I am going through a growth season, a time where many things are changing simultaneously; many ideas and learning points are coming into my view. Over the next few weeks, I’m going to share a little bit about what I’m learning and how it might be of value to you. I’ll be curious to hear your thoughts!
#1: I Have Blind Spots Okay. So that one is not entirely new. We all know we have blind spots. I teach about looking for and seeing your own personal blind spots. But I’m in a season where some of them are coming into crisp focus, sharp and eye-popping in detail.
These blind spots are being revealed to me from many directions, and from people I trust and love. At first it was hard to hear. After all, blind spots exist because we don’t see them as being true about ourselves. But for as much as I take a godly pride in being open to correction, for living a life where I’m striving to become God’s best version of me, it has been hard!
Sometimes I’m tempted to rush in and defend, to explain why I did/said/thought/reacted a certain way. I think because I have felt so emotionally attacked in my past, and I have taken things other people said as truth only to find out they weren’t true, it makes it harder for me to want to really listen and embrace what’s being said in those tender, vulnerable areas. Because let’s face it—that’s usually where our weak spots lie!
“I’ve got this!” I think to myself. “I’m really good at this now.”
And I forget that the enemy doesn’t just sit there in agreement with me and leave me be. He is subtle, he is crafty, and he will work to sneak in behind my back and bring that weakness forth again in a different, hidden way that I won’t think to look for. Oftentimes it can be in areas I perceive to be my strengths—part of why I miss them.
In this season I’ve had to sit back and take a little of my own advice (man, is it annoying when someone says to me, tongue-n-cheek, “There’s a great book you should read called Using What’s Broken to Boldly Shine. Great author! Have you read it?” Lol). I’ve had to get my BRAVERY on and deal with the triggers and the roots of what God is revealing to me about my character. I’ve had to embrace the uncomfortableness that brings, and sit in silence and simply listen. Not hear, but listen. Huge difference there!
Most importantly, I’ve worked to really engage with God on these hidden areas since ultimately, he’s the one bringing them forth so I can grow. I think of verses like:
For truth is a beam of light shining into every area of your life, instructing and correcting you to discover the ways to godly living (Proverbs 6:23). –and– No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11).
I remind myself that discipline is GOOD even when my emotions want me to run and go hide in a corner. I take out the plentiful harvest of blessings in my life that have come as a direct result of the Lord’s correction, teachings and discipline. I love what he is doing in me! Why would I let my own broken thinking keep me from experiencing more?!
So, I ask him for humility. We talk through what it is he is trying to help me grow in. He encourages me when I’m feeling like a failure (as does my husband, which is pretty amazing!). He reminds me that he has my back, and that I don’t have to work through anything on my own. He’s beginning to instill a VISION within me of who and where I can be as I learn and grow in these areas. Through it all, I’m embracing the discomfort, allowing it to take me someplace different, better.
How about you? Any blind spots in your life you are wrestling through? Any correction/discipline the Lord is throwing your way? I’d love to hear about it and interact with you on The Dented Fender Facebook page HERE.
FOR FURTHER THOUGHT We all have defense mechanisms built into our hard wiring, including emotional ones. Disassociating, for example, protected you if you were abused when you were young. Continuing to stay in that space, however, cripples you from healing as an adult and leaves you riddled with blind spots. Consider praying for God to reveal to you one defense mechanism or blind spot that needs to go. Pick out some verses to strengthen yourself with BEFORE the reveal so you have spiritual tools at the ready to take on that weakness and experience blessing and growth! Already there? Find scriptures that speak to you in the moment of your fear and weakness. Remember: the word is our sword and it’s how we fight back effectively!
Next, find areas of gratitude in your life, things you can actively praise the Lord for. The Bible teaches us to put on a garment of praise to battle against a spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61). Write the scriptures and the praises down so you can pull them out whenever you need them. Then step back and watch transformation begin!
PRAYER Lord, thank you that you accept me right where I am at with loving kindness, but that you care to much to leave me there. Thank you for always wanting the best for me, even when I don’t reach for it myself. And thank you that growth can be hard sometimes. That teaches me to rely on you more, to grow my trust and my character for your glory. Thank you in advance for all the blessings you will pour upon me as I grow. Your ways are perfect and they work! Thank you, Papa. Amen.
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BARBARA LOWNSBURY is an author, entrepreneur, and single mother of three. She serves as the Executive Director for The Dented Fender ministry. Follow Barb and The Dented Fender community on Facebook and Instagram.
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