When It’s Time To Forget What Others Think

by | May 22, 2017 | Love God, personal journey

When it's time to forget what others think.

I made the mistake of updating my Facebook profile over the weekend. It had been a few months since I did so.

And as I did, reality on the screen stared back at me.

Yes, I currently have four jobs. FOUR!!

No, this didn’t surprise me, as I’m well aware of all four, but this was the first time I saw them all together:

#1  Mary Kay: I built a successful career in Mary Kay in the early 90’s as we were starting a family. It allowed me to stay home and raise our two children. Even though I’ve chosen to step down from the activity level I once thrived on, I still run this successful business out of my home… 23 years later, very part-time.

#2  Writing: I fell in love with writing in 2007, a year after my mother passed away. I started a blog to document my life for my children, which turned into something I never dreamed of… an online presence, an amazing online community of friends, a new-found joy of writing, and the beginnings of writing a book.

#3  Foster Grandparent Program: I was, I guess you could say, re-hired in February as the Foster Grandparent Program Coordinator of Linn and Johnson counties. I held this position two years ago until the organization who managed the grant closed their doors. It was a job I loved, and I’m thrilled to be back part-time.

#4  Salem Church: Accepting the FGP job in February forced me to resign my position in the office at Salem Church. Talk about an excruciating decision! I helped out until the position was filled. In the meantime, however, the church created a new, part-time position for me in which I began on Monday… their Director of Communication.

Listing these on my profile nearly brought me to a chuckle.

What must people think of me? They’ve got to think I’m crazy silly. (I like silly better than crazy.) Maybe most don’t know I have four jobs, but when I write about them they will.

When I introduce myself to someone new, maybe I should now say, “Yeah, I’m the crazy silly girl who has four jobs.”

I didn’t plan it this way, really. I didn’t seek out any one of these jobs intentionally. I truly believe, though, God led me to each one specifically. And, I also believe He’s got a plan for me in each.

Call me silly or crazy or whatever, but I have this peace in believing I’m right where God wants me to be.

Where you are right now is God’s place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. 1 Corinthians 7:17 MSG

We can forget about what others think. 1 Corinthians 7:17 MSG Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there.

So, why on earth do I still concern myself with what others think of me?

If I’m where God wants me, why should I care about the opinions of others? Friend, I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I’ve always been this way? Maybe it’s because, deep down, I want to be liked? Or, maybe it’s because I am focusing on others and not on God?

It’s silly, I know.

Do you ever do this too? Do you ever wonder what others think… of you, your actions, your life? Or worse yet, have you, like me, ever made decisions based on the opinions of others? You’re not alone if you have.

You know, if we’re following God, and doing what He’s called us to, what others think of us hold no weight in our lives. There’s freedom in letting go of that judgment. We can live carefree when our purpose is in trusting God.

The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that. Proverbs 29:25 MSG

It’s time for us to forget about what others think. (Or what we think they might think.) It’s time to live in the freedom of following God and trusting Him in our calling. If we keep our focus on him, we can trust He’s got us right where He wants us.

No matter what anyone else thinks, says, or does.

I’m praying for you and me in this today. How else can I pray for you?

Much love,

Julie

 

Linking this post with God-sized Dreams, a beautiful place of encouragement!

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6 Comments

  1. NAnn

    A couple years ago a Bible teacher said, “What other people think of me is none of my business.”

    I wrote that down and put it in my Bible as a ready reminder. Along with it is another quote: “Don’t look behind me – I don’t live there anymore.”

    Both have been life savers to me at one time or another 😀

    Reply
    • Julie Lefebure

      Ooh, I love those quotes. I’m going to write them down. I’m thrilled you shared them here. Isn’t it so cool how we can journey alongside of each other in life and encourage each other as we go?! Thanks for encouraging me with your words today. Blessings to you!

      Reply
  2. Mandy

    Oh, how I hear you, Julie! Detaching from what other think of me has been a lifelong struggle. So very glad freedom is found when I am able to accept grace to do it! And GO YOU for your four jobs. Everyone’s path is different. I wear many hats as well. Blessings!

    Reply
    • Julie Lefebure

      Hi Mandy! Yes, you’re absolutely right… everyone’s path is different. As you wear your many hats, I pray God guides you specifically in each one. May we end this struggle and detach of what others may thing of us. So glad you stopped over and shared. Have a blessed day!

      Reply
  3. Cindy

    An important reminder I needed Julie! Thank you, Cindy

    Reply
    • Julie Lefebure

      I needed it too, Cindy. Thanks for stopping in. Bless you!

      Reply

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