Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: EXPRESSION (11/12/20)
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TITLE: Flip The Script | Previous Challenge Entry
By Debra Brand
11/19/20 -
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What?
There's that old feeling rising up inside ... again … impatience, anger, and frustration. I should know better, stop, and pay attention when my emotions get the better of me. But, it's hard.
"Nancy, we're closing the church."
"I just need to get my lunch out of the refrigerator."
"The door's locked."
"Ok."
"Nancy, are you in the bathroom again? We are leaving!!!"
"Just a minute, I have to wash my hands for two minutes to remove ALL of the germs."
"Nancy, let's go ... NOW!"
"My purse is in the Sanctuary and I need to take this to someone."
This is a real person. She has no concern for time or others' needs. She is internally self-focused. She’s one of the last to leave.
We have talked and talked until blue in the face.
"Nancy, have some consideration for others. Nancy, why are you separating the donated breads? Nancy … NOW!”
"I only need one or two." She uses tongs and counts them out and places them in separate bags.
"Nancy, they are all going to be tossed out. Take it all."
"But, I don't need it all."
By this time, I am steaming anger. My stomach is in knots. The familiar twinge in my forehead means a headache is working its way into my conscience.
I don't know how this woman made it into middle age. She moves at a snail's pace. These are times that try my soul!
So, what is the solution? Flip the script.
Nancy is my trigger point to lash out, be unkind, and speak in a dominating tone of voice. Holding my breath doesn’t work. Ignoring her doesn’t work. Telling someone else to deal with her doesn’t work. It’s an issue of the heart, my heart.
As a Christian, grace should flow from my mouth. Jesus dwells within me so why do I speak before I think?
God says, “My dearest brothers and sisters, take this to heart: Be quick to listen,] but slow to speak. And be slow to become angry, … James 1:19 TPT
Flip the script with the love of Jesus.
“Let every word you speak be drenched with grace and tempered with truth and clarity. For then you will be prepared to give a respectful answer to anyone who asks about your faith.” Collossians 4:6 TPT
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