what is difficult than on the blessings God has provided. Am I helping someone feel seen, or am I simply looking for an opportunity to dwell on my own trials?

The same questions arise in other areas of my life.

Of course, I want to participate in gossip or maybe even criticize things and people that I don't understand.  I know, even Bob Dylan wisely warned against this!

So, please note that it's better not to be too quick to judge.

When I give in to those temptations, I often regret the opportunities I missed to encourage others, spread positivity, and reflect God's light.

There is certainly a place for venting and processing life's challenges with trusted people. But even in those conversations, I find myself asking: am I searching for the good, or am I feeding the negative?

Am I standing for what is right, or simply dwelling on what is wrong?

I am now working on my boldness and my integrity. I’m working on being intentional with my words, my attitudes, and the influence I have on others.

My husband often shares a simple but profound quote with our family, and I feel like it captures this idea perfectly.

“It’s wrong, even if everyone is doing it, and it’s right, even if you’re the only one.”

I Will Stand

I’ll stand, even if the whole world tells me to sit.

I will stand, even when I’m denied.

For I know the mercy and grace of my Lord.

For I know the Lord will provide.

I’ll stand, even if someone tries to knock me down.

I will stand, even if I knock myself down.

For I know who will be there to help me up,

For I know where my refuge lies.

I'll stand, even if it's too dark to see.

I will stand in the uncertainty.

For I know Him.

For I know, even when I feel lost, He has found me.

I’ll stand, even if my arms fail to help me hold on.

I will stand when the wind is strong.

For my Lord will sustain me,

For I know, when I call upon the Lord, He will heed my call.

I’ll stand, even if I have no legs to stand on.

I will stand when I falter from it all.

For I know who is there to carry me.

For I know the foundation I’ve built myself upon.

I will stand, knowing I am the daughter of the most high King.

I stand, knowing my worth.

I know my King to deliver unto me all my needs, for by faith,

I am saved; I am set free.

-AB-