Saying yes when all you want to do is say no

I mentioned it was going to be a hectic week and the week has not disappointed. Today was also my scheduled neighborhood Bible study. I usually set my alarm for a fifteen minute warning just in case I go down for a quick snooze. As I started packing up and getting ready, Helena asked me if I was looking forward to study tonight and as I looked over my shoulder, it was not a look of joy or excitement. They were tired eyes that looked at her as I shrugged my shoulders. Don’t get me wrong, I love our Bible study, I always get encouragement or reminders in our sessions that I then reflect on throughout the week. Once I am there, things usually start clicking and I am thankful that I go. I knew the same would happen tonight, I just needed to walk in that door.

As we shared in our Bible study and talked about sitting in silence to enable ourselves to hear God in our prayer life, I settled into the discussion and quickly forgot that a few minutes ago I was going through all the scenarios in my head on how I could cancel or shorten this session.

We had a great discussion. I needed to hear it and I needed to be there. I was exactly where I was supposed to be. As we ended, another friend shared that she too had hesitated in attending and almost stayed home until her son encouraged her to attend. How often are others going through similar challenges and we don’t even realize it? How many times have you heard someone’s story and it resonated with you because you had walked the same or similar path? So often, we are alone in our feelings or feel isolated and overwhelmed with all that the day throws at us. Then, someone shares a simple text in Bible study and you realize you are not alone-someone else felt JUST LIKE you.

I talked about connections yesterday and it is still resonating today. Don’t hold all these feelings inside, share a story, you never know who it may impact. I always tell the girls that when you say something out loud it is so powerful. Things that weighed heavily in your heart and mind, when spoken out loud, seem so minimal. Prayer becomes more powerful and impactful when you hear the spoken word. Something that weighs on you becomes a shared experience with someone else and is no longer about being isolated and alone, but in creating connections.

Today, I pray that you say yes to things that bring you closer to God. I pray that you speak out loud, even if it is in a room by yourself and in the dark, and you realize you are not alone when you hear God’s voice in response in the silence. I pray that you see the connections that God places in your life and you nurture those relationships.