You Have Permission

Confession time. I have been remiss in sending blogs consistently. At first, an intense season of stress from all sides caused overwhelming pressure. Honestly, at the time, God gave me permission to allow all my reserves to focus on finishing the season strong. However, I confess I never communicated this and that was wrong. I also confess that after that season was completed, and I took the time needed to process and recuperate, I did not jump right back into productivity. Frankly, I pouted. I apologize. And I have learned some more lessons about old habit patterns and thinking (for which I am incredibly grateful), so here we go again. Thank You God for forgiveness and immediate release into embracing purpose. May I honor You and all those who have inspired me through the years by obedience and continuing to learn self-discipline and consistency.

Now that's done, let's look a moment at the concept of having permission. It is quite the simple statement. In fact, so simplistic that responses tend to be reluctant or dismissive. Perhaps because they are basic, and let's face it, we get busy with the "lists" we need to complete daily and have to be reminded from time to time to go back to the basics. Or we think of the idea as pertaining to training our children.

Along the way of my healing journey a simple but powerful phrase captured my heart. The impact was so great that I deliberately speak it into the lives of others. The phrase is "you have permission". Indeed, as busy wives, mothers, employees, volunteers, Christians, etc., we become so focused on all we need to do for others that we easily put our own needs to the end of the list. Occasionally, everyone has the right to take a moment for their own individual best care. For many of us that is challenging. It feels selfish. We hear that we can only give our best when we are healthy ourselves, but we usually dismiss that on a personal level with excuses.

Just remember that Jesus Himself is our example and He frequently went off alone to talk with His Father. As much as He poured Himself into others, He would spend time with God alone to receive conversation, restoration and renewal. Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12, Matthew 14:23, Mark 6:46, all record some instances. His example frees us to behave the same way for our best health (emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually) and to fulfill the purpose He has called us to. Truthfully, time with our Father is the only way we can be restored.

When you think about it, there is rarely something said that you have not heard before, perhaps at church or at work. We as human beings need to be reminded, sometimes over and over. Although we may not be hearing something for the first time, there is a refreshing in our spirit when we hear something spoken that we actually know already. Verbal reminders can be a powerful boost. Look someone in the eye and tell them aloud that they have permission to forgive, to rest, to grieve, or whatever they need at that moment that brings relief and freedom. Especially an adult that postpones those needs because of work or family pressures. Yes, they will look at you with the dismissive or "I'm not a child" look. But something about the sincerity of your concern for their best benefit penetrates rather quickly. I challenge you to give this a try. It truly is a profound concept. Tell yourself you have permission to............ whatever it may be in the moment. Then this very simplistic yet profound experience will possibly cause you to pass it on to others in their challenging moment. There is something about hearing words spoken aloud.

Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

God graciously told me I had permission to recover from the season of battle. What do you need permission to do? If you do not have an immediate answer, ask God to show you. Be bold enough to ask Him to speak it to you. Then receive it. If this does not currently apply to you, I pray these simple, powerful words will return to your mind when you need them.

I can't wait to hear from you about your experiences. Be sure to email me with your results. Let's inspire one another!

Be Inspired. Be Inspiring.