#SeekConsensus

[ogloriousday]

Exposed. Embarrassed. Humiliated. Three words used to describe our feelings when we find ourselves in less than comfortable or welcome situations. Situations where we sometimes go into 'survival' mode and try to "Save Face" -> "Fake" like we're OK and Avoid showing Concern or Embarrassment.

Depending on the time and place, a little or a LOT of our energy and time is devoted to Engaging in whatever activity or behavior is necessary to appear "Unbothered".

Why? Because...It hurts to be betrayed and feel disrespected. It's not easy to acknowledge when we've been wronged or when we're in the wrong. It's not easy to look at our Mistakes and admit that we are flawed. And, many times it feels like it may be IMPOSSIBLE to Change our Habits, Correct Selfish behavior alone, or FORGIVE. Thankfully, we do not have to continue to "Save Face". Instead, we can "Seek Grace" when we remember that: "With God all things are possible" (Matt 19:26) and "I can do ALL Things through Christ who Strengthens me." (Phil 4:13)

So, as October comes to an end and we face the last 2 months of 2020 let's try something New. Instead of trying to "Save Face", let's "Seek Grace".

God.

Reconciliation.

Acceptance + Acknowledgment.

Consensus, if possible. If not, Compassion, and always Confession.

Evolve.

Will Seeking GRACE be easy or look pretty? Probably not, but it's worth it. Why? Well, because We all NEED God whether we've been saved for 70 years or 7 seconds. So, Seek God, whenever you've been wronged AND when YOU'RE the one doing wrong. Seek Reconciliation*, when possible. Accept responsibility for your actions. Acknowledge your faults. Or, Accept that your past has passed and Acknowledge that God STILL has a future and a HOPE for you to Live and THRIVE. (Jer 29:11) Seek Consensus, even if you think it may be impossible to come to an Agreement. If it is? Then, agree to disagree. Why? Because sometimes we can admit our past mistakes, but struggle to recognize the patterns that initially led to them. Sometimes two people end up on opposite sides of a line in the sand. So, for the sake of Peace we must agree to Love from afar and move forward. In both instances, we should show Compassion if we can and always start with Confession. Confession to God, Self, and others. Then, we should seek to Evolve and let God work in, through, and around us. It will take time, but it will be a process where our Energy, Time, and Willingness to gradually develop into the people we have been Created to be will have a GREATER impact. How? Eventually we will become Better people. Better Brothers, Sisters, friends, and Children of God. In time we will become more: aware of our Actions, Proactive rather than Reactive, and more apt to either admit fault or acknowledge when we've been wronged so that we can ALL Heal and help heal those around us.

So, again, as we face the last 2 months of 2020 let's stop trying to "Save Face", let's "Seek Grace". Let's Forgive, Evolve, Heal, and be Reconciled*.

*Reconciliation is a Beautiful and WONDERFUL thing. However, it should not mean risking your Health or Safety. Does this mean you shouldn't apologize or forgive someone because of COVID or fear of catching a flight or travelling to reconcile with them? No, you make a call, send a text, or write a letter. However, if you are attempting to, or did, leave a person/situation to save your life, do NOT risk your life trying to reconcile with your abuser/offender. Seek God and the support of your community/resources around you. Specific to DV situations, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. For all Abuse situations, reach out to your local community resources and church communities. Most importantly, so that YOU may heal: Forgive your abuser/offender and remember you are NOT to blame for being abused. You are Loved. You are Worthy of being Loved. You can be Healed. You are Important. Stay Healthy and Safe, Beloved.)